John L Watson, 71, of Sesser, died Sunday, April 27, 2025, at home.

He was born June 1, 1953 in Du Quoin, IL to Wray Watson and Ann (Howe) Watson. On June 20, 1992, he was married to Janet (Williams) Watson, who survives. Other survivors include a sister, Patricia Kanovsky of Homosassa, FL; one step-daughter, Mikah Salonies of Wentzville, MO; one step-son, Deric Brookman of Charlotte, NC, and two step-grandchildren Karsen and Will. John was preceded in death by his parents Wray and Ann Watson, his brother Robert Watson, and his sister Elsie “Toots” Pope.

John was a lifelong resident of Sesser. He was a coal miner for 20 years before working as a pest control technician until his retirement. He was a member of the Ainad Shriners.

Funeral services will be on Friday May 2, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the First Methodist Church in Sesser with Pastor Jim Slone officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM at the Church. Burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery in Sesser. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Methodist Church, envelopes will be available at the church.

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

Alan King, 89, of Benton, passed away on Sunday April 27, 2025 at his home.

He was born on February 18, 1936 in Ewing, IL to Howard Marshall Williams and June Fern King. He married Retonia (Fowler) King and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his daughter Denise (John) Stoecklin of Marion; four grandchildren Chase Fann, Amanda Farrell, Samantha Bandy and Cassandra Hargraves; four great grandchildren Rowan, Brennan, Sawyer and Harper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one daughter, Debra Hargraves.

He was a loving husband and father. He loved farming, the outdoors, his animals and gardening. He was an avid pyro technician and an active member of the NRA.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday April 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 Am until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Winemiller Cemetery in Whittington.

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

Doris Jean Hobbs, 99, of Benton, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 11:32 a.m., on Thursday, April 24, 2025, surrounded with her loving daughter at the Mt. Vernon Care Center, Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born on January 13, 1926, to Walter and Zelma (Luster) Gunter in Benton, IL. She married Clyde Hobbs.

Doris was a devoted Christian and a member of the West City Church of God, where she faithfully attended for many years. She was a loving mother and grandmother. Doris enjoyed quilting, crocheting, sewing and taking care of her pet dog, which she loved dearly.

Doris is survived by her daughter, Sheri Dyel and husband Mark of Benton, IL; and two grandsons, Shane Dyel and Reid Dyel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Zelma Gunter; husband, Clyde Hobbs; and a sister, Phyllis Hunter.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Pate Funeral Home, with the Reverend John Odle, officiating. Services will conclude at Pate Funeral Home, and a private burial will take place at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

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

Barbara Ann Osteen, age 83, of West Frankfort, passed away at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025, at her home.

Barbara’s wishes are to be cremated.A Celebration of Life Service Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

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

Bill Rea passed away April 23rd, 2025.

Bill was born on January 2nd, 1937, at home, to Willie and Daphna (Eickelmann) Rea in the rural Mt.Pleasant community. A graduate of Mt. Pleasant Grade School, Valier High School and Southern Illinois University, Bill was very entrepreneurial and ready to take risks. He wrote and published his own independent newspaper while in High School, left the University of Illinois the second he turned 18 to join the Army and then the 82nd Paratroopers to earn extra “Jump Pay” and prove that he had a little more courage than the average fellow. He spent two years stationed in Germany at the height of the Cold War and his unit was mobilized at the time of the Hungarian Uprising in 1956 to “jump into” Hungary and take on the Soviet tanks if war were declared. When questioned by his son later in life if he was scared, he replied “Not really. I just thought that things would work out.” Those two sentences capture the essence of how he lived his life.

Bill was involved in several business activities– farming, building and selling houses, creating a version of PayPal for fellow G.I.s in Germany, but he spent most of his working life in the Insurance industry as Adjustory, Field Agent and later co-owner and owner of Independent Insurance Agencies in Harrisburg, Equality and Johnson City.

