Shawn M. Trout, 49, of West Frankfort, passed away on August 7, 2025.

He was born in Modesto, CA on March 25, 1976, to Sheila Shelton. Shawn worked as a Laborer in the construction field.

Shawn proudly served his country in the United States Army. Beyond his service, he was a loving son, brother, nephew, uncle and cousin, whose presence brought warmth and laughter to all who knew him.

Shawn is survived by and is the beloved son and brother of Sheila Shelton and Ryan Trout.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Per Shawn’s wishes cremation will take place .

Shawn’s memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones. 3/25/1976 – 8/7/2025

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Liam Scott Tate, age 3 weeks old, of Benton, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

Liam was born July 24, 2025, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, to Taylor Nichole Tate and Brad William Greeney, both of Benton, Illinois.

Liam is also survived by his siblings: Alannah Tate, Remington Greeney, Meelah Greeney, and Daylynn Greeney. He also is survived by his loving grandparents: Scott Tate, Lola Swan, Jim and Karen Greeney all of Benton, Illinois; great-grandmother Patricia Tate of Benton, Illinois; loving aunts and uncles: Gina Tate, Shannon Tate, Jeremy Tate, Benji Tate, Michael Tate, Matthew Hayes, and Christi Volkman; a great-aunt Alice Schablowsky and husband Rick of Mulkeytown, Illinois; and several cousins.
Private graveside services will be held in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Rev. Rick McClintock officiating.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.

To leave online condolences to the family, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
“Jesus Loves the Little Children”
Please pray for this family in your daily prayers.

Terry K. Cockrum, age 83, of Benton and formerly of Sesser; passed away Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Illinois.

Terry was born Mar. 22, 1942, to Kenneth W. Cockrum and Emma Louise “Jackie” Van Hoorebeke.

Terry graduated from Sesser High School in the Class of 1960. For over 25 years, he worked as an auditor for the State of Illinois. He also owned and managed the Sesser Grain Company with his father. From 1987-2007, Terry and his wife Penry owned and operated Poulson Funeral Home in Benton.

Terry and his wife Alyce “Coleman” Cockrum shared a deep connection, characterized by laughter, conversation, and shared adventures. For eight years, they were constant companions, cherishing late-night chats and exploring the town of Sesser, Illinois, in their side-by-side vehicle.

Terry had a passion for capturing the beauty of Southern Illinois through his lens. He enjoyed taking candid photographs of animals, architecture, and people. He would say that the only thing he shoots these days are pictures. His generous spirit always made those around him feel welcome and at ease. He appreciated a good meal and the opportunity to share it with family and friends.
Terry was survived by his children, Chris (Lee) Cockrum, Baltimore, Maryland, Craig (Chrissy Boyd) Cockrum, Sesser, and Vickie Cockrum, St. Charles, Missouri, Steffaney (Tom Welty) Seagle, John (Traci) Brennan, Orfordville, Wisconsin and his foster brother Jerry (Sylvia) Herman, Madison, Tennessee

Those who knew Terry fondly remember him as a gifted storyteller, particularly when it came to his youthful exploits. His narratives often portrayed him as a bit of a rebel, indulging in “wild times”. He possessed a quick wit and a love for surprising people with his jokes.

He loved his grandchildren, who referred to him as Papa Terry. Samantha Cockrum, O’Fallon, Missouri, Lance (Kaydee) Cockrum, Benton, Haley Cockrum, Germany, Graham Brennan, Jamesville, Wisconsin, Hannah (Austin Baker) Brennan, Middleburg, Florida. His great grandchildren Briggsten Cockrum, Benton and Kennedy Cockrum, Benton.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents Kenny and Jackie Cockrum, his first wife of 19 years Mary “Williams” Cockrum, and his second wife of 30 years Penry “Poulson” Cockrum.
There will be a Celebration of Life open house from 11:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 at Brewed on Broadway “Gualdoni Building”, 102 West Franklin Avenue, Sesser, Illinois 62884. All are encouraged to attend this informal gathering to remember and celebrate Terry and his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Horse Prairie Cemetery or Friends of Franklin County Animal Control. Donations will be accepted during the Celebration of Life or at Leffler Funeral Home, 401 E Main St. Benton, IL 62812.

