Daniel Ellis Glidewell, born May 11, 1977, to William Roy Glidewell and Edith Lynn Teffertiller, passed from this earthly life into his Heavenly home on September 4, 2026 where he is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Daniel grew up surrounded by his loving family and siblings: William Roy Glidewell Jr., Kathy Henson (Tom), Charlie Glidewell, Victoria Griffith (Kurt), and Joseph Vernon Glidewell. He was preceded in death by his father, William Roy Glidewell, and his brother, Charlie Glidewell.

Daniel shared a special bond with his much older cousin, Julie Green. Though they were cousins, Daniel always considered Julie more like a sister and never missed an opportunity to tease her about being older than him—even though the age difference was only a few months.

Daniel married his high school sweetheart, Heather Jean Piper Glidewell. They began dating in February 17, 1995 and were married on February 16, 2002. Together, they built a beautiful family and were blessed with three children, whom Daniel loved deeply and was incredibly proud of: Carrie Mae Glidewell; Owen Roy Glidewell (Jaycie Martin); and Marissa Lynn Glidewell. Daniel was also a proud and loving grandfather to his precious granddaughter, Mavie Ray Glidewell. He was extremely excited to meet his newest granddaughter Noa Jean Glidewell, who is due to be born October 21st.

He cherished his nieces and nephews, including Christina Henson, Tommy Henson, Stephanie Fledscher, Brittany Freeman, Joseph Charlie Glidewell. To his great-nieces and great-nephew, he was affectionately known as “Uncle Punk,” a name that reflected the fun, laughter, and love he brought into their lives.

Daniel proudly served his country in the United States Army and National Guard, completing two overseas tours in Iraq and Kuwait. He dedicated 24 years of his working life to Brinks Security. He also enjoyed volunteering his time with the Boy Scouts and giving back to his community.

Daniel found joy in the simple things in life. He loved being outdoors, camping, reading, woodworking, collecting toys including G.I. Joes and He-Man, building LEGOs, watching football, making and fixing things with his hands, going to church, spending time with friends and family and cuddling with his cat Frank. Above all, he loved making people laugh. His joking spirit, warm personality, love of talking and ability to bring laughter into a room will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Daniel was a believer in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith was an important part of who he was, and he placed his hope in the promise of eternal life through Christ. He has now gone home to be with his Savior, and it is his prayer that all those he loved will accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, so that one day they may all rejoice together in Heaven.

Daniel leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, service, faith, and family. Though his earthly presence will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of his wife, children, granddaughter, family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday September 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Kirk Packer officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday September 8, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Smith Cemetery in Buckner, IL.

Until we meet again in Heaven, Daniel.

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

Eddyth Wanda (Bullington) Mandrell, 95, of Benton entered her heavenly home at 7:30 pm Monday August 31st, 2026, at Herrin hospital surrounded by family. She was born December 22, 1930, in Rend City, the daughter of George Robert and Sarah Wanda (Jones) Bullington. Eddyth was the third oldest of 9 siblings.

She married Gene Mandrell on July 2, 1949 (maybe) in Benton, IL. They were married for 63 years. Both were long-time members of the West City Church of Christ. They had their first child, a son, Bradley Gene in 1950 and then their second child, a daughter, Pamela Sue, in 1952.

Eddyth was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Fan. She enjoyed fishing especially at Jones Lake, cooking (which she was excellent at), crocheting, quilting, doing puzzles, and playing Gin Rummy, Phase 10, and Domino’s with her family & friends. She was very competitive and loved winning. She always said, “Why play if you are not going to win.” Eddyth loved her time living in Florida and spending time with her brother Alan down there.

Mrs. Mandrell is survived by her daughter in-law Becky Mandrell of Benton, IL, five grandchildren; Angela Jones (Ira Donald) of Arab, AL, Jeff Mandrell of Benton, IL, Lee Mandrell (Kristy) of Florissant, MO, Bridgett Young of McLeansboro, IL, and Lana Ventura (Bobby) of Herrin, IL. Seventeen great grandchildren; Brittney Jones (Mark Hornbaker) of Arab, AL, Haley Moore (Jonathon) of Union Grove, AL, Abi Mandrell, Noah Mandrell, Charley Mandrell of Florissant, MO, Alex Ventura (Matt Powell) of Carterville, IL, Logan Ventura, Ty Ventura of Herrin, IL, Kameron Russell (Kaitlynn) of McLeansboro, IL, Destiny Russell of McLeansboro, IL, Mae Lee Perry of Carbondale, IL, Nick McClerren of McLeansboro, IL, Morgan McClerren, Racheal McClerren, Gabby McClerren of West Frankfort, IL, Patrick McClerren of Peoria, IL, and Cassie McClerren of Benton, IL. Plus 13 great grandchildren, brothers Robert Bullington of Valier, IL, Alan Bullington of Rend City, IL a sister Linda Montgomery (Don) of Coello, IL, and a sister in-law Beverly Mandrell of Benton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gene, son Brad, daughter Pam, sisters Jennieve, Betty, Marcella, Susan, brother Kenneth, and a granddaughter Kelly Jo.
Services will be held on Saturday Sept 12, 2026, at Morton and Johnston funeral home. Visitation will be 10am-12pm with celebration of life to follow. Graveside services will be at Masonic and Odd Fellows cemetery following celebration of life.

