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

Ronald Gene Baerg, age 86, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton, Illinois.
Mr. Baerg’s wishes are to be cremated. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Ronald was born on August 11, 1940, in Shafter, California, the son of George and Addie Mae “Janice” (Bewley) Baerg. He first married the former Vineta Dunford, and she preceded him in death on February 1, 2017. He would later marry the former Donna Odam and she survives.

He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Thompsonville, Illinois. He volunteered at 3ABN of Thompsonville, to pray with people over the phone. He thoroughly enjoyed helping others by praying with and for them, sometimes he would answer 20 calls per day Monday through Thursday. Besides being with his family, helping others through the prayer line with 3ABN was the most important part of his life. Per Ron’s request, 3ABN was trying to work out the details through Franklin Hospital on how to get him a phone line to be able to continue his ministry of praying for those with their needs in their spiritual and personal lives. While living in Glendale, Arizona he was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and preached on an Indian Reservation. Through his faith in God, he ministered and traveled to Nigeria and Jerusalem.

His working career as a truck driver had many memorable trips, hauling logs in central and northern California. He also hauled concrete to Phoenix, Arizona during the construction of the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball stadium.
Ronald enjoyed owning hot rods, off road jeep riding, racing motorcycles on both flat track and in the desert. He was also a private airplane pilot. He was a loving husband and especially loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who he dearly loved.

Surviving is his wife that he called her “his sweet one” Donna Baerg of Benton, Illinois, children including: Mick Baerg and wife Diana of Columbia, Kentucky, Brendon Baerg and wife Gina of Desert Hills, Arizona, Dr. James Sheppard and wife Audrey of Texas, Bekki Frey and husband Thomas of Tunnel Hill, Illinois, Penny Rich and husband Richard of Goreville, Illinois, Chadwick Ganz of Arizona; grandchildren: Brendon, Brian, Ben “BJ” and wife Ari, Jon, Will, Christina, Dylan, Alijah, Lucas, Zach, Greyson, Annika, Rebekah, Hannah and significant other Darren, Noah and significant other Amber, Alicia and husband Adam, and Charlee; great-grandchildren: Zander, Nicholas, Phoenix, Carter, Everly, Parker, Wrenley, Aspen, Eco and Maverick; a sister Sharon Lane of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; his cats Rudy and Nicky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, and a sister Linda Wilkerson.
A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Thompsonville, Illinois with Pastor Terry Shelton officiating.

Memorial Contributions, In Loving Memory of Ronald, may be made to Ron and Donna Baerg to assist with final expenses, and may be mailed to 3ABN, C/O Ron and Donna Baerg, P.O. Box 220, West Frankfort, Illinois 62896.

To give condolences to the family online, or to share memories of Ronald, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Curtis Richard Neal, 93, of East Wenatchee, Washington, passed away unexpectedly on September 22, 2026.

Curtis and Lois Carol Herman married March 1, 1957, in Duvall, WA, and shared 63 years of marriage. Carol preceded him in death in 2020, as did his brother Howard Neal in 2017. He is survived by his children, Scott Neal (Pam), Cynthia Colin (Ralph), Gregory Neal, and David Neal; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Curtis served 26 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, including a tour in Vietnam, and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. While serving in Washington, D.C., he participated in, and won, several shooting competitions.
After retiring, Curtis became a commercial welder and moved to East Wenatchee, where he worked on commercial buildings for fruit-packing companies. He later planted a cherry orchard and enjoyed running a U-pick cherry stand.

Curtis was a longtime member and Treasurer of the Wenatchee Masonic Lodge and was passionate about genealogy. Quiet and reserved, he loved his family deeply.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. at Neal Cemetery in West Frankfort, Illinois, on Friday, October 2, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Wenatchee Veterans Affairs in memory of Curtis.

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

Hope Hale, age 86, of Ewing; went to be with her Lord and Savior at 2:05 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Hospital of Mt. Vernon.

Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Ewing Cemetery, with Rev. Bryant Harris officiating. Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home is in charge of the services.

Hope was born on February 18, 1940, in Benton, Kentucky, the daughter of Kermit and Dessie (Dowdy) Cope. On May 11, 1959, she married James V. Hale and he survives.