Leffler Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Terry, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Fire Chief Michael T. Rasnic, who courageously served in the Sesser Fire Department for 45 years. Chief Rasnic went to meet his Heavenly Father August 14, 2025, at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and unwavering dedication to his family, friends and community.

Chief Rasnic was born on January 21, 1963 in Melrose Park, IL. He graduated from Sesser-Valier High School in 1981 and began work at Anheuser Busch, later moving forward to Continental Tire. In 1981, he joined the fire department and through much hard work and sacrifice, rose through the ranks to become Assistant Fire Chief in 2007 and appointed Chief in 2016 by former SFPD Fire Chief and Uncle Cletus E. McBride. Chief Rasnic took pride in serving and protecting the Sesser community by obtaining numeros certifications throughout his career. His career protecting and caring for others is a model of community service and humility.

Beyond the firehouse, Chief Rasnic was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. His love for large and complex family was every bit as consistent as his dedication to duty. He married the love of his life and best friend Kimberly Faye Rasnic in Laurens, SC in 1987, and they raised two children.

Chief Rasnic is survived by his wife Kimberly Faye Rasnic, his daughter Kacey Faye Pitchford, son Robert Michael Rasnic, son-n-law William Cody Pitchford, granddaughter Tatyum Faye Pitchford, mother Judith E. Scott, mother-n-law Deloria Faye Simmons, one brother Raymond L. Scott and numerous nieces and nephews. Chief Rasnic was preceded in death by: Twin Pitchford grandchildren, Grandmother Grace Mae Lemons, Grandfather Robert F. Lemons, Father-n-Law Robert E. Simmons, Uncle Cletus E. McBride, and Great-Uncle Stewart L. Lemons.

To know Chief Michael T. Rasnic, was to know a heart of gold that stopped beating. Hard working hands now lay at rest. This has been one of life’s challenges, but they do say God only takes the best.

Chief Michael T. Rasnic will be raised in honor Saturday August 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Sesser, IL. Family will gather around Chief Rasnic from 9am-10am, visitation to the public from 10am-12:45pm, Brothers and sisters of duty will honor Chief Rasnic at 12:45pm. Funeral, Last Call, graveside services and dinner to follow.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Wilma Roberts, 74, of Coello, passed away on Tuesday August 12, 2025 at her home.

She was born on March 11, 1951 in Mulkeytown to William “Bill” and Flora Bell (Shadowens) Chapman.

She is survived by her children Johnny (Dianna) Baxter of McLeansboro and Wanda Baxter of Zeigler; 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and adopted sons Roy Rubenstein, Samuel Rubenstein and Kristopher Rubenstein and many more that called her mom; siblings Charles “Lanny” Chapman, Kenny Chapman and Patricia Overton and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gerald “Harry” Alexander, daughter and son-in-law Michelle and David Grasser and one infant brother William Randall Chapman.

Funeral Service will be on Tuesday August 19, 2025 at 5:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home with Brother Tommy Lloyd officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 3:00 PM until the time of the service at 5:00 PM at the funeral home.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Rodney Lawrence Reiff, 68, of Christopher, passed away on Monday August 11, 2025 at Nature Trail Health Care Center in Mt Vernon.

He was born on June 6, 1957 in East St. Louis, IL to Lawrence Frederick and Martha Evelyn (Laird) Reiff.

He is survived by his brothers Lawrence “Stevie” (Cindy) Reiff of Covington, LA, David (Marsha) Reiff of Belleville and Christopher (Terri Gunter) Reiff of Marine, IL and six nieces and nephews Crystal (John) Klaus, Brooke (Aaron) Vaughn, Blakely Reiff, Janie Estrada, Steve Reiff Jr., and Charles Reiff.

Rodney loved to go camping, hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services for Rodney will be on Monday August 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Phillip Eugene Sullivan, age 86, of Benton, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior, from his home on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

He was born on April 22, 1939, in Harrisburg, Illinois; the son of Alvia and Ruby (Goings) Sullivan. He married the former Jeraldean “Jean” McClintock on December 15, 1957, and shared 64years of marriage until her passing on May 11, 2022.

