Phyllis Jean Sager – Marion, IL
Marilyn Jane Brookins – Whittington, IL
Marilyn Jane Brookins, 77, of Whittington passed away Friday morning May 18, 2018 at Herrin Hospital.
She was born in Benton, IL on October 12, 1940, the daughter of Vernon and Mary (Williams) Rose.
She married Elmer M. Brookins on November 30, 1958 and he survives.
Mrs. Brookins was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church, her passion was assisting others trough Immanuel Helping Hands Ministry. She was co-owner Brookins Donut Shop in Charleston, IL. She was also the manager of Burton’s Cafe for 10 years.
She is survived by her husband, Elmer Brookins, of Whittington; two sons, Dale Brookins and wife Penny, of Whittington and Ron Brookins and wife Susan, of Marietta, GA; five grandchildren, Mallory Gibbs and husband Alex and their children Cali and Keaton, Chelsea Brookins, Whitney Brookins, Tyler Brookins and Chandler Brookins; one brother, Dale Rose and wife Judy, of Sesser, IL.
Mrs. Brookins was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, May 21 at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. Burial will be in the Williams Chapel Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. Monday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mrs. Brookins memory may be made to The Helping Hands Ministry at Immanuel Baptist Church.
For more information or to leave online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
Roger Rentfro – Mulkeytown, IL
Roger Rentfro, 64, of Mulkeytown passed away on Tuesday May 15, 2018.
He was born on November 14, 1953 in Peoria to Robert and Anna (Nieukirk) Rentfro.
Survivors include his special friend Kim Roberts; children Rachel Rentfro of Bartonville, IL and Melissa (Jade) Miller of Dixon, MO; step-children Ryan Pfordresher of Collinsville, IL, Tory (Drew) Hulse of Minneapolis, MN, and Jennifer (James) Roberts of Medford, MA; grandchildren ShayLyn, Arianna, Jeremy, Caleb, Joshua, Abigail, and Rowe; two great grandchildren Koby and Waylon; brothers and sisters Roberta (Frank) Wiese of Washington, IL, Daniel (Susan) Rentfro of East Peoria, IL, Donna Fargher of Washington, IL, Patrick (Tracy) Rentfro of Aledo, IL, Patricia (Gary) Hooker of Murfreesboro, TN, and David (Lyn) Rentfro of Royalton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Jillanna Rentfro, and one great granddaughter Serenity.
Roger’s wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
John R. “Bob” Williams — Valier, IL
John R. “Bob” Williams, 84, of Valier, IL, passed away on May 10, 2018.
He was born on March 21, 1934 in Macedonia, IL. He was a loving Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. He was friendly and good natured. He always had a smile for everyone he met. He was funny and would do anything for anyone just to see them smile. He loved talking with people, he could talk for hours. He had so many great stories. He served the United States army in Germany for 21 months as a medic. He loved fishing, hunting, animals especially horses and dogs, camping, telling stories and spending time with his friends and family. He had numerous jobs in his life but the one he liked best was his Heating and Air Conditioning Business. He was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Irene Williams, brother Eddie Williams and sister Sharon (Ron) Mabry. He is survived by his two children, Kevin Williams and Deb (Williams) Gabriel. Four grand-daughters, Christine (Lamone) Whitfield, Kaylee (Derek) Hillinger, Jordanna Marsh and Karissa Marsh. Two great-grandchildren Max Whitfield and Arya Scott. Several siblings: Charles (Janis) Williams, Carl (DeeAnn) Williams, Karen (Jim) Sanson, Brenda (Jim) Hewlett, Norma Bollinger, Linda (Ken) Aldridge and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. Funeral services will be at Valier First Baptist Church on Friday May 18 at 4:00 PM with visitation from 2:00 PM until the time of the service. There will be a luncheon at the church immediately following the ceremony. Memorial fund is being set up with National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV).
Francis “Eick” Eickelman – Valier, IL
Francis “Eick” Eickelman, 84, of Valier passed away on May 11, 2018.
He was born on September 12, 1933 and spent his childhood in Coello, IL, the youngest son of Grover and Beulah Eickelman, now deceased. He was also preceded in death by one son Tom Eickelman, who died a tragic and devastating death, two brothers Maynard and Orville Eickelman, one sister June Emerson, one sister-in-law Ruby Eickelman and one brother-in-law Harold Emerson, and a very special friend Angelo Sarlone.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years JoAnn (Burtoff) Eickelman of Valier; one son Tim (Kindra) Eickelman of Benton; daughter-in-law Kathy Eickelman of Benton; two granddaughters Mandy (Ryan) McKee and Jordan Eickelman; one grandson Josh Eickelman; three great grandchildren Landon McKee, Hayden McKee and Delaney McKee and many family members and close friends and neighbors.
He was an Army Veteran and a member of the Valier Methodist Church. He loved his family very much. He took great pride in his garden and giving the produce away.
Funeral services will be on Monday May 14, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Zach Waldis and Rev. Marvin Boswell officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Valier Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Obituary – Patty Sue (Winemiller) Hastings – Creve Coeur, MO
Patty Sue (Winemiller) Hastings, 79, of Creve Coeur, MO and a former Cape Girardeau resident passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2018 in Creve Coeur, MO.
She was born in Whittington, IL on May 25, 1938, the daughter of Richard & Louise (Clinton) Winemiller.
Patty married Warren Steven Hastings on August 29, 1959 and he preceded her in death on August 21, 1996.
