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.

Mark Duran Samuels was a true muckraker, a passionate journalist who owned newspapers, published newspaper, edited newspapers, wrote opinions for newspapers and sold advertising for newspapers.

His work took him across the United States and once to Cuba with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Paul’s request. Mark died June 4, 2026 and was laid to rest in a private service on June 12, 2026.

Mark earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University, his Master’s from University of Illinois, and attended one year at the Simmons Law School at Carbondale.
A good bourbon, an interesting book, an early morning tee time, and a flat billiards table with responsive cushions made Mark a happy man.

He could sight read music at an early age; sang Tenor and later Baritone. He played guitar and probably bought, swapped, and played more trumpets than Maynard Ferguson!

Several close relatives preceded Mark in death including his Mother, Lois (Bryant Samuels) Jenkins and Elmer Jenkins of Benton. Maternal grandparents John and Anita Bryant of West Frankfort, Paternal grandparents Wayne “Teenie” and Nellie Samuels of Benton, and Wayne Richard Samuels of Benton.

Mark has a sister who loved him very much; Lyndy Girten and husband Donnie Girten of Benton, his nephew Codey Girten and wife Jacqueline who live in California with their daughter Cynthia, and he spent time together in the last weeks of his life with his nephew, Trevor Girten of Benton talking about their shared interest in billiards and reading. Mark bought Trevor his first trumpet.

I hope he felt it clearly, how deeply he was loved, even after goodbye.

Mark shared the same love and kindness toward animals that his Mother did. After his death, his faithful fury cat, Baby Love Mona Lisa, was adopted by a family friend who was grateful to have her.

If you feel so moved, Franklin County Animal Control is always in need of donations for their fur babies! It would be a blessing for the animals and a way to honor Mark. Donations can be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter ,13163 Oddfellows Lane, Benton, IL 62812, 618-438-9197

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

Michael Alan Tygett, 45, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at his home due to complications from congestive heart failure and pneumonia.

Michael was born on May 14, 1981, to Rick and Mary (Eurgil) Tygett. He graduated from Sesser-Valier High School in 1999 and went on to attend Southern Illinois University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications.

Michael was an outgoing and personable individual who never met a stranger. He could talk for hours about the subjects he was passionate about and had a gift for connecting with people. He especially enjoyed spending time in the garage with his father, restoring cars and sharing a hobby that brought them both great pride and enjoyment. In recent years, Michael dedicated much of his time to caring for his parents, providing them with unwavering love, support, and companionship. Above all, he cherished his family—especially his mother, his nieces and nephews, his great-niece, and his beloved dog, Fritz.

Michael is survived by his mother, Mary Tygett; his sister, Michele Epplin (Ed) of Troy, IL; his sister, Jennifer Zinzilieta (Craig) of Benton, IL; and his brother, Tim Tygett (Allison) of Palos Hills, IL. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Luke Epplin, Alexis Epplin (fiancé Jacob Campbell), Lauren Zinzilieta, Jake Zinzilieta (fiancée Lexi Windes) and their daughter, Layla Zinzilieta, Emma Zinzilieta, Timmy Tygett, and Zach Tygett. In addition, he leaves behind a large extended family, including his aunt and uncle, Cheryl and Charles Dame; his uncle, David Eurgil; several cousins; and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rick Tygett; his grandparents, Felix and Irene (Sopala) Eurgil, James Tygett and Viva (Mabry) Tygett Eovaldi, and step-grandfather, Adolph Eovaldi; his aunt, Linda Eurgil; and his cousin, Matthew Eurgil.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Memorial Service at 11:45 AM on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, Illinois with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:45 AM. Following the service, the procession will head to Maple Hill Cemetery for the interment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois.

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

Jerry Wayne Vaughn, age 65, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 7:05 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026.

Jerry was born on July 3, 1960, in Herrin, Illinois; the son of Harold Vaughn and Vera (Childers) Irby. He was a 1979 graduate of Zeigler-Royalton High School and the Zeigler Christian Academy. He married the former Robyn Sue Workman on September 4, 1981, and she survives.

He was a retired school bus driver with Benton Consolidated High School District #103, and a member of the Zeigler Eagles Aerie #2444.
Jerry and his wife Robyn attended the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton.

Jerry loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles, gardening, and he thoroughly loved mowing the grass. He also enjoyed playing cards, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving wife of 45 years, Robyn Vaughn of Benton, Illinois, a daughter Rhonda Sue Vaughn of Benton, Illinois, his siblings including: Leta Carr and husband Edward of Mulkeytown, Illinois, Myra Day of Thompsonville, Illinois, David Irby of Texas, Carl Lee Irby and wife Linda of Energy, Illinois, Conrad Irby and wife Barbara of West Frankfort, Illinois, Caryn Humphry and husband Mike of West Frankfort, Illinois, many special friends, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Gary Vaughn, a brother Robert Irby, and two half-brothers: Chuck Irby and Stephen Wallenmeyer.

Public visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church, 707 East Webster Street, Benton, Illinois. Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Chris Hammonds officiating. Burial will follow in the Zeigler Cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.

The family prefers that Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Jerry, be made to the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton and will be accepted at the services.

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

Twila Dawn Tiberend, age 53, of Benton, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 10:05 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Twila was born on September 25, 1972, in Perth-Andover New Brunswick, Canada; the daughter of Royce and Bernice (Currie) Tompkins. She moved to Minnesota at the age of twenty-one and met the love of her life Robert Tiberend and married him two years later, on April 8, 1995.

She was a management level chef at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, Illinois. Twila loved her job at SIU, teaching her staff, chatting with students, and helping students with special dietary needs.

Twila was an active member of the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton, where she was very involved in the church ministry and activities. She spent 7 summers planning, shopping, and cooking for as many as four hundred campers on the Illinois District Campgrounds.

She loved meeting up with a friend to chat over breakfast, lunch, or a game of Skip-bo. Mostly, Twila loved her family and hosting in her home. She was happiest when her home was full of chatter and laughter and always prayed that with or without her, people would always feel welcome and safe within its walls.

Surviving is her loving husband of 31 years, Robert Tiberend of Benton, Illinois, a daughter Sierra Tiberend of Okinawa, Japan, two sons: Kaleb Tiberend and wife Madelyn of Benton, Illinois, Ethan Tiberend and wife Lillian of Greenville, Illinois, her mother Bernice Tompkins of St. John New Brunswick, Canada, a brother Daniel Tompkins of Alberta, Canada, a sister Annette MacDonald and husband Kenneth of St. John New Brusnwick, Canada, a sister-in-love Nancy Adams of Alberta, Canada, father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Sherry Tiberend of West Frankfort, Illinois, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Matt and Ida Tiberend of Benton, Illinois, several nieces, nephews and her church family.

She was preceded in death by her father Royce Tompkins, a daughter Jennique Tiberend, a grandchild Eden Tiberend, and a sister Rebecca Tompkins.

Public visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church, 707 East Webster Street, Benton, Illinois. Funeral Services will follow at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Chris Hammonds and Rev. James Price officiating.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.
The family prefers that Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Twila, be made to Sierra Tiberend for her Missionary Endeavors and Journey in Japan.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Twila, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.