Rodney Lawrence Reiff, 68, of Christopher, passed away on Monday August 11, 2025 at Nature Trail Health Care Center in Mt Vernon.

He was born on June 6, 1957 in East St. Louis, IL to Lawrence Frederick and Martha Evelyn (Laird) Reiff.

He is survived by his brothers Lawrence “Stevie” (Cindy) Reiff of Covington, LA, David (Marsha) Reiff of Belleville and Christopher (Terri Gunter) Reiff of Marine, IL and six nieces and nephews Crystal (John) Klaus, Brooke (Aaron) Vaughn, Blakely Reiff, Janie Estrada, Steve Reiff Jr., and Charles Reiff.

Rodney loved to go camping, hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services for Rodney will be on Monday August 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.

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

Phillip Eugene Sullivan, age 86, of Benton, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior, from his home on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

He was born on April 22, 1939, in Harrisburg, Illinois; the son of Alvia and Ruby (Goings) Sullivan. He married the former Jeraldean “Jean” McClintock on December 15, 1957, and shared 64years of marriage until her passing on May 11, 2022.

Phillip attended the Ten Mile Baptist Church of McLeansboro, Illinois. Phillip worked a variety of jobs during his lifetime including being a janitor and school bus driver, Benton Auxiliary Police officer, owning his own construction business, and formerly worked at Wurlitzer Pianos of DeKalb, Illinois.
He enjoyed bowling, playing ping pong, painting, and riding his Harley.

Together he and Jean have five children who survive. Two daughters: Marsha Vaughn and husband Bruce of Thompsonville, Illinois, Tonya Dawson of Benton, Illinois; three sons: Matthew Sullivan and wife Stephanie of Wingo, Kentucky, Tim Sullivan and wife Joleen of Benton, Illinois, Jim Sullivan and wife Susan of Benton, Illinois. He is also survived by seventeen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren with one on the way, a sister Virginia Dorris of Benton, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews. He also had a special place in his heart for his four-legged friend Mila.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and five siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, with Rev. Jacob Gray officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Phillip, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Lisa Michelle Curry, 63, of Sesser, passed away on Monday August 4, 2025 at St Louis University Hospital in St Louis, MO.

She was born on March 29, 1962 in Christopher, IL to Jerry and Sharon (Scott) Curry.

She is survived by her sisters Regina Hammond of Creal Springs, IL and Sherry (Larry) Kimmel of Creal Springs, IL and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews and her best friend Ann Dixon of Sesser.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Ronnie Curry.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday August 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 2:00 PM until the tie of the service at 4:00 PM at the funeral home.

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

Lorraine Marie Cutler, 90, of Christopher, passed away on Monday August 4, 2025 at Sunshine Gardens in Marion, IL.

She was born on December 10, 1934 in Benton, IL to Denver and Mattie (Thomas) Webb. She married Wendell Cutler and he preceded her in death on May 14, 2003.

She is survived by her children Stephen (Connie) Cutler of Mulkeytown and Pamela (Tracy) Cummins of El Cajon, CA; grandchildren April (Jon) Sturgeon, Jennifer Daugherty, Sarah (Klint) Dingley and Rachel (Grant) McDonald; great grandchildren Jacob (Leslie) Stuehlmeyer, Lauren Sturgeon, Owen Sturgeon, Ryann McDonald and Raegan McDonald; great great grandchildren Mia, Cooper and Casper.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

She worked at the Franklin County Clerk’s Office and the Election office in Benton. She was also a member of the Christopher 1st Baptist Church.

Funeral Services will be on Tuesday August 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral Home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

David Lee Eubanks, Sr., age 63, of Benton, passed away at his home.

David was born on October 20, 1961, in Shreveport, Louisiana; the son of William Albert Eubanks and Frieda W. (Pullum) Eubanks. He married the former Debra Gilland on April 5, 2010; and she preceded him in death on January 13, 2025.

He was employed in the IT department for 32 years with Harrah’s Casino in Metropolis, Illinois. His co-workers called him “Zeus”. His family said he loved his job and made sure he worked weekends and holidays, so others did not have to. Many of his co-workers, he considered as being like family.

He was an avid Raiders football fan. He enjoyed motorcycles, old cars and watching Westerns.

David is survived by his three children: Michelle Odam and husband Dan of Johnston City, IL, David Lee Eubanks, Jr. and wife Brittany of Mulkeytown, IL, William Eubanks and wife Kim of Bellevue, NE; step-children Tiana Williams and husband Tayton of Kauai, Hawaii, Brant Hale and significant other Chelsea of Paducah, Kentucky, Kelly Hale and significant other Shawn of Murray, Kentucky; grandchildren including: Taelyn Hale-Ajimine, Kili Williams, Mehana Williams, Kailea Mason, Keira Hale, Tehya Haumea-Oliver, Liam Eubanks, Delilah Eubanks, Makayla Odam, Ethan Odam, Katie Van Poucke, Rhianna Moss and Danta Moss; a sister Vicky Eubanks of Benton, IL; a brother Mike Eubanks and wife Shawna of Buckner, IL; sisters-in-law: Bernadine Sarano and husband Eric of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Glenda Pinheiro of Henderson, Nevada, Lisa Jo Dossett and husband Brad of Marion, Kentucky; several nieces and nephews; and his Harrah’s Casino family.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a brother Bud Eubanks.

