Ricky Warren Casey, age 52, of Benton; passed away at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2026, at his home.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 19, 2026, at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Rev. Bill Hottenson officiating. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home is in charge of the services. A time of food and fellowship will follow the services at Kay’s home.

Ricky was born on May 27, 1974, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the son of Rick Casey and Marsha Kay (Smith) Eubanks.

He loved the outdoors. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, junking, mushroom hunting, and growing huge watermelons.

He is survived by his mother Kay Eubanks of Benton, Illinois; his father Rick Casey of Benton, Illinois; two children: Noah Casey of Coello, Illinois and Brittany (Casey) Smith and husband Scott of Herrin, Illinois; a grandson Lincoln Smith; brothers: Steve Casey and wife Novella of Benton, Illinois, Michael Casey and wife Judy of West Frankfort, Illinois; a sister Brandi Hampton and husband Blake of Benton, Illinois; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sons Christopher and Taylor Casey.

To give condolences online, or to share memories of Ricky, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Jesse E. Hoover, age 60, of Harker Heights, Texas and formerly of Benton, Illinois; died October 8, 2026, in Harker Heights, Texas.

Jesse was born on May 23, 1966, in Carmi, Illinois. He was raised by his parents Harold H. and Glendeen B. Chaney. He married the former Nicole Hanks on September 18, 2021, and she survives.

He was a native of Benton, Illinois, Jesse spent his youth in the small-midwestern town and graduated from high school in 1984, establishing a close-knit circle of lifelong friends. In high school, Jesse was on the wrestling, track, and cross-country teams. He also excelled in art class an was a gifted artist. He went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Marine Corps for a decade, retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant. After serving in the Marines, Jesse made Central Texas his home, where he worked for Don Hewett Chevrolet in Georgetown. Jesse carried his dedication to service into his civilian life, where he was an intensely active and proud member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Jesse was also known by all who knew him as an avid Chicago Bears fan.

He is survived and deeply missed by his wife, Nicole; his sons, Zachary Kreklau and Caleb Hoover; a step-daughter Sierra Hoover; and his grandson, Mangus Kreklau. Also surviving is his mother Glendeen Chaney; two brothers: Henry Chaney and wife Angela, Thom Hoover; two sisters: Jackie (Chaney) Holmes, Diane (Chaney) Anthony and husband Richard; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Harold Chaney, and a brother-in-law Melvin Holmes.

Graveside Services are pending at the Central Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jesse’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois is assisting the family through providing the obituary locally, for their friend and classmate..
To give condolences online, or to share memories of Jesse, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Herman John Haack, 86, of Benton, passed away on Wednesday October 7, 2026 at 10:40 PM at his home.

He was born on January 21, 1940 in Racine, WI to Oliver and Dorothy (Zimdars) Haack. He married Isabelle (Dowding) Haack on August 14, 1965 and together they enjoyed 61 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife Isabelle Haack of Benton; his children Joy (Chris) Salamone of Racine, WI, Brenda Haack of Galesburg, IL and David (Erin) Haack of Racine, WI; grandchildren Stephen DeFalco and Rebekah Boronski and one great grandchild Nora.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Carolyn Haack.

He was an Army Veteran and retired after 38 years from Chrysler formerly American Motors Corporation in Kenosha, WI. He also loved to garden and raising dwarf rabbits. He was also a member of the Victory Baptist Church in Carterville.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday October 17, 2026 at 11:30 AM at the Victory Baptist Church in Carterville with Pastor Glen Aulger officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:30 AM. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner, IL.

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

Barbaraa Darlene Lamczyk, 85, of Scheller, passed away on Thursday October 8, 2026 at her home.

She was born on July 8, 1941 in Sesser to Leo and Leona (Dressler) Krolikowski. She married Ronald Lamczyk on May 30, 1962 and he preceded her in death on March 15, 2009.