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

Rae Jean Reed, 92, of Benton passed away Wednesday September 2, 2026 at Stone Bridge Nursing & Rehab in Benton.

She was born in Franklin County, IL on November 18, 1933 the daughter of Herman L. & Elsie (Whitecotton) Day.

She married Harold Gene Reed on February 21, 1953, and he preceded her in death on February 8, 2003.

Mrs. Reed was a loving Christian mother, grandmother, great-granmother & great-great-grandmother. She taught Sunday School and loved Bible School and was always eager to be early. She was very family oriented. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.

Mrs. Reed is survived by her:

3 Children:
Debbie Backes & husband Greg of Mt. Vernon
Terri Stewart & husband Alan of Benton
Mike Reed & wife Becky of Benton

8 Grandchildren: Matthew J. Backes, Reed Backes, Bobby Backes & wife Jenny, Amy Hill & husband Richard, Sarah Howard & husband John, Christopher Stewart & wife Kadie, Amanda Jo Lewis & husband Aaron, and Michelle Leigh Potter & husband Jacob.

18 Great-Grandchildren: Libby, Rylie, Baylee, Carson, Katie, Collin, Madi, Mason, Neil, Amelia, Sully, Janice, Eli, Hannah, Emma, Dylan, Jackson & Riley.

4 Great-Great-Grandchildren: Hazel Rae, Ramona, Chapel & Micah

1 Sister: Mary Lee Alexander

1 Brother: David Day & wife Donna

3 Sisters-in-law: Dorothy Reed, Karin Reed & Margie Bayless

Mrs. Reed was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband and 2 Brothers-Rex Day & Glenn Ramsey.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday September 7th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor John Howard officiating. Burial will be in the Knob Prairie Cemetery in Akin. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Monday at the funeral home.

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

Donna Diane “Diane” Stahl, 83, of Mulkeytown, Illinois, peacefully went home to be with Jesus on September 1, 2026, surrounded by the love that had carried her throughout her life.

Diane was born October 23, 1942, in Du Quoin, Illinois, to Lloyd and Norma Atchison. On February 11, 1973, Diane married the love of her life, Jack E. Stahl, of Piggott, Arkansas. Together they shared 31 years of marriage until Jack’s passing. After many years apart, her family finds comfort in knowing that Diane and Jack are together once again.

Diane’s greatest treasures in this life were the people she loved. She leaves behind her daughter, Chrissy (Chad) Nikolich of Mulkeytown, Illinois; sons, Terry Roth of Richview, Illinois, and Thomas (Lisa) Roth of Newnan, Georgia. She was a loving grandmother to Joshua (Chelsea) Roth of Coello, Illinois, Brittany (Kaleb) Miller of Pinckneyville, Illinois, Garret Nikolich of Mulkeytown, Illinois, and Kyler Nikolich of Mulkeytown, Illinois; and a cherished great-grandmother to Adilynn Miller, Harper Miller, Makenna Miller, Jaxon Miller, Rowan McPhail, and Atreus Roth. Diane also leaves behind very special family friends, Ollie and Sandy Young of Coello, Illinois. Ollie held a particularly special place in Diane’s heart and was loved by her like a son. Some of the greatest blessings in life are the family we are given and the family we choose, and Ollie and Sandy were truly family to Diane.

Diane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack E. Stahl; her parents, Lloyd and Norma Atchison; her grandson, Terry Lynn; and her granddaughter, Lacey Roth McPhail. Her family finds comfort in knowing that a beautiful reunion awaited her in Heaven with those she had loved and missed so dearly. Diane walked through life with a strong Christian faith and was a member of Christ View Christian Church in Christopher, Illinois. Her faith remained a source of strength and comfort throughout her life.

