James Ralph Dean, 94, of Sesser, IL passed away on Wednesday May 6, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Marion, IL.

He was born in Chilhowie, Virginia on July 26, 1931 the son of James Horton & Mary Bradley (Hicks) Dean.

He married Emma Sue (Ratcliff) on October 21, 1952. They would have celebrated their 74th Anniversary this year.

He was an Army Veteran and a steel worker, retiring from Northwestern Steel & Wire in Sterling, IL. They moved to Sesser, IL 30 years ago. He was a member of the Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church. He was a great fisherman, and at last count he had cleaned over 44,000 fish. He was a great family man who enjoyed playing games such as Dominos, Rook, and Phase 10. As of six months ago, he was still very active in their garden and flowerbeds.

Mr. Dean is survived by his:

Wife: Emma Sue Dean of Sesser

4 Children:
James Eddie Dean & wife Susan of Johnston City, IL
Dianna Marie Laaker & husband Kenny of Sterling, IL
Lisa Lynnette Wiersema & husband Mark of Chadwick, IL
Christopher Joel Dean & wife Terri of Macedonia, IL

10 Grandchildren

14 Great-Grandchildren

8 Great-Great-Grandchildren

2 Sisters:
Betty Haga Chilhowie, VA
Mary Carrico & husband J.W. of Marion, VA

Mr. Dean was preceded in death by his Parents, a Great-Grandson, 2 Sisters-Sis & Frances Ann and 2 Brothers-Paul Dean & William Dean.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, May 11th at Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church in Sesser with Pastor Larry Cook & Pastor John Hollis officiating. Family Burial with Military Rites by Sesser VFW Post #4753 will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Monday at the church.

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

Josephine “Jo” Moore, 102, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026. Jo was born on February 11, 1924, in Benton, to William C. Ludwig and Iva Webb Ludwig. She was a graduate of Benton Community High School (Class of 1942) and an alumna of Southern Illinois University.

She married Kenneth “Pete” Moore on December 5, 1947, and together they made their home in Benton. Jo began her career as a stenographer for a Franklin County judge before joining Franklin Hospital in 1961, where she would go on to serve for over 50 years. During that time she worked in administration, serving as official secretary of both the Hospital Board and Medical Staff. Upon her retirement in 2012, she was honored by the hospital staff and recognized by the Benton Evening News as part of their “Women in the Workforce” feature.

In retirement, Jo made her home at Lake of Egypt, where she tended an extensive flower garden, cared for countless animals, and enjoyed life on the water. She enjoyed traveling to visit family across the country. A devoted fan of the SIU Salukis and Benton Rangers, Jo held season tickets for much of her life and was honored at SIU Arena on her 100th birthday.

Jo had a gift for lighting up every room she entered. Her warmth and wit drew people to her naturally, and those lucky enough to know her were treated to her sharp humor and an endless supply of stories told with perfect timing. Even at 102, she met life with the same optimism and determination that defined her from the very beginning.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lorma, and her husband. She is survived by her daughter, Mary May Moore, and son-in-law Tom Corpora of Hilton Head Island, SC, and by three grandchildren: Jillian Corpora of Denver, CO; Nic Corpora and his wife Heidi of San Francisco, CA; and Simone Corpora of Greenville, SC. She is also survived by her three nieces — Beverly, Barbara, and Blythe Bauer, daughters of her late sister Lorma — and their families.

Jo was able to live independently in her own home until shortly before her death, a gift made possible by the generous care of her friends and neighbors. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Spangler, DaRosa, Finnigan, Broadway, Watson, and Beurger families for making Jo’s comfort and companionship a priority in her final years.

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

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 31, 2026, from 2-5 p.m. at “Just Add Water” at Lake of Egypt. All are welcome to come and share their favorite memories of Jo.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com

Shelia Marie Kays, age 68, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at her home in Christopher, IL.

Shelia was born on February 18, 1958, to Charles and Imo June (Hayes) Kays in Benton, IL. She was a loving daughter, mother and grandmother. Sheila attended Benton Community High School. In her pastime she enjoyed gardening and fishing. Another joy for Sheila was being a pet owner and loved taking care of them.

Sheila is survived by her loving children, Brittany (Jason Palmer) Carter of Sesser, IL and Bryan (Melissa) Carter of Cibolo, TX; her mother, Imo June Kays; grandchildren, Austyn Palmer and Ainsley Palmer; brothers and sisters, Mark (Debby) Kays, Matthews Kays, Guy Kays, Becky Wendling and Gwen (Phillip) Long and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Kays and her special friend, Harold Tennison.

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

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Cleta Colleen Corzine, age 80, of Benton, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Heritage Woods of Benton.

Cleta was born on May 24, 1945, in Cypress, IL, the daughter of Cletus and Martha Mae (Gurley) Corzine.

She formerly worked in a factory and managed motels for her brother.

Ms. Corzine loved making arts and crafts. She loved fishing and ceramics and making Indian dolls. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with family, friends, and the Golden Girls of Heritage Woods.

Surviving is her loving sons: Robert Beggs and wife Kristina of Christopher, IL, Randy Beggs of Beckley, WV, David Brandom of Empire, AL, and Mike Burroughs and wife Ericka of Empire, AL; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: Vernon, Donald, and Eddie.

Ms. Corzine’s wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

The family prefers memorial contributions in memory of Cleta be made to Can’s Can Ministries, 205 Bailey Lane, Benton, IL 62812.

