Richard Gale LeVault, 89, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at his home.

A private graveside service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, with Brother Gilbert Craig officiating.

Richard Gale LeVault was born August 13, 1936, to Hallice and Lucille LeVault in Valier, IL. He married his high school sweetheart, Iris Marie Piper on

June 9, 1957, and they have been married for 69 years.

After high school he worked various jobs as a mechanic, drove a milk truck for Prairie Farms, and worked at Sesser Block Plant for the first seven years he

and Iris were married. He then became a coal miner and retired from there. Also, he farmed part time throughout the many different jobs. When asking which was

his favorite job, he responded, “I never worked anywhere that I didn’t enjoy!”

A few of his hobbies that he even enjoyed as a kid were hunting and fishing. He had plenty of stories to tell about that were back in the days. Later when Todd

and Toni were kids, adding to those interests were water skiing and boating- enjoying the Rend Lake area still in the places that he grew up on. He has always

liked working with his hands, whether it was being a mechanic, woodworking, gardening-with keeping everyone in produce, and taking care of his chickens-

keeping everyone in eggs. He also loved mowing his yard-it didn’t matter who started on the LeVault Hill-before long all three brothers were going at it! Last

fall, Richard got Todd involved in getting him a loom and started weaving rugs, again giving most of them away. There are surely many things left out, but the

most important is that he loved all of us and we all loved him.

Richard is survived by his wife, Iris of Sesser, one daughter, Toni and husband, Keith Morhet of Benton; one son, Todd and wife, Melody LeVault of

Mulkeytown; three grandsons, Keith II and wife, Dawn Morhet of Booneville, IN, Jacob and wife, Tiff Morhet of Benton, Matt and wife, Jesse LeVault of Sesser;

one granddaughter, Katerina and husband, Jeremy McKinney of Christopher; four great grandsons, Max, Nash, and Oliver Morhet, Braxton McKinney; one great

granddaughter, Willow McKinney; two brothers, Jim and wife, Peg LeVault of Sesser, Tom LeVault of Sesser.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hallice and Lucille LeVault; daughter, Jana LeVault; son, Matthew LeVault; sisters-in-law, Brenda LeVault, Betty Laur, Marge Piper, Ilah Mae Piper; brothers-in-law, Dallas Laur, Ted Piper, Don Piper and Darrell Piper.

Richard, known as Dick, Dad, Pop, Grandpa, Uncle Dick and “Ground Squirrel” on the CB, will be greatly missed, but we have a lot of great memories and stories to remember him by. He was faithful to God, his wife, Iris, family and friends.

For more information please visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Doris June Leek, 93, of Coello, formerly of Valier, passed away at 6:15 PM, Friday, July 3, 2026 at her home.

Doris was born on April 18, 1933 in Sesser to Louis and Mary (Casey) Furlow. She married Charles Leek on December 26, 1959 at Hazel Dell Church. He preceded her in death on January 25, 2003.

She worked for a short time as a telephone operator after high school before dedicating her life to caring for her beloved family.

She was a member of the Bethel Community Church where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. She was a talented singer and was a member of the “Gospelette Trio”. They recorded two albums.

Doris was a deeply faithful woman who loved God. She enjoyed porch sitting and baking red velvet cookies and her famous raisin squares.

She is survived by her daughter- Shelley (Bob) Moyers of Coello; grandchildren- Adam Moyers of Coello, Madison (River) Edwards of Sullivan and Maggie Bates of Mulkeytown and son in law- Doug Bates of Mulkeytown as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter- Deidre Bates; brothers- Noble, Earl, Paul, Howard and Stanley Furlow and sisters- Pearl Gilliam and Edith Chapman as well as her special friend- Ron Terry.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, July 10, 2026 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Pastor Mark Minor will officiate. Burial will follow at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until time of service, Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are suggested to Residential Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information please visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com or call (618) 724-4151.

Terry Lee “Fuzz” McGuire, 71, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Terry was a devoted husband, dad, father-in-law, and Pa. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Debbie McGuire; his three children, Derrick (Mendy) McGuire and their children, Molly, Rebekah, and Thomas; Timothy (Laci) McGuire and their children, Warren and Westyn Terry; and Lindsay (Jennifer) McGuire and their children, Michael, Hunter, Taylor, Brookson Lee, and Greyson.

