Charles Ivan Prior, Jr., 72, of Benton, passed away at 12:02 a.m., Friday,  December 1, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.

Ivan was born on December 30, 1944, to Charles and Mary (Parkhill) Prior in West Frankfort, IL. On September 27, 1969, he married Ginger Cremeens and they made their home outside of Benton. Ivan started as a coal miner in 1971 at Inland Steel, Sesser, IL and continued working in the mining industry for 25 years. In 1987, he became a proud business owner for 31 years.

He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict from 1967 to 1969 where he was the recipient of the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and Device and Expert Badge Pistol.

Ivan attended Rescue Freewill Baptist Church in Whittington, IL. He was a HAM Radio Operator since 1964 and a member of the Franklin County Amateur Radio Association.

Ivan loved his grandkids dearly and enjoyed traveling with his wife Ginger.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 48 years, Ginger, his mother, Mary Marie Prior of Thompsonville, IL; one son, Matt (Leslie Beth) Prior of Benton, IL; one grandson, Luke Prior of Benton, IL; one granddaughter, Sedona Mae Prior of Benton, IL ; one brother, Paul Prior of Newburg, IN and one sister, Peggy (Gary) Clark of Pittsburg, IL. He is also survived by one niece and many nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Ivan Prior, Sr.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 4, 2017, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 4, 2017, 2:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Rev. Gary Clark and the Rev. Bryant Harris, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Phillips Cemetery, Ewing, IL, with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Army Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Tuesday School at Rescue Free Will Baptist Church.

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

Louis “Louie” Pechenino, 97, of Christopher passed away on Friday December 1, 2017 at 7:52 PM at the Herrin Hospital.

He was born on September 22, 1920 in Coello to Joseph and Jenny (Vallero) Pechenino. He married Paulagene (Reed) Pechenino on November 27, 1947. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Survivors include his wife Paulagene of Christopher; one son Paul (Susan) Pechenino of Trenton, IL; four grandchildren Julie, Kenneth, Angela, and Amy; three great grandchildren Andrew, Gabby, and Louie.

He was a World War II veteran serving in the Army. He was a member of the Christopher American Legion, Christopher Lion’s Club, Christopher Library Board, and was an Alderman for the City of Christopher for many years.

He was a teacher and served as principal  at the Hoffman School in Cahokia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Darla Siegrist, one son Gary Joe Pechenino, and one brother Tony Pechenino.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday December 5, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Matt Crain officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at St Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Christopher Library Board and will be accepted at the funeral home

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

Michael “Mike” T. Joplin, 72, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 11:20 p.m., on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, with his loving wife by his side, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital, Mount Vernon, IL.

He was born on December 26, 1944, to Danny and Jean (Bigham) Joplin in West Frankfort, IL.  Mike was a 1962 graduate from Benton Consolidated High School. He received his B.S. in Paralegal Studies from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  On December 30, 1976, he married the former Linda Dill.   Mike retired as an educator.

Mr. Joplin was a United States Navy Veteran (Corpsman –TAD Marine Corps) and attended New Life Church of God in Benton.

Mike enjoyed spending time with his family and being active in fitness.  He was known for his faithfulness to his Lord and Savior and his quick witted humor.

Mike is survived by his loving spouse of 40 years, Linda (Dill) Joplin; his four children, Robert “Rob” (Erica) Webb of Wentzville, GA, Michael “Mike” T. (Amber) Joplin, II., of Wendell, NC, Nickolai Joplin of Champaign, IL and Sarah (Brock) Bennett of Benton, IL; his seven grandchildren, Emma, Jake, Mitchell, Clara, Hayden, Isabella and Keagan; his two brothers, Danny (Debbie) Joplin of Christopher, IL and Mark (Enola) Joplin of New Castle, IN.

He was preceded in death by parents, Danny and Jean Joplin;  two infant sisters; and an infant grandson, Harrison Joplin.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 3, 2017, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., & Monday, December 4, 2017, 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2017, 7:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Rod Joplin, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials contributions may be made to the family.

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