She is survived by her children Marc (Melissa) Lamczyk of Sesser and Benita (Steve) Dorris of Scheller; grandchildren Drew (Hannah) Dorris, Jeron (Megan) Lamczyk, Trey (Shania) Dorris and Marissa (Gavin) Gunter; great grandchildren Hayden, Cameron, Amir, Mason, Toby and Kalan.

Barbara was a teacher at Sesser-Valier for over 38 years. She also loved to go shopping.

A Memorial Service will be on Tuesday October 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Deacon Mark Kabat officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

On Wednesday October 7, 2026, Andrew “Andy” “Dandy” Wilson changed addresses from Mt. Vernon to Heaven’s Gates.

He was born on March 6, 1950 in Christopher, IL to Andrew M. and Elizabeth (Toth) Wilson. He married Valerie Ann (Ronchetto) on September 1, 1973 and she preceded him in death on November 16, 2017.

He is survived by his son Brandt (Amy) Wilson of Mulkeytown; grandchildren, Lynnsay (Luke) Saeger and Bryce (Alexis) Wilson; great grandchildren, Lynndon, Koa and Beckham; one brother Randy Wilson of Buckner and one sister Mary Beth (Ed) Dalby of Benton.

After the passing of his first wife, he then married Betty (Weasel) Beckham and she survives of Mt. Vernon, IL. He is also survived by her children Brent (Mira) Beckham, Greg (Terri) Beckham, Chad (Brandie) Beckham and Michelle (Steve) Bech; grandsons, Chris Beckham, Kyle (Bekah) Beckham, Justin Beckham (Tyla Stokes), Bryson (Marissa) Beckham, Mason (Jenna) Beckham, Landon Beck, Liam Beckham, Ryker Beck, Hudsyn Beckham and Zion Alambra; granddaughters Hannah (Brandon) Biggerstaff, Breann (Darin) Winkelman, Madison Beckham, Charmz Alambra, Jaycie Beckham and Roshan Alambra; great grandsons Chase Peyton, Brennan Biggerstaff, Coleman Beckham, Zeppelin Beckham and Keaton Beckham; great granddaughters Chloe Biggerstaff, Nyla Biggerstaff, Emersyn Beckham and Blake Winkelman.

Funeral services will be held on Monday October 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Ron Henwood officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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

Larry Adrian Duncan (LA Duncan), 85, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Fireside Nursing Home in Centralia, Illinois, on October 1, 2026, after a prolonged illness.

Born in Benton, Illinois, Larry was the first of three children for his mother, Edna Louise (Wilkerson) Duncan and father, Adrian Duncan. His mother was only 16 when he was born, but in those times, in that place, this was not unusual. Larry was the apple of his parents’ eyes and loved by everyone.
Larry moved with his family to Idaho and worked there in the silver mines. He lied on his employment application for Sunshine Mines in Idaho so that he could begin working there at only 15 years old. It was in Idaho that he met the love of his life, Carolee Garwood. They married September 10, 1957, in Wallace, Idaho, and continued as the love of each other’s life until Carolee’s passing December 13, 2012. Together they had four children, Tamra, Debra, Larry and Sandra, though honestly by today’s standards Larry and Carol were still children themselves.

Larry loved cars and was an absolute expert at restoring old classic cars. It was his life’s passion. In later years he, his father and brother, Terry, refurbished many old cars from the 1930s and 1940s because they truly loved and admired a beautiful and well-designed vehicle.
Larry retired with his family to North Carolina. Family was everything to both Larry and Carolee! However, when Carolee died in 2012, Larry returned to live in Centralia, Illinois, the town he always considered his true home.
He identified as a railroad man, through and through. He moved to Centralia, Illinois, in 1963 to work on the C B& Q railroad, later the Burlington Northern Railroad, where he served as brakeman/conductor.