He is also survived by his siblings: brother Larry (Bertha) McGuire of Mulberry, Florida; brother Mike (Vicki) McGuire of Benton, Illinois; sister Jane Millikan of Benton, Illinois; and a very special sister-in-law, Terri Furlong (Mel). He also leaves behind his beloved fur baby, Darcy, as well as many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Cynthia McGuire; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rex and Carolyn Day; and his special grandmother, Essie Bailey.
Terry spent many years working in the coal mines at Old Ben 26 and later for the Illinois Central Railroad, where he was known for his strong work ethic, dedication, and dependability. He took great pride in providing for his family and was never afraid of hard work.

Outside of work, Terry found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved spending time at the ballpark watching softball, taking trips with his family, and creating memories with those he loved most. Family was the center of his life, and he always put their needs above his own.
Known affectionately as “Fuzz,” Terry had a generous soul, was always willing to lend a helping hand, and loved his family with all his heart.
Whether cheering from the stands, traveling with loved ones, or spending time with his grandchildren, Terry found happiness in being surrounded by family. His kindness, strength, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to those he loved will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew him.
Public visitation services will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home in Benton, Illinois.
Funeral Services will immediately follow the visitation at the Leffler Funeral Home, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, Illinois.

Floral tributes and cards are welcomed. Donations for the Terry McGuire Scholarship will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Terry, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, support and acts of kindness during this difficult time.

Gene Giacomo, 89, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Thursday July 2, 2026 at his home.

He was born on March 3, 1937 in Pinckneyville, IL to George and Mary (Ritter) Giacomo. He married Judith (Mabry) Giacomo on January 17, 1959 and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his daughter Lisa (Jerry) Young of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Rachel (Jeremy) Chaney, Jacob (Niki) Tindall, Lindsay (Dakota) Smith and Jeremy Young; great grandchildren Lucas, Wyatt, Khloe, Colton, Gracelynn, Paisley, Everley, Maryann and Charlotte and one sister Doris Valette of Mulkeytown and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister and brother-in-law Celeste and Clarence Epplin, brother and sister-law Earl and Maxine Giacomo and brother-in-law Robert Valette.

Graveside services will be on Tuesday July 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the St Andrews Catholic Cemetery with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery.

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

Dean Michael “Mikey” Tedrow, aged 38, of West Paducah, Kentucky, passed away at 3:21 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026, due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Mikey was born on August 2, 1987, in Herrin, Illinois; the son of Ronald Tedrow and Jacqueline (Cutter) Lowery.

He worked in construction but previously worked for 20-plus years on tugboats and river barges. During his tenure on the river, he attained the nickname “Tug- Boat.”
He was of the Catholic faith.

Mikey loved riding motorcycles. He loved trucks and shooting guns. He also liked deer hunting and fishing. Most of all he enjoyed time spent with family.
His sister Danielle said, “he was unapologetically himself” and was full of personality.

Surviving is his loving mother Jacki Lowery of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, his father Ronald Tedrow of Indiana, his grandfather Daniel Cutter of Benton, Illinois, siblings: Stephen Wilkerson and wife Renee of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Danielle Wilkerson Russotto and husband Dominick of Carbondale, Illinois, Caitlyn Lowery of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; niece Ivy Rae Russotto; uncle Danny Cutter of Centralia, Illinois, cousins Kendra Fox and Kayla Cutter both of Benton, Illinois, many great aunts and uncles, cousins and extended family members and several special friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Patricia Cutter and paternal grandmother Susan Bain.

Public visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois.
The family prefers that Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Mikey, donations can be made to Ronald McDonald House, 26345 Network Place, Chicago, Illinois 60673-1263, and will be accepted at the services.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Mikey, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Martin C. Henson, 86, of Christopher, went to his heavenly home on Friday June 26, 2026. Ending his life journey of much hard work and sharing with many extended family members and friends.

He was born to Sylvia and Martin F. Henson in Lepanto, AK on March 23, 1940 and had three brothers, four sisters, who all worked together in the farming industry. Being a middle child, he always kept a pleasing, passive smile and friendly personality.

