Dean Kelley – Benton, IL

August 10, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Dean Kelley, 88, of Benton passed away Thursday morning, August 10, 2023 at the StoneBridge Nursing & Rehab in Benton.

Mr. Kelley was born in Benton, IL on February 17, 1935, the son of Wiley & Annie (Metcalf) Kelley.

He married Shirley Ann (Fisher) on August 19, 1955 and she preceded him in death on November 19, 2005.

Mr. Kelley was a retired Oil Field Superintendent and was very well known in Kentucky & Illinois. He liked to fish & he loved his family.

Mr. Kelley is survived by his:
Daughter: Kathy Eickelman of Benton

Granddaughter: Amandy (Mandy) Mckee & husband Ryan of Mt. Vernon

3 Great-Grandchildren: Landon, Hayden & Delaney (Sissy)
Mr. Kelley was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, Son-in-law-Tom Eickelman, 2 Brothers-Charles & William, 1 Sister-Virginia and a Niece-Barbara.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 12th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Ruth Colleen Pyron – Benton, IL

August 8, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Ruth Colleen Pyron, 82, of Benton passed away on Monday morning, August 7, 2023 singing hymns surrounded by her family at the StoneBridge Nursing & Rehab in Benton.

She was born in Franklin County, IL on March 12, 1941 the daughter of Roy & Mary Elizabeth (Runnels) Lefler.

She married Gerald D. Pyron on July 11, 1959 and he survives.

Colleen became church pianist at the age of 12. She was the pianist for New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Benton. She loved music and her Lord Jesus Christ. Gerald & Colleen had a deep & abiding love for each other, their children and grandchildren. She taught many students piano over the years. Colleen was supportive & compassionate to so many people and she was a good listener.

Colleen is survived by her:

Husband: Gerald Pyron of Benton
3 Children:
Kelly Pyron of Benton
Jamelyn Dodson & husband James of Mt. Vernon
Samuel Pyron & wife Melissa of Williston, ND

11 Grandchildren:
Joshua Dawson & wife Laura of Benton
Terrra Clements of Ewing
Benjamin Dawson & wife Mandy of Hallsville, MO
Casey Lampley of West Frankfort
Misha Boykin & husband Martin of Mt. Vernon
Sabrina Sims & husband Joshua of Spring Hill, KS
Marc Torres of Williston, ND
Andrew Dunn of Williston, ND
Chandler Pyron of Benton
Lilly Pyron of Wallace, Idaho
Shelease Pyron of Williston, ND

18 Great-Grandchildren
1 Great-Great-Grandson
1 Sister-Jodean Avery of Mt. Vernon

Mrs. Pyron was preceded in death by her Parents, Granddaughter-in-law-Tiffany Lampley, Sisters-Juanita Phillips, Delphia Kent, Irene Johnson & Brenda Bruce and Brother-Clyde Lefler.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, August 11th at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Benton with Vicar Aaron Dawson & Rev. William Hottensen officiating. Burial will be in the Phillips Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be after 10:00 A.M. on Friday at the church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Myra Celeste (Owens) Noel – Benton, IL

August 8, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Myra Celeste (Owens) Noel passed away peacefully at her home in Bourbonnais, IL, on August 5, 2023, after a long battle with illness. Born on June 26, 1948, in Benton, IL, to the late Dorothy Hampton and Omer Owens.

Myra was an accomplished scholar, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Governors State University, where she graduated with honors and was a proud member of the National Honors Society. Her academic achievements were a testament to her dedication and commitment to her chosen field.

In her professional life, Myra served as a Medical Social Worker at St James Hospital. She was passionate about helping others and used her skills and knowledge to make a significant impact on the lives of those she served. Her colleagues and patients alike admired her for her compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her work.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Myra had a love for life that was infectious. She loved listening to music and reading, always eager to learn and grow. Her love for others was evident in her everyday actions, always ready to lend a hand to those in need.

Myra is survived by her sons, Matthew and Michael Noel, her brother William Owens, and her twin brother Daniel Owens.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dorothy and Omer, and her brothers, Omer Owens Jr. and Max Owens.

Myra was a beloved grandmother to Mark, Aaron, Stephen, Matthew Jr., Justin and Kamryn Noel, Kasey Lesher, and was also blessed with many great-grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

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

Graveside service will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Middle Fork Cemetery, Ewing, IL.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Robert Doty – Thompsonville, IL

August 8, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Mr. Robert Vernon Doty, Jr., age 84, of Thompsonville, Illinois; passed away at 11:40 a.m. Friday, August 4, 2023, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Bryant Harris officiating. Burial with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post # 2671, and the U.S. Marine Corps, will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Bob was born on November 29, 1938, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Robert Vernon Doty, Sr. and Gertrude (Kraft) Doty. He married the former Patricia Ann Coleman on October 6, 1973, and they shared almost 50 years of marriage together.