While attending SIU Carbondale in the Fall of 1959, he met Judy Venoski of Herrin. They fell in love, were quickly engaged and married on January 16th, 1960 at St. Mary’s Church in Herrin, in front of a beautiful altar crafted by the Italian artisans who settled Herrin in the early 20th Century. The young couple lived in Champaign, Illinois; St. Louis and Marion before purchasing in 1965, and later remodeling, the Palmer and Norma Rea farmhouse in which his father and aunts and uncles had been raised. Bill and Judy travelled widely– in the United States and overseas– Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, Malta– and loved reading and watching shows about different places, people and ideas. But Bill was very much a product of the Mt. Pleasant Community and its people. From his childhood home, he had a direct view of Mt. Pleasant School. From the second story office of his home, he could see his Uncle Wesley Rea’s home and farm, and later his cousin Mark’s, his good friend Rudy Uhles childhood home, the Mt. Pleasant Church that he attended as a youth, and the cemetery where so many of his family were buried, including his beloved parents, and in which he will be buried.

Bill was confident, optimistic, caring and very generous of his time with his wife, friends, family and virtually everyone who came into contact with him. No wife had a better husband, no son had a better father, and no grandsons had a better grandpa.

Bill was preceded in death by both parents and an infant daughter, Robbie Lee Rea. Surviving are his wife Judy, son and daughter in law, Steve and Diana Rea, grandsons, John Palmer Rea and Will Lee Phillips Rea, brother in law Charlie Venoski and his best friend since 1942, Bob Smith, along with several cousins.

Funeral services will be Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Reverend Bill Uhles officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

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

Waymon “Wayne” O. Muse, 88, of Benton, passed away at 2:35 a.m., on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 3, 1937, to Von Muse and Isabell Puthuff in Coalinga, CA. Wayne married the former Charlene Hubert, and she survives.

Wayne served in the United States Navy and retired after 21 years as an Aviation Electrician achieving the rank of CPO (Chief Petty Officer). During his military career he served in the Vietnam Conflict.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Wayne enjoyed fishing, golfing and puttering around.

Wayne is survived by his loving spouse, Charlene, his children, Wayne Muse and wife, Brenda; Debi Miller and husband, Iain; Lisa Toloski and husband, Bruce; Leilani Roh and husband, David; and Von Muse; 14 grandchildren, Kiersten Muse, Wayne Muse, Brendan Muse, Kimberly (Miller) Iloreta, Hunter Miller, Jake Miller, Kehaulani Toloski, Timothy Toloski, Makana Roh, Melissa (Roh) Westbook, Madison Roh, Kainoa Muse, Kylie Muse and Gavin Muse and four great-grandchildren, Ava, Elle, Quinn and Oliver.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Von Muse and Isabell Puthuff, and his sister, Charlotte Adamek.

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

Per Wayne’s wishes, cremation will take place.

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

Grovetown, GA – Entered into rest on Saturday April 19, 2025, Mr. Donald Eugene Green, 86, loving husband of Phyllis Green.

Donald was a native of Marion, IL and graduated from Marion High School. He worked in construction for 40 years for CL Peck Contractors and Matt Construction. He retired in Grovetown, GA at the age of 65.

Family members, in addition to his wife, include his son: Mark Rainbolt (Ella); daughter: Rhonda Kay Saunders (Steve); grandchildren: Margaret Ann Saunders, Stevie Saunders, Jamie Rainbolt, and Alex Rainbolt; brother: Bobby Green; and nephew: Mike Green. He is preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Nellie Green and brothers: Billy and Tommy Green.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 4:00 P.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Rev. Tom Kalliokoski officiating.
Entombment will be at Coal Bank Springs Cemetery in Marion, IL on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Local arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 3:00 P.M., at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mr. Green, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Christine Thomas, age 70, of Benton, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025, at her home.

Christine was born on December 25, 1954, in Monticello, IL; the daughter of Lyndell Bert McChesney and Edna May (Hall) McChesney.

She worked as a beautician.

She enjoyed painting and working on jigsaw puzzles.