The family moved to Southeast Missouri, where they mostly lived and worked until they were grown. He came to visit in Benton, IL at the age of 22 where he met and married his first wife in 1962, one daughter Paula Kay (Byron) Snyder and one son Kenneth (Becky) Henson were born to them. As circumstances change as well as varying kinds of work, a second family came to be and two more sons Eric Martin and Martin Henson. In 1974 Martin went to work at Freeman United Orient No 6 Mine where he stayed nearly 22 years. Becoming a widower in 1995, was of course a difficult change in his life. Through a couple of friends that enjoyed country music as he did, he soon met and married again to Paula (Whom he considered his brown eyed best half). They both worked together in various jobs, including special needs people assistance, when they decided to become foster parents, as a result they officially adopted one severe needs son Timothy Turner Henson who still resides at home. Martin always referred to him as the reason I stay young, he is also survived by three sisters Margie Stanley, Joyce Snyder and Bonnie Dale.

Martin could always repair most things around the home, cars, lawn or garage. He often helped out the neighbors as well. Traveling to family reunions was a fun past-time for him, as well as going to antique car shows.

To his wife he was a patient, loving gentleman, who will be missed by all even the grandchildren, great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Paul Henson and Jim Henson and one sister Barbara Thomas.

Graveside service for Martin will be held on Saturday August 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Harrison Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Roger Allen Flatt Sr. passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. He was born on September 13, 1949, in Christopher, Illinois, to Guy and Zelpha (Moore) Flatt.

Roger served his country in the U.S. Army. While in service, he met and married Mary (Davis) Flatt. They were married on February 29, 1972. Mary preceded him in death on April 11, 2000.

Roger worked in the coal mining industry for 33 years. After retiring in 2004, he served as a part-time coal mining instructor at Rend Lake College. He enjoyed spending time with family, watching the hummingbirds, riding his motorcycle, and telling stories about his time in the Army and coal mines.

Roger married Bonnie (Bush) (Allison) Flatt on November 8, 2003, and she survives.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Flatt; and his brother, Joel Flatt of Rochester, Illinois.

Roger is survived by his wife, Bonnie Flatt; his children: Kimberlie (Gary) Poisson of Peru, Illinois; Roger (Nozomi) Flatt Jr. of Osaka, Japan; Jared (Trinity) Allison of Champaign, Illinois; and Miranda (Jeremy) Young of Benton, Illinois; five grandchildren: Konel Poisson of Peru, Illinois; Travis and Meryl Allison of Champaign, Illinois; and Morgan Young (Gunnar Funkhouser) and Austin Young of Benton, Illinois; one sister, Watana Parker of Grayslake, Illinois; sister-in-laws, Janet Flatt of Rochester, Illinois, and Lisa Pellerin of Lake Charles, Louisiana.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harrison Cemetery.

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

Marilyn Lois (Conner) Ing went to her final resting place in Heaven on June 23, 2026 at 8:29 P.M. at Carbondale Memorial Hospital.

Marilyn was born to Raymond & Ollie (Page) Conner on March 4, 1943 at 4:00 A.M.

Marilynn married Eugene (Gene) Ing on August 18, 1962 and after a long wait they adopted Wanda Faye (Ing) Sides in 1973 and Terry Wayne Ing in 1976. They were the joy of her life. She was mostly a stay-at-home mom & wife and occasionally did odd jobs like delivering the Benton Evening News with her sister Joyce & working at Wills Drive Inn.

Marilyn’s happiness came from her 6 grandkids & 14 great-grandkids and her 2 children Wanda & Terry.

Marilyn is survived by her:
Daughter: Wanda (Ing) & husband Rodney Sides
Grandkids:
Nikki Benedict & wife Brittany
Conner (Benedict) Pabst & husband Robert
Ryan Benedict & partner Tyler Lewis
Jerry Ing
Trystin Massa & Jacob Storey
Jaydin & Victoria Dooley

Great-Grandchildren: Mia & Luke, Layla, Maddie & Asher, Josie, Braxton, Jace, the newest addition is Blaze, Riley, Gauge, Zoey, Reagor & Keaton.
She is also survived by lots of Nieces & Nephews and Great-Nieces.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her son and all 5 of her siblings: Donald & Billie Conner, Cecil Conner, Oscar & Myrl Conner, Joyce & Winston Slack and Carolyn & Mugg Johnson.

She loved her Ladies Group at the church and playing Phase 10 with them, eating tacos, eating fresh vegetables from the garden & sewing.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 26th at the Sesser Church of God, corner of Elm & Yung Street in Sesser with Pastor Harol Whitlock & Pastor Walter Rexing officiating.