Larry is survived by his loving family, sister Francine Duncan; daughters Tamra Duncan (Tim Moore); Debra Duncan (Jim Guidici); son Larry Marvin Duncan; and Sandra Emmi (Anthony Emmi). His legacy also includes grandchild Joseph Gaetti (Ashley Gladden), great grandchildren Luca and Malone Gaetti; grandchild Jacob Gaetti (Lauren Bellich), great grandchild Weslie Maeve Gaetti; grandchild Nelson Muñoz, great grandchild Adrian Muñoz; and grandchildren Carolee Emmi and A. Benjamin Emmi (Emily Pascale).
Please note that grandchild Adrian Muñoz was born on Larry’s birthday and named to honor Larry’s father, Adrian Duncan, whom he loved so much.

Larry Duncan is predeceased by his father, Adrian Duncan, mother, Edna Wilkerson Duncan, brother, Terry Duncan, and his beloved wife, Carolee Duncan. Larry always said that family was EVERYTHING that really mattered, that kids were the most important thing in life, and that we can’t change life, but we can always change our response to it. He was a brave and amazing man.

A chapel service will be held in Benton, Illinois, Friday, October 9, 2026, at 2 p.m., Morton and Johnston Funeral Home. All are welcome, thank you. Also thank you so much for Fireside Centralia and Hospice SSM. You were there to hold our dear dad’s hand when we couldn’t be. So beautiful and appreciated. Thank you!
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Nancy Carol Wyatt, 86, of Ewing passed away Tuesday morning October 6, 2026 at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads in Mt. Vernon.

She was born on October 14, 1939 the daughter of Bill & Virginia (Braden) Miller.

She married Larry Lee Wyatt on June 27, 1958 and he preceded her in death on April 7, 1997.

Mrs. Wyatt was a caring, giving and loving person. She loved animals, cooking & baking. She especially loved her children & grandchildren and her great-grandchildren & great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Wyatt is survived by her:

3 Children: Brian Wyatt, Gayla Wyatt & Jean Wyatt

5 Grandchildren: Joshua, Craig, Angie, Lacy & Samantha

4 Great-Grandchildren

1 Great-Great-Granddaughter

Sister: Dana Pauling

Sister-in-law: Sharon Wyatt

2 Daughters-in-law: Nadine Wyatt & Deana Wyatt

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, 2 Daughters: Debra DePasquale & Kelly Wyatt Spearson and 1 Brother-Joe Miller.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 11th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Bro. Brad Ryan officiating. Burial will be in the Liberty-Ridlin Cemetery in Macedonia. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home.

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

Ellen Irene Bacon Head, age 94, of Benton; passed away at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Marshall Browning Hospital of Du Quoin, Illinois.

Mrs. Head was born on July 17, 1932, in Rend City, Illinois, the daughter of Ressho and Emma Pearl (Blair) Crider. She was first married to Earl J. Bacon, and he preceded her in death on October 15, 1976. She would later marry George E. Head, and he also preceded her in death on May 14, 2000.
She was a retired CNA from Franklin Hospital of Benton.

Irene was a member of the Grace Awakening Community Church of Benton, Illinois. She also was a member of the V.F.W. Women’s Auxiliary.

She is survived by her loving children Dennis E. Bacon and wife Susan of Benton, Illinois, Connie Irvin and husband Danny of Oviedo, Florida, a step-son Ron Head and wife Judy of Benton, Illinois, grandchildren including: Amanda Garver, Kyle Bacon and wife Abby, Brandi Malkovich and husband Matt, step-grandchildren: Chris Head and wife Tammy, Ginger Reno, Stacey Overturf, Hyuni Brockman and husband Ryan; great-grandchildren: Alexandria Garver, Luke Garver, Kye Garver, Eli Garver, Connor Bacon, Jack Bacon, Emma Bacon, Owen Bacon, Grant Bacon, Mila Malkovich, Evie Malkovich; step-great-grandchildren: Justin Head, Dakota Head, Courtney Reno, Morgan Reno, Brittany Doxsie, Connor Foltz, Ethan Overturf, Josie Anderson, Reese Brockman, Henry Brockman; several nieces and nephews, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, a brother Buddy Crider, a sister Juanita Head, and a step-granddaughter Jera Irvin.
There will be a private graveside service.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Ellen Irene Bacon Head, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Jerald Louis Grubaugh, 90, of Benton, IL, passed away at 1:10 p.m., on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Helia HealthCare of Benton, surrounded by his family.