Mr. Doty served his country in the United States Marine Corps.

Bob formerly worked with Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department; he later worked as a coal miner at Old Ben 21. After the coal mines closed, he started his own excavating business.

He enjoyed going to junk sales, antique shopping, gardening, tending to his long horn cattle and eating out. His wife said he was always up for trying a new restaurant.
Bob was a member of the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church of Ewing.

Surviving is his loving wife Patricia Doty of Thompsonville, Illinois; children R. Duane Doty and wife Melodie of Carterville, Illinois, Wade Allen Doty and wife Erin of Utah, Shane Doty and wife Linda of Thompsonville, Illinois, April Kohute and husband Mike of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; six grandchildren: Stevie, Keegan, Chance, Rivers, Ashley and Ethan; one great-grandchild; a brother Tod Doty and wife Brenda of Benton, Illinois; a sister Letha Curry of Christopher, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two infant daughters.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Robert, to the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church, and will be accepted at the services, or may be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Bob; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Linda J. Duncan – Benton, IL

August 3, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Linda J. Duncan, 81, of Benton, passed away at 5:05 p.m., on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Franklin Hospital ER in Benton, surrounded by
her family.

She was born on October 1, 1941, to Lebro Pent and Helen (Willis) Drannon in Benton, IL. She married William Robey on July 19, 1958, and he passed away May 15, 1997. On November 7, 2001, she married Donald “Don” Duncan, and he survives.

She was a member of Jackson Grove Baptist Church, in Benton. Linda was also a member of the local chapter of the Home Extension Club.

Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. She really enjoyed quilting, crocheting, reading and watching Jeopardy.

Linda is survived by her loving spouse, Donald “Don” Duncan, her children, Danny (Sue) Robey of Destin, FL and Brook (Shawn) Craig of Benton, IL; son-in-law, Jack Anderson; step-children, Susan (Jess) Spohn, Cindy (Kevin) Alvis; Roger (Tammy) Duncan, Pete (Miki) Klus and step-son-in-law, Vince Kelley: grandchildren, Nic (Amber) Robey, Adam Anderson, Kyle (Brittany) Robey, Andrew (Sierra) Anderson, Aaron (Anne) Anderson, Joey Craig and Gabe Craig; step-grandchildren, Tracy (Jeremy) Siedler, Corey (Chelsea) Kelley, Mallory Kelley, Ross (Rae) Worthey, Chase Worthey, Christopher Worthey, Derek (Sara) Alvis, Kaitlynn (Jon) Pulliam, Alyvia Duncan, Anderson Klus and Marli Klus: great-grandchildren, Knox Robey, Mattox Cannon, Afton Anderson, Grant Anderson, Kenton Robey, Benjamin Robey, Liliet Robey, Everly Anderson, Luckey Anderson, Sam Rausenberger, Alana Rausenberger and Averi Anderson; step-great-grandchildren, Jaci Page, Ashton Crawford, Kadence Kelley, Jane Worthey, Marigold Worthey, Jazmynn Worthey, Wade Worthey, Lillie Alvis, Gracie Colp and Keaton Pulliam; brother, Quincy (Mona) Pent and sisters, Judy (Lee) Musick and Beverly (Gary) Bullard.

She was preceded in death by father, Lebro F. Pent, mother, Helen Drannon, first husband, William E. Robey, daughter, Kim Anderson, step-daughter, Nellie Kelley, brother, Kenneth Pent and sisters, Patricia Cianferia, Yolanda Pent and Kathy Teisfeld.

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

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 7, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with , the Reverend Don Bullard and the Reverend Kevin Bullard, officiating.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Jackson Grove Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

David Matthew Baumgarte-Scheller, IL

August 2, 2023 By Leave a Comment

David Matthew Baumgarte, 48, of Scheller, passed away on Monday July 31, 2023 in Evansville, IN.

He was born on March 11, 1975 in West Frankfort, IL to Bobby Baumgarte and Ruth (Cockrum) Miner.

David was a dedicated husband and father. He loved his family and friends. He was the type of person who never met a stranger. He would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. Most people know of him as “Cowboy”, and that’s because he has spent most of his life fishing and hunting. He was a member of the Fin and Feather club for 6 years. He also loved taking his Harley out for a ride. If he wasn’t doing those things, he was working. He took pride in his work and was one of the most hardworking men we knew. He spent 7 years at Continental Tire where he was recently promoted to supervisor.

He went to college at Northern Illinois University for the hearing impaired where he met his wife Stacy. They were married for 25 years and had two daughters Samantha Baumgarte of Scheller and Julie (Ryan) Payne of Zeigler. David is also survived by his mother Ruth Miner of Sesser; father Bobby Baumgarte of West City; one sister Rebecca Baumgarte of Grand Tower, IL and three brothers Johnny Lee (Marissa) Baumgarte of Valier, Stanley Miner of Sesser and Samuel Baumgarte of Grand Tower, IL.