To give online condolences to the family, go to www,lpfuneralhome.com.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

 

Jackie Dean Stewart, 79, met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ face to face on April 29th, 2026. Jack was born to Clyde and Stella (Burzynski) Stewart in Herrin, IL. Jack was also lovingly known as Mad Dog, Papaw, Big Jack Cadillac, Smilin’ Jack, Pops, and Jack O’Lantern.

Jack was survived by the love of his life of almost 52 years, Kerrie (Lampley) Stewart. His girls and their spouses, Amanda, son in law, Jason Varner, and Ashley, son in law, Ryan Cross. Also surviving Jack are his grandchildren, his pride and joy, Ellington and Rayson Varner, and Jacksen, Laben, Aden, and Aaren Cross.

Jack loved Jesus, and Jack loved his family. Chances are, if you gave him a minute to talk, he’d first tell you about his Jesus, and then about his family, as he so often said, “I am a blessed man”, accompanied by his famous smile.

Jack became a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in 1979, and was ordained as a deacon there on June 11th, 1988. He served as Sunday School Director, Church Bus Driver, Youth Worker, on the Finance Committee, and any other role that needed to be filled, he did it! His most recent and most known role was as the weekly greeter on Sunday mornings. He welcomed everyone that walked through the doors!

Jack leaves behind siblings, Mary Lou Mandrell, Clyde (Bud) Stewart, Beverly Seddon, William Richard (Dick) Stewart, and Danny Jo Stewart, along with many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, double cousins, and all of those who loved him. They all knew he loved them too.

Jack worked at the Illinois Department of Transportation for 34 years. When he retired from the state, Jack tried his luck at real estate, where some could say he was mildly successful.

Other than his family and his church, Jack loved being generous and helping others. You could often find him visiting shut ins, calling widows to make sure they didn’t need anything, or just inviting others to church. You could also find him solving the worlds problems at the coffee shop with the Breakfast Bunch, humbly shooting par on the golf course any given weekday, watching the Benton Rangers, or working in his yard, however, his favorite thing to do was follow his grandkids to any sport they were in and cheer them on in his quiet, steady way.

The world is a little less bright without his generous heart and kind smile. We lost a good, good man.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, siblings James Robert (Bob) Stewart, and Joann Waggoner.

The family will hold visitation on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, at Immanuel Baptist Church, from 5-8 pm, and funeral services, officiated by Dr. Kirk Kay and Dr. Sammy Simmons on Sunday, May 3rd, promptly beginning at 1:30 pm, at the church . There will be no burial after the service.

Morton and Johnston have graciously handled the services for the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church or to NAMB Send Relief.

Matthew Ryan Eurgil, 43, of Pinckneyville, Illinois, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026, at his home. He was born September 3, 1982, to David and Linda (Stamm) Eurgil.

Matthew graduated from Pinckneyville Community High School in 2000. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country during the Iraq War as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was honorably discharged in 2004 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After returning to his hometown, Matthew attended Southern Illinois University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He was an avid hiker, and one of his greatest accomplishments was climbing Mount Fuji. He was also dedicated to helping others, becoming involved in training dogs to assist veterans suffering from PTSD. He was the proud owner of his personal service dog, Milo.

Matthew is survived by his father, David Eurgil; his brother, David Eurgil II (Amber); his sister, Alison (Eurgil) Baria (Marcus); and his nieces and nephews: Donovan, Alexandria, Lily, Isabella, Cole, David III, and Canon. He is also survived by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and his brothers from the United States Marine Corps.

He also leaves behind Jill and Ryan Wetzel; Hannah Wetzel; Deb and Mark Germann; Jarrod and Lana Tobin and their son, Kaeden; and Amy and Tyler Burk and their children, Will and Nate.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Stamm Eurgil; his grandparents, Omar and Rosalie Stamm; and Felix and Irene Eurgil.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Cemetery in Ruma, Illinois.

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

James Richard “Rich” McCollum, 77, of Benton, passed away at 3:45 p.m., on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at his home in Benton, IL.

He was born on September 9, 1948, to James and Helen (Johnson) McCollum in Christopher, IL. Rich earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Northeast Louisiana University and worked as a pharmacist for 50 years. On March 19, 1993, he married Brenda Gaither Webster and she survives.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Benton, IL. He was a Mason at Akin Masonic Lodge No. 749.
Rich enjoyed quail and turkey hunting, fishing, playing the piano and saxophone, golfing, and in his youth playing baseball. He loved English Setters and Boykin Spaniels especially his boy, Boomer.

Rich is survived by his loving spouse of 33 years, Brenda McCollum, his son, Ryan James McCollum; his daughter, Kathleen Tucker and husband, Jeremy; and his step-daughter, Christina Wakefield and husband, Richard; his sister, Becky McCollum; his brother, Mike McCollum and wife, Tammy and seven grandchildren, Kathleen, Ryan, Jason, Jayden, Katelyn, Ricky and Eric.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Ernest and Helen Beatrice McCollum and his brother, Mark Kern.

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

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held directly after the visitation on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Sandy Bain, officiating. The funeral service will include masonic rites.

Private burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton IL.

Memorials may be made to the Akin Masonic Lodge No. 749 or to the Benton Fire/Police Department and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Dale Earl Viehland, 67, of Christopher, passed away on Friday April 24, 2026 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN.

He was born on June 21, 1958 in Hillsboro, IL to Earl and Dorothy (Riemann) Viehland.

He is survived by his children Josh Viehland of St Charles, MO and Mike Viehland of St Charles, MO; eleven grandchildren Jakob, Addison, Aiden, Kaydance, Lakota, Ariah, Harlow, Emma, Avarie, Avia and Karder; one great grandchild Alahni and one sister Ruth Duff of Marion.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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