He was born January 5, 1936, to Louis and Genevieve (Brooks) Grubaugh, in Champaign, IL. Retiring in 1988, Jerald was a union roofer in the construction industry. On January 17, 1953, he married Bonnie Jean Veteto in Covington, IN, and she preceded him in death on June 27, 1995.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton. Jerald was a loving father and grandfather and spending time with them. He enjoyed traveling with Ruth, visiting local pawn shops, woodworking, and going to Cracker Barrel for lunch. He loved driving his little red truck, and it was so difficult for him to give up driving.

Jerald is survived by his loving children, Cindy Smith and her partner, Chuck Conner, Pam Wilson and her husband, Howard “Junior” Wilson, Randy Grubaugh, Jerald Grubaugh and his wife, Julia, Robert Grubaugh and Michelle Lampley and her husband, Marcus; his grandchildren, Scott Smith and his wife, Beth, Kim Smith, Chad Wilson and his wife, Janet, Brad Wilson and his wife, Jara, Kenny Woodward, Paul Woodward, Nicki Whipple and her husband, Phil, Brandy Bateman and her husband, Nick, Maddy Lampley and Eli Lampley; his significant other, Ruth Boner; and many great and great-great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Genevieve Grubaugh, his wife, Bonnie Jean Grubaugh, his brother, Tom Grubaugh and his sister, Beverly Moore.

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

Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at the Masonic and Odd Fellows, with Brad Wilson, officiating.

Memorials in Jerald’s honor may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance and will be accepted at Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton.

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

Charles William McDonald Jr. 73 passed away Friday October 2nd 2026 at his home in Christopher.

He was born June 4th 1953 to Charles William McDonald Sr and JoAnn (Williams) McDonald at the Miner’s Hospital in Christopher.

He is survived by his Daughter Chasity McDonald Shaffer of Christopher. His baby sister Carolyn McDonald Burzynski and brother-in-law Randy Burzynski of Mulkeytown. 4 grandchildren Savannah Shaffer of Coello, Amber Whitt of Christopher, Grant Shaffer of Benton and Ashley Shaffer of Benton. 1 Great Granddaughter Everleigh Whitt of Christopher. He is also survived by 1 niece Sarah (Mike) Thuilliez of Coello. 2 Nephews Justin (Cortney) Burzynski of Christopher, Jarrod (Alyssa) Burzynski of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by 2 great nieces Hanna Burzynski and Emma Burzynski. 3 Nephews Jacob (Regan) Burzynski Tyler (Kayla) Thuilliez. Gunner Burzynski. 2 great nieces Kelsea and Harper Thuilliez. 1 great nephew Grayson Thuilliez. 1 great nephew on the way in February. He is also survived by several cousins and many friends he has known thru the years. Charles went by several different names Jr to his sister. Uncle Jr to his nieces and nephews, Uncle Ju Ju to his great niece. And everyone in town knew as Charlie Mac and probably a few other names.

He was born and raised in Christopher. In his younger days he mowed grass, went fishing with his Dad on the Ohio River in the summer. He played Basketball at CES and CCHS school in Christopher. Worked a while for Sportland Liquors, Towers Mine Tool. He was also a very good carpenter doing many roofing and siding jobs in the area. He was a member of the CCHS Class of 1972. He was a very hard headed guy all his life and proved it to the very end by showing he was still in control, but he had a heart of gold to those who knew him.

Charles was preceded in death by his Dad on January 8th 1972 and his Mom on November 2nd 2007. As requested his body will be cremated and there will be no service. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to “It’s all about the kids” Christmas Toy Drive for kids in foster care with Caritas Family Solutions. For several years now he has made a cash donations to this Toy Drive that is hosted by his sister Carolyn Burzynski and Family. Donations can be sent in his memory to Carolyn Burzynski 7725 Clayborne St Mulkeytown Il. 62865 or PayPal account cburzynski59@gmail.com