Visitation will be after 9:00 A.M. on Friday at the church. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser following the service.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Robert “Robbie” Carlton, a beloved father, brother, son, nephew, and friend, passed away leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy of love, laughter, and adventure.

He was born on December 16, 1969 in Fort Sill, OK to Robert Mace and Sharon Lyday. He was adopted by James Dennis Carlton.

A 1988 graduate of Christopher High School, Robbie was a dedicated athlete who ran track all four years. He also played football a couple years. From a young age, he was full of energy, determination, and a spirit that kept him constantly on the go.
Robbie found joy in the simple things that brought people together. He loved listening to music, spending time with his sons, riding four-wheelers, camping, and gathering around campfires with family and friends. He enjoyed cooking, watching movies, playing video games with his sons, and helping his son work on vehicles. Some of his happiest moments were spent surrounded by the people he loved most.
Known for his adventurous spirit, Robbie was a true daredevil who was never afraid to take risks or try something new. He was stubborn as all get out, but that same determination was part of what made him who he was. Beneath that tough exterior was a man with a huge heart who deeply loved his family and friends and would do anything for them.
Robbie never met a stranger. He genuinely loved people and had a way of making others feel welcome. His infectious energy, sense of humor, and caring nature touched countless lives throughout the years.

He is survived by his children Aiden Furlow, Micah Furlow and Elijah Furlow all of Mulkeytown; father James Dennis Carlton of Ina; step-mother Bonnie Mace of Sesser; children’s mother Leslie Furlow of Mulkeytown; siblings Randy (Ann) Carlton of Senath, MO, James “Denny” Carlton of Christopher, Bonnie Clark of Christopher, Sara Pedigo of Sesser, John (Michelle) Gunn of Benton, Karen (Bob) Sprague of Sesser, Allie Cosma of Alliance, OH, Jonathon Joshua Payne of Austin, TX and Amanda Kaye Payne of Austin, TX, niece Raemi Bryant and several other nieces and nephews and aunt, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Robert Mace, mother Sharon Carlton, siblings Aime Carlton, Jeffrey Mace and Diana Gunn.

Funeral Services will be on Friday June 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 PM until the time of the service at 6:30 PM at the funeral home. His wishes were to be cremated after the funeral service.

Though his passing leaves a tremendous void, his memory will live on through the stories shared around campfires, the music that fills the air, the adventures taken, and the love he gave so freely to those around him.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. “Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”

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

Kevin Charles Sehlke, Sr., age 37, of Benton, passed away at 10:10 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Deaconess Midtown Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Kevin was born on July 24, 1988, in Harvey, Illinois; the son of William and Lisa (Turner) Sehlke. He married the former Heidi Leighann McGee on October 11, 2016, and she survives.

He worked as a tire builder with Continental Tire of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Kevin was of the Catholic faith.

Kevin loved life. He loved the outdoors, hiking at the Garden of the Gods or Ferne Clyffe, riding bicycles, and motorcycles. He had a great personality, he was funny, and loved being around people, especially being with his family.

Surviving is his loving parents William and Lisa Sehlke of Benton, Illinois, his wife Heidi Sehlke of Benton, Illinois, three children Taylin Dawn McGee, Kevin Charles Sehlke, Jr. and Karmin Faith Sehlke all three of Benton, Illinois, a sister Kelly Sehlke of Sesser, Illinois, aunts and uncles: Colette and Mark Tunzi of Midlothian, Illinois, Michelle and David Walton of Crestwood, Illinois, James Dunavant of Ewing, Illinois, Michael Dunavant of Portage, Indiana, Kim and Doug Anoman of Wisconsin, Richard and Susan Sehlke of Midlothian, Illinois, special nephew and niece Blake Johnson and Layla Johnson both of Sesser, Illinois, several nieces, nephews and cousins, and special friends Jared Cockrum of Sesser, Illinois, T.J. Freeman of Sesser, Illinois, Jeremy and Brad Kowalczyk of Tinley Park, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Public visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois. Immediately following the services, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2898 banquet room, located at 201 East Washington Street, Benton, Illinois.

The family prefers that Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Kevin, be made to Centerstone Addiction Treatment and Recovery for Substance Use Disorders and will be accepted at the services.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Kevin, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.