Walter “Duke” Dudzinski, age 86, of Buckner, passed away at 9:05 p.m., Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab Center of Benton.

His wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Walter was born on April 11, 1936, in Hartford, Connecticut; the son of Walter Dudzinski and Mary (Krulikowski) Dudzinski.
Walt served in the U.S. Army at the end of the Korean War, serving in Germany. He would also serve in the National Guard.
While living in Florida, “Duke” worked as a security guard.

He loved the Lord; enjoyed singing and playing the organ and piano. The family said he loved to mimic Elvis. He was a huge John Wayne fan, and that is how he got his nickname. He also enjoyed playing scratch off lottery tickets.

Surviving is a sister-in-law Wanda Dudzinski of Buckner; four nephews: David Dudzinski of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Eli Wirtes of Southington, Connecticut, Jacob Wirtes of Creal Springs, Illinois, George Dudzinski, Jr. of Valier, Illinois; and his cat “Precious”.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers: Joseph Dudzinski and George Dudzinski, Sr.
Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Franklin County Animal Control, P.O. Box 210, Christopher, Illinois 62822.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Marvin, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Billy Ray Motsinger, 89, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Friday January 27, 2023 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on February 26, 1933 in Mulkeytown to George and Bertha (Rude) Motsinger. He married Stella (Yaridich) Motsinger on June 8, 1955 and she preceded him in death on August 10, 2004.

He is survived by his children George Motsinger Sr. of Mulkeytown and Susan Motsinger of Mulkeytown; three grandchildren Holly Motsinger, George Motsinger Jr. and April Motsinger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter-in-law Cathy Motsinger, four sisters Dorothy Motsinger, Alice Bacon, Ruby Dangreau and Aslee McGuire and six brothers Louie Motsinger, Virgil Motsinger, Edward Motsinger, Johnny Motsinger, Charles Motsinger and Clyde Motsinger.

He was an Electrician and was very proud to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Funeral services will be on Saturday February 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Matt Griswold officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

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

Larry Browning Odom, 79, of Benton passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Benton Rehab & HealthCare Center.

Larry was born in Franklin County, IL on March 7, 1943 the son of Raymond & Genevieve (Browning) Odom.

Mr. Odom married Nancy (Johnson) on February 8, 1963.

Larry graduated Benton High School in 1960. He was a hard worker, working for Illinois Central Railroad, then Freeman Coal Company and he farmed all of his life until he retired. After retirement he enjoyed buying cars, fixing them up and reselling them.

Mr. Odom is survived by his:
Wife: Nancy Odom of Benton
Son: Alan Odom & wife Lisa of Benton
Grandson: Aaron Odom of Benton
2 Granddaughters:
Kristen Odom of Benton
Ashley Odom of Benton
His dog: Kramer

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister-Marilyn Keller and her husband-George.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Monday, January 30th at 11:00 A.M. at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to The Franklin County Animal Shelter or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.

Brenda Kay Armstrong, of Benton, IL, departed this earthly world January 25, 2023 to take her place and her forever home next door to Jesus.

Brenda was born November 2, 1950 to the late William (Bevis) Reed and Mathel (Gordon) Reed DeLaval. She married William J. Armstrong on Aug. 23, 1969 and to that union was born their son, William (Billy) Armstrong Jr.

Brenda had eight siblings and spent most of her life sharing the goodness of God with each one of them. She was always the happiest when she got to share the love of her Jesus with anyone and everyone. Although her health declined in which she couldn’t attend her church any longer, she still sang out her praises and served God. She loved her church family and friends.

Brenda leaves behind her husband William J. Armstrong (Benton), her son William (Billy) Armstrong Jr. (St. Charles, Illinois), sisters: Beverly (Carl) Smith, Janet Buckmaster, Trudi (Steve) House all of Benton; Cherylle Reed (Fla.), Ida (Roger) Murry (Sesser): brothers, Gary “Buzz” (Marilyn) Reed, James “Dee-di” Reed (Ashley) of Benton, a sister-in-law Michelle Reed of Buckner, several nieces and nephews, and all of her brothers and sisters in Christ.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents Bevis Reed and Mathel DeLaval, her mother and father-in- law William Jasper and Laura Mae Armstrong, step father Leon DeLaval, brother Ralph Reed, and nephew Howard Wilson.

Although our hearts are broken, we all take comfort in knowing that Brenda will always be remembered with the fondest of memories by everyone that knew her and that she passed knowing how much she is loved, but mostly we know that Brenda is whole again and living forever next door to Jesus.

Funeral sevices for Brenda will be held Monday January 30th at 1 p.m. and visitation will be at 11:00 a.m. until time of the funeral at the West City Church of God, 1231 Route 14 West, in Benton, IL. with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Morton and Johnson Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com