Memorial service for David will be on Friday August 11, 2023 at 7 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Nathan Dilliner officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 5 p.m. until the time of the service at 7 p.m.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Lives changed after ‘chance’ parking lot meeting

August 1, 2023 By Leave a Comment

I read the obituary and then I read it a second time more slowly. The name of the deceased was Eugene Thomas Moroni and as is always the case the obit told a brief chronological story about his life.

After reading the obit, paying particular attention about Moroni’s long history as senior vice president with Old Ben Coal Company, I laid the paper aside and thought about the countless times I’d heard his name mentioned. You see, as a kid growing up in a very middle-class, blue-collar family the name ‘Gene Moroni’ was revered and almost legendary around my house.

Let me explain.

As Southern Illinois residents are aware, coal mining has always been a cyclical industry, which means working as a coal miner has always been a feast-or-famine occupation.

My dad began his mining career in the late 1940s and in those ‘famine’ days tried to earn a living working two and three days a week at mines in Buckner, Coello and Valier. In 1956 Old Ben Coal Company started construction on Mine 21, located east of Sesser, and many miners believed a ‘feast’ era was about to begin.

The new multi-million dollar mine began hoisting coal in January 1960 and my dad was one of hundreds desperately trying to land a job there. I can recall many times sitting in the backseat of an old car at the Old Ben office on West Main Street where Benton City Hall was previously located, while my dad waited in the lobby to try and talk to somebody about getting a job.

After numerous failed attempts my dad came up with a plan that proves necessity truly is the mother of invention. Realizing that the Old Ben officials he was hoping to see were leaving the building at day’s end through another exit, my dad moved his job-seeking vigil to a parking lot at the rear of the building. I’ve heard him recall the story countless times.

The first person my dad encountered in the parking lot that day was Gene Moroni and he approached the vice president of Old Ben Coal and, point-blank, asked him for a job.

Moroni’s answer was probably the standard line he used on the throngs of men seeking his help.

“Do you have an application on file,” Moroni asked my dad.

My dad’s answer was one of quickest-thinking lines I’ve heard.

“Yes, I have an application on file … but I don’t need an application on file, I have a family to take care of … I need a job,” my dad told him.

As I write this, in my mind’s eye I can literally see the exchange that took place that spring day in 1960 between a successful mining executive and a man looking for a job to provide for his wife and four children.

I can let my mind wander and imagine that maybe Moroni looked my dad straight in the eye and tried to get a read on him or maybe he even considered my dad’s size – he was 42 years old and a big strapping man in those days. I’m more prone to believe that Moroni looked at my dad’s desire and his heart and realized that a man who would spend the afternoon standing in a parking lot trying to find somebody … anybody … to talk with about a job would surely make a good employee.

“Call my secretary in the morning and have her schedule you for a physical,” Moroni told him. “I’m going to give you a job.”

The significance of that meeting might not have been apparent to either man that afternoon, but it marked a turning point in my dad’s life and a turning point for his family. Mine 21 was called the ‘golden hole’ by miners and proved to be the best-ever Old Ben mine. My dad went from working two or three days a week to working six and seven days per week and everything he attained materially in life came after that meeting with Moroni.

Perhaps it was his attempt to pay Moroni back for giving him a job or maybe it was something in his make up – maybe it was a combination of both — but my dad would not miss a shift of work. He told Moroni he needed a job that day in 1960 and then for 25 years he went to work every day — regardless.

It’s my opinion that Old Ben Coal and my dad both benefited greatly because of Moroni’s decision that day.

Obituaries are adequate and purposeful when describing the highlights of a person’s life but they fail to reveal the real fabric of that person.

Today I would like to add a footnote to Gene Moroni’s obituary.

Along with the relevant facts that were listed Moroni should also be remembered as a man that helped shape and define the Southern Illinois coal industry, a good man that kept his word, a man of character and a person that undoubtedly possessed an uncanny knack for ‘sizing-up’ a man.

And most importantly it should be remembered that Moroni was admired by many working coal miners – particularly one he met by chance in a parking lot 45 years ago.

Filed Under: Featured

Cheryl Ann Herman — Benton, IL

July 28, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Cheryl Ann Herman, age 66, of Benton, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 10:58 a.m. Thursday, July 27, 2023, at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri, with her loving family by her side.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at the Whittington Church, 200 West Main Street, Whittington, Illinois 62897, with Dr. Bob Dickerson officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Whittington Church. Future burial services will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Cheryl was born on June 18, 1957, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of George Loren Carter and Geneva (Doty) Carter. On May 22, 1976, she married Thomas Scott Herman, and together they shared 47 years of marriage.