His wishes are to be cremated, with a private family Celebration of Life, to be held at a future date.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
Memorial contributions in memory of David may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org)
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of David, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Dennis Lee Rush, 66, of Benton, passed away at 5:21 a.m., on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Deaconess Hospital in Marion, IL, surrounded by his family,

He was born on April 22, 1959, to George and Joan (Cato) Rush in Kennett, MO. Dennis worked as a Laborer in the construction industry. On June 18, 2001, he married Susan “Sue” Abrams and she preceded him in death on December 11, 2009.

Dennis was a loving dad and grandfather. He enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing.

Dennis is survived by his children, Dennis (Niki) Rush, Jr., George (Tiffany) Rush, Charles Rush, Brian Rush, Rosie (Garry) Piercy, Chuck (Glenda) Ferkel, Mandy (Joe) Smothers, James Schmutz and Josh (Ambar) Hazel and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Rush, his wife, Susan “Sue” Rush, his brother, Elvie Rush and his sister, Diana Overton.

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

Per Dennis’ wishes, cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Richard B. “Dick” Neal, originally from Benton, IL and a long-time resident of Vail, Colorado, died on June 17, 2025, at his home, at the age of 92.

He was in increasingly frail health over the past 10 years but always sharp-witted with a prodigious memory. He was incredibly fortunate to be supported by a remarkable network of friends, caregivers, medical professionals, and Good Samaritans who helped him stay in his home and live the way he wanted.

Dick was born in Benton to Elmer and Mollie, the third of their four children, and part of a sprawling family of Neals, Brownings, Gunters, and Kings. He graduated a basketball star from Benton High School in 1950 and went to Beloit College on a scholarship. He was drafted into the Army in 1953 just as the war in Korea ended, serving for two years, then returned to Beloit and graduated in 1956. He began his career in road construction machinery with Rex Chainbelt of Milwaukee and spent months at a time in Europe as its war-torn countries built new highways across the continent.
In 1966, he married Carolyn Mack (née Evans) of Milwaukee, a mother of two children, and they had two more children together. He moved the family to the Chicago suburb of Barrington in 1977 to launch his own consulting and strategic advisory business; he and Carolyn divorced in 1987.

In 1989, he landed in Vail, throwing himself into community life and taking advantage of all the region had to offer. He owned and ran Peregrine Wines in Vail Village for about ten years, served on boards, and offered advice freely to anyone who would take it.

Dick is survived by his three sons and six grandchildren. Very special thanks go to the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration; Vail Health and Shaw Cancer Center; Community Paramedics; Eagle County Healthy Aging; his tireless caregivers; and many, many dedicated friends.

A service in Vail to commemorate Dick’s life and thank all who helped him over the years was held on July 7. In Benton, friends and family are invited to gather at 1 PM on Saturday, August 9, at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home, prior to interment at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

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

David Alan Graham, 58 of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away unexpectedly while vacationing in The Philippines on June 26, 2025.

David was born June 3, 1967 in St. Louis, MO, a son of Norman and Shirley (Sanders) Graham. He was raised in Ewing, Illinois and graduated from Ewing-Northern Grade School and Benton High School. On July 20, 1991, he married Becky Sink at Frisco Baptist Church in Ewing.

He began his career at Long Airdox with his dad, Bill Feig, and then Kirby Risk Electrical Supply in Mt. Vernon. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and camping at Rend Lake. That passion led him to Florida as after many visits all over the state, he “put his toes in the St. Augustine sand” and moved his family there in 2005.
In Florida, he worked for many years with Englewood Electric in Jacksonville specializing in Rockwell Automation and loved to help his customers who often became his good friends. He also was a Realtor and worked with his mother and brother-in-law for several years. Dave had a gift for making people feel welcome and at ease, often inviting friends, family, and customers alike offshore on his boat to chase Wahoo or to the Keys for lobster season. He was a proud Papa and enjoyed watching his boys play baseball.