She was a retired secretary from Joy Manufacturing in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Over the years, Mrs. Hale and her husband faithfully attended the First Free Will Baptist Church of Benton, Illinois, the Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church of Sesser, Illinois, and in latter years the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church of Ewing, Illinois, until their health failed them.

Hope enjoyed bowling, gardening, and helping at youth camp in the kitchen at Camp Hope. Most of all she loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jim Hale of Ewing, Illinois; her loving children: Scott Hale of Ewing, Illinois, Terri Kranawetter and husband Lloyd of Christopher, Illinois, Kenneth Hale of Ewing, Illinois; three grandchildren: Matt Jones and wife Betsy of Nashville, Tennessee, Chad Jones of Tampa, Florida, Zack Hale and wife Megan of DuQuoin, Illinois; four great-grandchildren: Charlie Jones, Tommy Jones, Meelah Hale and Aurora Hale; a sister June Yates of Benton, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Allen Hale, and two brothers: Irvin Cope and Dale Cope.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mrs. Hope Hale, to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the graveside service.
To give condolences online, or to share memories of Hope, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Jill Sampson, 70, of Hahira, Georgia, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026. Mrs. Sampson was born on February 28, 1956, in Mt. Vernon, IL to the late Mary Ellen and Ken Louis Jones.

She met Terry Sampson, her husband, in high school, and they began dating shortly after graduation. They both then attended Southwest Baptist University together. They got married shortly after, in 1977, and Terry went to seminary, moving them both to New Orleans. They served Gentilly church in New Orleans for three years and had their first daughter. Afterwards, they moved to Warner Robins to serve their next church before moving to Ruston, Louisiana, where they had their second daughter. They then moved to Humboldt to serve their next ministry at First Baptist together for 11 years. Then left once again and settled down in Covington at Zion Baptist for 16 years. In 2017, Valdosta became their home as they began serving First Baptist of Valdosta.

Mrs. Sampson loved to read any and all books, and she loved to work in her yard and go to the beach. Her greatest passion was teaching preschoolers and children in the churches where she and Terry served.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Terry Sampson; daughters Jennifer (Joey) Rolen and Brittany (Derek) Riley; brother Brent (Tracy) Jones; grandchildren, Mercedes, Sincerity, Cash, Eleanor, Charles, Josiah, and Edith; nephews, Blake (Madison) Jones, Zach (Shelby); great nephews Memphis, Kasen Jones; nieces Jennifer Upcraft, and Melissa (John) Bean; sister-in-law, Diana (John) Upcraft; and brother-in-law, Wayne Sampson. She was preceded by her parents, Mary and Ken Jones.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center or First Baptist Repair Fund.

Funeral Service for Mrs. Sampson will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 29, at the First Baptist church. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 5 – 7 p.m., at the Carson McLane Funeral Home, Valdosta, GA.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Condolences may be made online at www.patefh.com

Carol Jean (Faulkner) Atchison, 79, of Benton, Illinois, formerly of Sesser, Illinois, passed away on September 26, 2026. She was born on February 20, 1947, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to Eugene C. and Betty J. Faulkner.

Carol was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose family was at the heart of her life. She was the mother of three children, Sue, Gena, and Andy. Carol’s first child, Sue, was placed for adoption at birth, and years later, Carol and Sue were reunited bringing a special and meaningful relationship in to Carol’s later years.

Carol was blessed with seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who brought her great joy and many cherished memories. She treasured the time she spent with her family and will be remembered for the love she gave to those around her.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Kent Atchison; her parents, Eugene C. and Betty J. Faulkner; and her brother, Thomas Faulkner.

She is survived by her children, Sue Nichols, Gena Atchison and wife Chelsey, and Andy Atchison and wife Kim; seven grandchildren Logan, Carly, Zailee, Camden, Thomas, Kara and Timothy; one great-grandchild Owen; and her brothers, Joe Faulkner and Robert Faulkner, along with extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Carol’s life was defined by family, love, and the relationships she built throughout the years. Her reunion with her first child was a special chapter in her life and a reminder that some of life’s most meaningful connections can find their way back to us.

Funeral service will be on Sunday October 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM at the funeral home.

She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

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