She was the owner and operator of Cheryl Herman Independent Abstract of Benton. She also worked as an abstractor for Foresight Energy, and formerly worked as a legal secretary for numerous Attorneys in the Benton area.

Faith and family were most important to Cheryl. She was a member of Marion First Baptist Church and was the director of the Joy Singers.

Cheryl was a graduate of Benton Consolidated High School Class of 1975. She would later pursue her bachelor’s degree in music at SIU-Carbondale and completed her degree in 2007.

She also enjoyed being involved with the Benton Garden Club, Pyramid Players, and the Franklin County Arts Association.

Cheryl was an accomplished musician and was an expert pianist. She also enjoyed gardening and was an excellent seamstress. Most of all she loved being with her family, children, and grandchildren.

Surviving is her loving husband Tom Herman of Benton, Illinois; three children: Chris Herman and wife Amy of Makanda, Illinois, Taryn Herman and husband Miles Burns of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Patrick Herman and wife Randa of Herrin, Illinois; six grandchildren: Clayton Sapp, Colton Sapp, Violet Burns, Harper Burns, Evie Herman, and Benjamin Herman; a brother Lanny Atteberry and wife Gloria of Sandia, Texas; a sister-in-law Kathy Reno of Ossining, New York; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents George and Geneva Carter; two grandchildren Hayden and Hayley Herman; a brother Joe Atteberry and wife Judy; a sister Lois Aaron and husband Jerry.

The family prefers Memorial contributions, in memory of Cheryl, be made to the Benton Garden Club; and will be accepted at the services on Wednesday.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Cheryl; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Eual Frederick Summers Sr. – San Antonio, TX

July 27, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Eual Frederick Summers Sr. (Fred), of San Antonio, TX, passed away at 6:15 pm on Friday, July 15th, 2023, surrounded by his loving children at his home in Elmendorf, TX.

He was born on October 12th, 1939, at Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL, the beloved son of Eual H. Summers and Zelpha L. Wells. He spent his formative years in Benton, IL, where he graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in 1957.

Fred’s life was marked by distinguished military service, as he served in the U.S. Army for twenty years (1959-1979). During his dedicated service, Fred bravely served in Vietnam and made significant contributions to the Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC) Burn Unit and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (R.A.R.E. assignment). Afterward, he imparted his knowledge and expertise by teaching in the advanced lab course at Ft. Sam Academy of Health & Science before retiring at the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7).

Following his military career, Fred served as a Medical Laboratory Supervisor at Methodist Hospital for twenty-six years until his retirement. His commitment to his profession and his caring nature made a lasting impact on those he worked with and the patients he served.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Fred’s true joy in life was found in his role as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and son. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he cherished every moment spent together. Fred’s faith as a devoted Christian was at the core of his values, guiding him to lead a life dedicated to serving others.

Fred was preceded in death by his beloved mother, father, and sister. He leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion, cherished by his eight children, listed in order of age: William (Linda) Summers, Christopher Summers, Fred Jr. (Angela) Summers, Traci (John) Rush, Joaquin Gomez, Matthew (Esther) Summers, Marc (Michelle) Summers, and Nathan Summers. Additionally, he is survived by seventeen grandchildren: Christopher (CJ) Summers Jr., Shawn Summers, Dezireh Summers, Cody Summers, Jacob Summers, David (Amanda) Rush, Sabrina Rush, Joaquin Gomez III, Liam Gomez, Byanka Summers, Isaac Anaya, Estreya Martinez, Venus Summers, Noah Summers, Caitlin Summers, Vivienne Summers, Emma Summers, and Jonathan Summers.

Fred’s impact reached far and wide, touching the lives of many. He also leaves behind a nephew Tim Pribble, many cousins, three great-grandchildren, and countless friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate Fred’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, July 29nd, 2023, at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery at 12740 Oddfellow Lane, Benton, IL 62812.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

James Edward Motsinger-Christopher, IL

July 26, 2023 By Leave a Comment

James Edward Motsinger, 72, of Christopher, passed away on Tuesday July 25, 2023 at DuQuoin Rehab and Nursing.

He was born on June 24, 1951 in DuQuoin, IL to Virgil and Flossie (Key) Motsinger. He married Julie (Jordan) Motsinger and she survives of Christopher. He is also survived by his son Robert (Brooke) Motsinger of Idaho; grandchildren Griffin Motsinger, Garrett (Alexis) Motsinger and Graham Motsinger and one great granddaughter Journey Motsinger all of Idaho; one sister Myra McWhirter and two brothers Rick (Mary) Motsinger and Michael Motsinger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Linda Brown and five brothers, his twin Robert, Ronnie, Carl, Larry and Timmy.

James was a truck driver and a Vietnam Veteran, serving in the United States Navy.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services at this time.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized
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