She went to SIU-Carbondale, was awarded a scholarship and received her Bachelors Degree and became an Elementary Teacher in Cario. While in College she was a member of Delta Zeta, and in Cape Girardeau of Beta Sigma Phi. After marrying Steve they moved to Cape Girardeau and did alot of travelling. When Steve passed away Patty moved to St. Louis and became a doting grandmother.
Mrs. Hastings is survived by her daughter, Jamie Hastngs-Omahen and husband Michael of Creve Coeur, MO; sister Phyllis Whittington and husband Marvin of Whittington, IL; nephews Robert Whittington and wife Anita and Robert Whittington and wife Melissa and one niece, Christy Deputy.
Mrs. Hastings was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. There will be no visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.
For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
Junita “Pat” Beasley – West Frankfort, IL
Junita “Pat” Beasley, 90, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away Wednesday May 9, 2018 in her residence at 11:56 a.m.
Pat was born May 24, 1927 in Marion, Illinois to Sherman and Minnie (Holmes) Thompson. She is a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church – West Frankfort, Illinois. Pat enjoyed quilting, sewing, and crocheting.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Beasley; parents; brothers: Mel and Bob Thompson; sister, Esther Milligan.
Pat is survived by son: Gary (Cathy) Beasley and Stan (Sherry) Beasley; daughter, DeeAnn (Joe) Arview; grandchildren: Alana (Dwayne) Nation, Nikki (Rob) Stecher, Becky (Josh) Bailie, Kristen (Eddie) Crain, Rick (Keina) Beasley, Patrick (Lisa) Arview, Jay (Uvanna) Arview, and Shannon (Sarah) Arview; step grandchildren, Melissa (Rick) Boughton and Shawn (Amy) Southard; great grandchildren: Ciara Duke and fiancé Jarred King, Lucas Bailie, Kaelyne Beasley, Coleman Bailie, Hadley Stecher, Emma Stecher, Alex Stecher, Joseph Arview, and Noah Beasley; step greatgrandchildren: Kyle Nation, Emily Andres, Cole Andres, Cole Williams, Seth Nation, Danny Nation, Megan Joedicke, Logan Southard, and Jace Southard; special friend, Connie Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00p.m. Friday May 11, 2018 at Union Funeral Home – West Frankfort, Illinois with Joe Arview officiating. Burial will be in Denning Cemetery on the Orient Road. Visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.
Online condolences of sympathy, visit www.unionfh.com.
Donald C. Griffith – West Frankfort, IL
Donald C. Griffith, 85, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away Monday May 7, 2018 in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale at 2:37p.m.
Donald was born November 29, 1932 in West Frankfort, Illinois to Herbert and Nellie (Cox) Griffith. He loved his family, gardening, and walking. He was an avid Cardinals fan. Donald was in the U.S. Army during the Korean era.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria “Vonnie” Griffith; parents; brothers: Norman, Bob, and Joe Griffith; sisters: Marge Riggle and Gladys Ellis.
Donald is survived by sons: Kevin (Helen) Griffith, Kurt (Debbie) Griffith, and Keith (Kellie) Griffith; daughter, Kimbra (Steve) Newton; brothers: Danny, Kenny, Eddie (Darlene) Griffith; sisters: Corrine (Victor) Cluck and Jane Hartline; grandchildren: Josh (Alisha) Newton, Jeremy (Lara) Newton, Alycia (Jason) Stephenson, Chais Griffith, Nick (Morgan) Griffith, Morgan Griffith, and Paxton Griffith; great grandchildren: Kole Newton, Bella, Sofia, and Desi Stephenson; special nephew, Wayne Clover; several nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 1:00p.m. Thursday May 10, 2018 in Union Funeral Home – West Frankfort, Illinois with Pastor Guy Webster officiating. Visitation will be held 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m. prior to the service. Military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 1961, VFW Post 5764, and Zeigler Post 177.
Memorials may be made to the FCHS Athletic Department and will be accepted at the funeral home.
The family would like everyone that attends the service to please wear their Cardinal shirts in honor of Donald.
Saluki Men’s Basketball to make foreign trip to Cuba in August
The tour was booked through Sports Tours International, which has guided Coastal Carolina and Louisiana on previous summer trips to Cuba. The team will be accompanied by three interpreters, including Sports Tours president Lee Frederick, and visit the cities of Havana and Varadero.
The games will be played in the 12,000-seat Havana Sports City Coliseum versus teams consisting of older players who are currently members of the National Team, and younger players who are trying out for the team. SIU’s coaches and players will also conduct two teaching clinics for Cuban youth players.
“This trip provides student-athletes with an extremely rich experience,” said Frederick. “In addition to the basketball games, players will take a walking tour of historic Old Havana and make several excursions, such as visiting the U.S. Embassy, a craft market and cigar store, and taking a salsa lesson from professional Cuban dancers.”
The Salukis could return up to seven seniors and all five starters from last year’s team that finished 20-11. Southern lost Tyler Smithpeters and Jonathan Wiley to graduation, but expect a boost from senior center Thik Bol, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, plus three incoming freshmen — Darius Beane, Sam Shafer and Amadou Fall.
Once every four years, college basketball programs are allowed to embark on a foreign trip and given 10 extra practices in the summer to prepare. The last time Southern took a foreign tour was in August of 2008, when the team traveled to Windsor, Canada.
“This is a great opportunity for us to get better on and off the court as a unit and lay the foundation for the upcoming season,” said SIU head coach Barry Hinson. “We are especially grateful to Roger and Sally Tedrick for their financial support that will make this trip possible.”