David often said, “If we aren’t having fun, why are we doing it!” He lived life to its fullest and his passion for people and travel was obvious to all that knew him. His wit and wisdom will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Becky, a son, Joshua James Graham and wife Kayla; a daughter Janel Ryan Graham and his mother Shirley Plunk and husband Bill, three grandsons, Liam, Conrad, and Ronan Graham, all of St. Augustine, FL.
Sisters, Tammy Williams of Herrin, IL, Tina Gray of Marion, IL, Kathryn Lawrence and husband John of St. Augustine, Tina Greenwood of Pompano Beach, FL, Vickie Nance and husband Roger of Edwardsville, IL. His mother-in-law Betty Sink, Ina, IL, and brothers in-law and sisters-in-law, Leann Roberts and husband Riley of Ewing, IL, and Mark Sink and wife Tammy of Belleville, IL, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his biological father Norman Graham, father Billy Feig, and father-in-law Rodney Sink.
David’s wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at St. Augustine Yacht Club, 442 Ocean Vista Ave, St Augustine, Florida 32080, Sunday August 10, 2025, 1pm-4pm.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in David Graham’s name to the nonprofit agency, Council on Aging, 180 Marine St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 – https://coasjc.org/donate/

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is assisting the family with the local obituary.
To give online condolences to the family or to share memories of David, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

On July 23, 2025, Donald Dee Malcolm, of Benton, passed away at home, surrounded by his family at the age of 88-years-old.

Don the son of the late Curtis and Ione Malcolm, was born on September 8, 1936, in Marion, IL. After graduating from Marion High School, he served in the United States Navy for four-years. He then graduated from SIU with a degree as a Electrical Engineer. After marrying his wife, Vita Loyd on January 23, 1962, they moved toSt. Louis, MO, to start a family and his career at McDonnell Douglas, in the Aerospace Division.

He later moved back to Southern Illinois and finished his career out in the mining industry, working for Inland Steel, Kerr Megee and American Coal companies.

Don was a lifelong member of North Benton Baptist Church and found comfort in his faith. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years and vacationing with family throughout the years and into retirement.

He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Vita Mae (Loyd) Malcolm of Benton, IL; his children, Mike (Lana) Malcolm of Milton, FL, Dottie (Malcolm) (Ron) Darr of Benton, IL, Robert (Judy LeBar) Malcolm of Stewartsville, NJ and Debbie (Malcolm) (Andy) Williams of Benton, IL; 14 grandchildren, Brandi (Malcolm) (Tyler) Dagg of Cisne, IL, Blaine (Joanna) Malcolm of West Frankfort, IL, Linzie (Malcolm) (Miles) Baltzell of Crestview, FL, Leighton Malcolm of Milton, FL, Megan (Darr) (Tyler) Taber of Marion, IL, Dailyn Darr of West Frankfort, IL, Logan (Madison) Darr of Benton, IL, Madyson Darr (Triston Summers) of Marion, IL, Zoe (Bouseman) (Jeremy) Dorsey of Atlanta, GA, Audra (Malcolm) (Steve) Meza of High Bridge, NJ, Kevin Malcolm of Pittsburgh, PA, Dillon Malcolm of Pittsburgh, PA, Brittany Williams of Benton, IL, Gunner Williams of Benton, IL and Dallas Williams of O’Fallon, MO; eight great-grandchildren, Kayden Dagg, Zach Dagg, Lily Dagg, Drew Dagg, Mason Tabor, Levi Tabor, Evie Darr, Kinsley Dorsey; and Emersyn Dorsey; his son-in-law, Tom Bouseman and brother-in-law Jerry Loyd and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Malcom and Ione (Barth) Malcolm, his daughter, Pamela Ione (Malcolm) Bouseman, his granddaughter, Breanna Williams, two sisters, Paulette Malcolm and Elaine (Malcolm) Dreyer, his brother-in-law, Charles Dreyer, two brothers in infancy; his father and mother-in-law, Sherman and Dorothy Loyd, and his sister-in-law, Sondra Loyd.

Don will always be remembered for his kind hearted spirit, family loving adventures, his hard work, ethics and love for God. We will always carry your memory in our hearts.

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

In accordance with Don’s wishes, cremation will take place.

A Celebration of Life will be set at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for North Benton Ministry House for clothing and shoes for school age children.

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

George Babiak, 92, of Collinsville, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 29, 1932, in Buckner, IL, George was the beloved son of the late John and Mary (née Smarz) Babiak. He was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Frank Babiak.

George proudly served his country in the United States Army and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He built a long and successful career as a chemist with United Technologies, a foam rubber manufacturing company.

Outside of his professional life, George had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He found joy in hunting, fishing, gardening, mushroom hunting, and searching for arrowheads.

He is survived by his three children: George (Shelly) Babiak of CA, Jeffrey Babiak of Collinsville, IL, and Connie (Daniel) Harris of Collinsville, IL; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy Doelling of Buckner, IL, and Jo Ann Frazier of IN; and his first wife, Harriet Spicer of Collinsville, IL.

In accordance with George’s wishes, he will be cremated and a Graveside service will be held on Tuesday July 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Russian Orthodox Cemetery in Buckner.