Chris loved her granddaughter and cherished her time spent with her. She also loved her dog “Cookie,” her cats “DJ” and “Beans,” which she referred to herself as their grand meow.

Surviving is her loving son Tyson Richard Gene Hungate of Benton, IL; granddaughter Erin Justice Nicole Hungate and Hailey McIntyre of Benton, IL; three sisters: Joy Lou Burton and husband Mark of Troy, IL, Sue Barnett of Corpus Christi, TX, Terry McChesney of Mt. Vernon, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

Ms. Thomas was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother Marty McChesney, a brother Jim McChesney, two sisters: Edie Pennell and Diane Miller, and her companion and friend David Bruce Wyant.

Her wishes are to be cremated.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

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

Donations in memory of Christine may be made to the organization of the donor’s choice.

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

Obituary for Jeanita Spillman
1946 – 2025

Jeanita Spillman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior in Springfield, Tennessee.

Born in 1946 to the late Stan and Mary “Woody” Williams, Jeanita lived a life full of grace, music, service, and devotion to her family. In her early years, she served as an operating room scrub nurse, bringing compassion and care to the medical field. Later, she embraced her role as a homemaker, pouring her heart into raising her family while also pursuing her passion for beauty and empowering women as a longtime Mary Kay beauty consultant and director.
Jeanita accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at North Benton Baptist Church, a decision that shaped her life and guided her in faith, love, and kindness to all who knew her.

Her love for music was well known. She sang in a country band, performed at various venues, and was a cherished part of the Steel Guitar Show that she and her husband organized and hosted for many years. Her voice and spirit brought joy to countless lives.
She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Merv Spillman of Springfield, TN; son Jason Spillman of Springfield, TN; daughter Natalie Spillman of Springfield, TN; grandchildren Braxton and wife Alyssa Pulliam of Benton, IL; Savannah and husband Chris Morris of Benton, IL; Sophia, Olivia, and Brody Spillman of California; and great-grandchildren Bryson and Kamryn. She is also survived by her sister Rita and husband Kevin Arcieri of Conroe, TX; brothers Stanley and wife Jean Ann Williams, David and wife Debbie Williams, and Guy Williams, all of Benton, IL; as well as several cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Andy Williams, Terry Williams, and Jim Fones.
Jeanita’s legacy is one of faith, love, music, and beauty. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten by those whose lives she touched.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.”
— Psalm 116:15 (NASB20)
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
— John 14:1–2 (NASB20)

Memorial Services:
May 4 at 2:30 p.m. — Benton Elks Lodge, Industrial Park Road, Benton, Illinois
May 25 at 2:00 p.m. — Troubadour Theater, Music Valley Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

Ronald Paul Mick, 84, of Valier, passed away on April 16, 2025 at Helia Healthcare Center in Benton.

He was born on July 19, 1940 at Miner’s Hospital in West Frankfort, IL to Sophia (Dubonouski) Mick Zimny and Frank Mick.

He graduated from Valier Community High School and Southern Illinois University where he received his Bachelors of Science Degree in both Biological Science and Mathematics. Ron went on to teach for 33 years starting at Webster Junior High School in Benton, Sesser-Valier Junior High, American School in Honduras, North Junior High in Collinsville, Driftwwod Middle School in Hollywood, FL and Central Junior High in Newton.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Geraldine Mercer and one brother Joseph Zimny.

He is survived by his sister Marsha (Zimny) Coady; nieces Kathy (Donnie) Smith and Amy (John) Prudent; one nephew Frank (Melody) Mercer; great nieces and nephews Jillian Prudent, Lucas Prudent, Jacob Waters, Samuel Waters, Suzanne Coady, Lisa Macera, Michael Coady, Jeffrey Coady, Joseph Zimny, Julie (Peter) Shpik and Katheryn Zimny; Ron’s special friends Sharon Songer, John Daugherty and Maxine Kimmel.

Ron’s wishes were to be cremated, a private graveside service will be held at a later day at Masonic & IOOF Cemetery in Benton.

Donations can be made to the ASPCA (Association Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals) and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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