Phillip attended the Ten Mile Baptist Church of McLeansboro, Illinois. Phillip worked a variety of jobs during his lifetime including being a janitor and school bus driver, Benton Auxiliary Police officer, owning his own construction business, and formerly worked at Wurlitzer Pianos of DeKalb, Illinois.
He enjoyed bowling, playing ping pong, painting, and riding his Harley.

Together he and Jean have five children who survive. Two daughters: Marsha Vaughn and husband Bruce of Thompsonville, Illinois, Tonya Dawson of Benton, Illinois; three sons: Matthew Sullivan and wife Stephanie of Wingo, Kentucky, Tim Sullivan and wife Joleen of Benton, Illinois, Jim Sullivan and wife Susan of Benton, Illinois. He is also survived by seventeen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren with one on the way, a sister Virginia Dorris of Benton, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews. He also had a special place in his heart for his four-legged friend Mila.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and five siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, with Rev. Jacob Gray officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Phillip, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Lisa Michelle Curry, 63, of Sesser, passed away on Monday August 4, 2025 at St Louis University Hospital in St Louis, MO.

She was born on March 29, 1962 in Christopher, IL to Jerry and Sharon (Scott) Curry.

She is survived by her sisters Regina Hammond of Creal Springs, IL and Sherry (Larry) Kimmel of Creal Springs, IL and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews and her best friend Ann Dixon of Sesser.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Ronnie Curry.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday August 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 2:00 PM until the tie of the service at 4:00 PM at the funeral home.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Lorraine Marie Cutler, 90, of Christopher, passed away on Monday August 4, 2025 at Sunshine Gardens in Marion, IL.

She was born on December 10, 1934 in Benton, IL to Denver and Mattie (Thomas) Webb. She married Wendell Cutler and he preceded her in death on May 14, 2003.

She is survived by her children Stephen (Connie) Cutler of Mulkeytown and Pamela (Tracy) Cummins of El Cajon, CA; grandchildren April (Jon) Sturgeon, Jennifer Daugherty, Sarah (Klint) Dingley and Rachel (Grant) McDonald; great grandchildren Jacob (Leslie) Stuehlmeyer, Lauren Sturgeon, Owen Sturgeon, Ryann McDonald and Raegan McDonald; great great grandchildren Mia, Cooper and Casper.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

She worked at the Franklin County Clerk’s Office and the Election office in Benton. She was also a member of the Christopher 1st Baptist Church.

Funeral Services will be on Tuesday August 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral Home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

David Lee Eubanks, Sr., age 63, of Benton, passed away at his home.

David was born on October 20, 1961, in Shreveport, Louisiana; the son of William Albert Eubanks and Frieda W. (Pullum) Eubanks. He married the former Debra Gilland on April 5, 2010; and she preceded him in death on January 13, 2025.

He was employed in the IT department for 32 years with Harrah’s Casino in Metropolis, Illinois. His co-workers called him “Zeus”. His family said he loved his job and made sure he worked weekends and holidays, so others did not have to. Many of his co-workers, he considered as being like family.

He was an avid Raiders football fan. He enjoyed motorcycles, old cars and watching Westerns.

David is survived by his three children: Michelle Odam and husband Dan of Johnston City, IL, David Lee Eubanks, Jr. and wife Brittany of Mulkeytown, IL, William Eubanks and wife Kim of Bellevue, NE; step-children Tiana Williams and husband Tayton of Kauai, Hawaii, Brant Hale and significant other Chelsea of Paducah, Kentucky, Kelly Hale and significant other Shawn of Murray, Kentucky; grandchildren including: Taelyn Hale-Ajimine, Kili Williams, Mehana Williams, Kailea Mason, Keira Hale, Tehya Haumea-Oliver, Liam Eubanks, Delilah Eubanks, Makayla Odam, Ethan Odam, Katie Van Poucke, Rhianna Moss and Danta Moss; a sister Vicky Eubanks of Benton, IL; a brother Mike Eubanks and wife Shawna of Buckner, IL; sisters-in-law: Bernadine Sarano and husband Eric of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Glenda Pinheiro of Henderson, Nevada, Lisa Jo Dossett and husband Brad of Marion, Kentucky; several nieces and nephews; and his Harrah’s Casino family.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a brother Bud Eubanks.

His wishes are to be cremated, with a private family Celebration of Life, to be held at a future date.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
Memorial contributions in memory of David may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org)
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of David, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.