Diane also had an especially tender heart for animals. She dearly loved her puppy dogs and kitty cats and could never turn a stray away. If an animal needed love, food, warmth, or simply a place to belong, there was always room in Diane’s heart. That kindness and compassion were simply part of who she was. Her family will forever remember the woman they called Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma—the love she gave, the memories she created, and the special place she held in their lives that no one else could ever fill. Forever loved, forever missed, and forever held in the hearts of those who loved her. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”— 1 Corinthians 13:13.

Funeral Services will be on Sunday September 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Ron Henwood officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Billy R. Adams, 72, of Benton passed away on Tuesday morning September 1, 2026 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Adams was born in Christopher, Illinois on September 15, 1953 the son of Kenneth & Louella (Irby) Adams.

He was a member of the North Benton Baptist Church. He loved to hunt, fish, tinker with cars and collect stamps. Mr. Adams was a Coal Miner and worked at Orient #3 and #6, then went to Celebrity Boats, then to Crownline Boats, then to Prairie State Coal Mine and he retired from there.

Mr. Adams is survived by his:

2 Sons:
Brian Adams of Valier
Zach Adams of Benton

2 Grandchildren: Archer Dean Ryan Adams & Paisley May Adams

2 Sisters:
Linda Walker & husband Adrian of Benton
Carol Miller of Iowa

1 Brother: Kenneth Adams of Benton

He is also survived by several Nieces & Nephews and a lot of friends.

Mr. Adams was preceded in death by his Parents and 1 Sister-Patty Herrmann.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday September 4th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Larry Toms officiating. Burial will be in the Knob Prairie Cemetery in Akin. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday September 3rd at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to a Charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Shirley Ann Keaton, age 92, of Benton, IL, passed away at 11:47 a.m., on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Herrin Hospital in Herrin, Illinois, surrounded by her family.

Shirley was born on May 13, 1934, to Perry William and Nell Luella (Laymon) Olson, in Saint Louis, Missouri. She was married to her husband, Charles E. Keaton, for 64 years. He preceded her in death on June 10, 2018.

She was a former grade teacher in Brownstown, Illinois. In her past time, she enjoyed working in her garden, canning, crocheting, assisting her husband with designing and custom building their own homes, traveling the world and going on cruises with her husband.

Shirley is survived by her nieces, JoDeane Vertrees and Jane O’Tain and her husband, Bob; great-niece and nephews, Lex Stewart and his wife, Shannon, Kelly Stewart, and Kyle O’Tain; great-great-nephews, Landon Keaton Stewart, John Thomas Pulliam and his wife Kaitlynn, and Alex Mitchell Stewart; great-great-great-nephews, John Keaton Pulliam and Braxton Carter Stewart; great-great-great nieces, Carly Steckenrider, Bree Steckenrider, and Laynee Nicole; and her longtime caregiver and dear friend, Carolyn Kulich.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Nell Olson; husband, Charles Keaton; sister, Nancy Lenea; sister-in-laws, Madge Jones, Mona Lee Bays, and Lou Dean Bailey; nieces and nephews, Miriam Stewart, Kay Page, Rox Bailey, Mike Bailey, John Bailey, Nicole Bailey, and Aaron Bailey; and her great-niece, Laura Stewart.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home and Crematory, 301 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois.

Graveside services for Shirley will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted at Pate Funeral home for Can’s Can.

A.D. Schutt, 86, of Benton, IL (formerly of Hardin County, Illinois), passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026 in Herrin, Illinois with loved ones by his side.

Born on October 4, 1939, in Hardin County to Clyde and Mollie Schutt, A.D. was rooted in the community he called home for most of his life. He dedicated more than 20 years of service to the state, retiring from the Illinois Department of Corrections at the Hardin County Work Camp as a Maintenance Craftsman, and served his local community as a former County Commissioner, bringing a deep passion for local politics and civic duty, as well as owning several small businesses in Elizabethtown over the years, such as the taverns and his sports card shop. A.D. spent the last 15 years of his life in Benton, where he grew to love the local sports and people in the community, and attended as many local sporting events as he could.

For over three decades, A.D. owned and operated Schutt’s Baseball Card Shop in Elizabethtown, Harrisburg, and Benton, turning a lifelong love of sports collectibles into a fixture for area hobbyists. A devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, he rarely missed a chance to talk baseball or trade sports memorabilia. Known for his quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and steadfast presence, he was truly an unforgettable character. He could always be counted on for good company, a great story, and some laughs. He was deeply loyal and supportive to those that knew him, having unwavering devotion to the family and friends he cared about.

