Theron E. “Eddie” Arnold, age 69, of Benton, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2017 at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2017 at the Whittington Church with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, East of Marion, IL. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the Whittington Church.

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Eddie was born on July 27, 1947 in Van Nuys, CA, the son of Theron Eugene Arnold and Helen (Culbertson) Arnold. He married the former Bobbi Marie Little on July 20, 1964 and she survives.

Mr. Arnold was a service manager/pest control technician having worked with Terminix and Tabor Pest Control both of Benton.

He was a member of the Whittington Church. He enjoyed fishing and doing yard work.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Bobbi Marie Arnold of Benton; a daughter Neva Zinzilieta and husband Scott of Benton; a son Robert Edward Arnold and wife Marissa of U.S. Military based in South Korea; four grandchildren: David Zinzilieta, Bethany Zinzilieta, Marie Arnold and Marjorie Arnold; a great-granddaughter Gracie Hakes; three brothers: Larry Arnold and wife Lois of Evansville, IN, Martin Arnold and wife Carol of Sumner, IL, Timothy Arnold and wife Marlene of KY; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Arnold was preceded in death by his parents.

George J. Higgins, 93, of Benton, passed away on  June 2, 2017, at the Anchor of River to River Community of Marion.

He was born on September 3, 1923, to George and Marie (McCurdy) Higgins in Elkville, IL. George retired as a Mine Superintendent for Freeman Coal Company. On May 24, 1945, he married the former Marie Endres and she proceeded him in death.  George served in the Navy during WWII on the Battleship New Jersey.

George was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, IL, the Benton Elks, Bocce Ball Club, and the Benton American Legion.  He was a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather.  After his retirement he enjoyed gardening, golfing and fishing.

George is survived by his children, Dennis (Pam) Higgins of Highland, IL,  Lyn Higgins of Benton, IL, Patrick (Robin) Higgins of Columbus, OH, Ted (Celeste) Higgins of Benton, IL, and Gina (Greg) Gajewski of O’Fallon, MO; seven grandchildren, Heather (Richard) Rabinowitz of Palm Harbor, FL, Ann (Perry) Osborn of Des Moines, IA, Hayley (Jeff) Knick of Columbus, OH, Kelsey Higgins of Columbus, OH, Kayla Gajewski of O’Fallon, MO, Ryan (Roxanne) Gajewski of Denver, CO, and Nathanael Higgins of Benton, IL; six great-grandchildren, Olivia Rabinowitz of Palm Harbor, FL, Karleigh Osborn of Des Moines, IA, Briella Osborn of Des Moines, IA, Steffen  Osborn of Des Moines, IA, Cainan Osborn of IA, and Miles Knick of Columbus, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his loving wife, Marie Higgins.

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

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 7, 2017, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, 10:30 a.m., at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, IL, with Fr. Urban, officiating.
Burial will follow services at Elkville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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