He is survived by his son, Aaron Schutt; his granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Jacelyn; his sister, Ruby Crabb; his brother, Bob Schutt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Molly Schutt; his son, Russell Scott Schutt; brothers, J.C., Lawrence Dale, and John; and sisters, Shirley Faye, Mary, and Nina.

Graveside services are being arranged by Pyle Funeral Home and will be held at Good Hope cemetery in Karbers Ridge. Date and time of the graveside services will be announced in the coming weeks.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of A.D., please visit our floral store.

Melissa Maria Bowlin, 56, of Carbondale, passed away on Friday August 28, 2026 at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, IL.

She was born on February 23, 1970 in Columbus, GA to Hobart and Deborah (Rice) Bowlin.

She is survived by her children Amber (Stephen) Hayden of Murphysboro, Joshua Bowlin of Sparta and Carisssa (Tymarh) Bowlin of Carbondale; grandchildren Rein, Jayce, Chloe, Rhett and Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one granddaughter River and her brother Kevin Bowlin.

Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday September 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the St Andrew Catholic Church in Murphysboro with Father Joel Seipp officiating. Visitation will be on from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass at 10:00 AM at the church. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery in Mulkeytown, IL.

The family requests that everyone wear casual clothing and shades of orange as that was their mother’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

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

Pamela Kay Kimball, age 68, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at 1:04 p.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room.
Pam was born on January 31, 1958, in Carbondale, Illinois, the daughter of Carson E. Johnson and Norma (Spires) Johnson. On August 11, 1984, she married Allan Glenn Kimball, together they shared in 42 years of marriage.

Pam completed her undergraduate studies at Eastern Illinois University and her master’s at Southern Illinois University.
She worked as a Speech, Drama and English Teacher at Benton Consolidated High School District #103 for 34 years (1981-2015). She specialized in speech communication and theater. Later she would also teach Honors English.

An article about Pam from the “Inside the Corral,” a publication written for Benton High School, Pam stated reflecting on decades of shaping confidence and character in her students, she also enjoyed the competition involved. Pam stated “I always liked the competitive aspect, you know like speech team meets. Her impact upon students is proven through her accolades: directing over 100 plays, lots of wins in 34 years including 8 state championships. However, she said “When competing, winning wasn’t always the case,”, Kimball said. “But I personally think you learn as much from losing gracefully. Those are good lessons too. That’s part of life.”

In that edition of Inside the Corral, written by Kay Kearney, when asked about her legacy at Benton High School, she said, “I would like people to say when Pam Kimball was coaching, we won a lot of state championships,” and she went on to say “I think that’s pretty cool. I guess my legacy is when people look at our program here in Benton, they realize it doesn’t matter, the size of our school, we still have success and we still win. It’s important to not let that hold us back.”

Pam was a member of FCAA, Illinois Communication and Theater Association, Illinois Theater Association, and the Illinois Educators.
She also worked part-time at John A. Logan Community College.

Pam enjoyed playing games on her phone, going out to eat, traveling to New York to see musicals and eating out, performing and directing with Pyramid Players (since 1980), where along with Susan Summers, directed the children’s shows and later with Alisa Leffler. She also enjoyed going on cruises, going to Chicago to attend karate and dance tournaments to watch her grandson Cohen.

Surviving is her loving husband of 42 years, Allan G. Kimball of Benton, IL, two sons: Justin Kimball and wife Melissa of Palos Hills, IL, Joshua Kimball and wife Kayla of Benton, IL; two grandsons: Cohen and Calvin, a sister Gail Scimeca of Park Ridge, IL, a brother Dr. Douglas Johnson and wife Cynthia of Bowling Green, KY, nephews and nieces: David (Traci) Kimball of Chatham, IL, Dawn (Doug) Kimball-Younger of Portland, OR, Doug (John) Kimball-Zotalis of Oak Ridge, IL, Kelli (Russell) Zik of Corbin, KY, Amanda (Kyle) Prince of Murfreesboro, TN, Caroline (Jacob) Trapp of Lexington, KY, Danielle Scimeca and Nicole Scimeca both of Park Ridge, IL, Carson Johnson of Bowling Green, KY, a sister-in-law Mechael Kimball of Divernon, IL, two fur grand-babies Kevin and Ellie.

She was preceded in death by her parents Carson and Norma Johnson, her in-laws Arnold and Glenda Kimball, a brother-in-law Arlen Kimball, an Aunt Pauline Spires, and an Uncle Robert Spires.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL. Burial will follow at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL. Additionally, there will be a visitation on Monday, starting at 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service.

The family prefers Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Pam, to be made for Pyramid Players and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Pam, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.