Bradford “Brad” Kirk, 72, of Sesser, passed peacefully on May 17, 2026.

Brad was born to Herschel “Doc” and Virginia “Gee” (Wyatt) Kirk on September 8, 1953.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents Herschel “Doc” and Virginia “Gee” Kirk and brother James. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Terry. His children and their spouses, Lacy (Bryan) Woolsey, Afton (Chad) Szczeblewski, and Jordan (Brittany) Kirk. Also surviving are his grandchildren, his pride and joy, Gabe and Carson Woolsey, Ryder Szczeblewski, and Baylor Kirk.

Brad was a proud member of the UMWA and worked for Consolidated coal at Burning Star #4 mine for 24 years. After the closure of the mine, Brad attended SIUC where he earned his degree in industrial technology. He wore many hats over the years working in parts/service management for heavy equipment, and car/RV sales. His final, and favorite, “retirement” job being a bus driver for the Sesser-Valier School District. He truly enjoyed being a part of the school community and looked forward to his daily interactions with the kids on his route.

Brad had many great qualities that made him special. He was an exceptional husband, dad, and grandpa, always showing love and support. He was a true people person and enjoyed connecting with others. He worked hard and took pride in his work. Sick days and time off were not in his vocabulary. He was a problem solver, the “fixer” of all. He was also a loyal friend and cherished those friendships. His self-less, kind, welcoming soul will be forever missed by all who loved him.

In honor of his final wishes, a private celebration of life will be held, by his loving family, at a later date. His final resting place will be at Old Baptist Cemetery in Waltonville, IL. In memory, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society to honor Brad, his brave battle with pancreatic cancer and his hope to help others.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com.

Robert Henry Zappa, age 61, of West Frankfort, passed away Monday morning at his home in West Frankfort.

Robert was born August 6, 1964, in Oahu, Hawaii; the son of John Henry Zappa and Barbara (Buckner Zappa. He married the former Leslie Ellen Shockley on September 24, 2011, and she survives.

He worked in the fencing business and worked with several area fencing companies including Terrace Fence, Gardner Fence and Allegiance Fence.

Robert enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching Ghost Adventures and Westerns.

Surviving is his loving wife Leslie Zappa of West Frankfort, IL; a son Cody Zappa of Energy, IL, two step-sons: Bobby and Lee Land; a grandson Jude Zappa; siblings: Brian Zappa and wife Oona of Eldorado, IL, Angela Poland and husband John of Marion, IL, John Zappa of West Frankfort, IL, Loren Lemasters of Marion, IL, Dana Lemasters of West Frankfort, IL, father-in-law and mother-in-law Paul and Ellen Shockley of Benton, IL; a brother-in-law Jeff Shockley of Benton, IL; a sister-in-law Rachel Shockley of Benton, IL; his buddy Smokey the cat; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father John Henry Zappa; his mother and stepfather Barbara and Loren Lemasters, and a sister Brenda Crawford.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Jim Muir officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Future burial services will be at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL, and will be announced when scheduled.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Robert, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Benjamin F. Mason, 83, of Christopher formerly of Sherman, IL, passed away on Saturday May 16, 2026 at his daughter’s home.

He was born on December 22, 1942 in New Madrid, MO to David Edward and Demealia Francine (Branam) Mason. He married Marjorie (Keller) Mason in 1995 and she preceded him in death on March 18, 2021.

He is survived by his first wife and mother of his children Ann Mason of Tamaroa, his children Troy Mason of Springfield, IL and Melanie (Ray) Melton of Christopher; grandchildren Josh (Whitney) Melton, Courtney Mason, Alicia (Joey) Eisenhaur, Jordan (Jared) Montgomery, Dane (Flo) Mason and Alaina (Jason) Marlow and fourteen great grandchildren; one sister Caroline (James) Clark of Chillicothe, IL and one brother Gary Mason of Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, second wife, one son Benjamin Keith Mason, two brothers Lynn Edward Mason and Albert Eugene Mason and one sister Linda Joan Boum.

Funeral services will be on Thursday May 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 10:00 AM. Graveside service will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield at 2:00 PM on Thursday May 21, 2026.

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

James “Jim” Kramer, 82, of Creal Springs, passed away on Sunday May 17, 2026 at Deaconess Hospital in Marion.

He was born on June 6, 1943 to Henry and Geraldine (Westra) Kramer. He married Susan (Whaley) Kramer and she survives of Creal Springs.

He is also survived by his children James & mandy Kramer of Mt Pleasant, SC and Karalyn Kramer DeConinck; grandchildren Brett DeConinck, Bobby DeConinck, Nicky DeConinck, Wesley Kramer, Clayton Kramer, Alison Kramer, Kailen Kramer and Nolen Kramer and one sister Karen Marfise of Michigan.

Jim’s wishes were to be cremated.

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

Carl Roger Skinion was born October 23, 1960 to Merle and Fortunata ‘Babe’ Skinion in Christopher, IL.

The youngest of three boys, Carl grew up surrounded by the love of his brothers, Jay and Robert, who along with his parents, preceded him in death. A niece, Katrina Ann Skinion of Benton, survives.

Carl was the proud owner and operator of Hey Carl’s bar in Benton, IL. Throughout his life, he found joy in serving others—not just drinks, but laughter, friendship and a sense of belonging. Whether behind the bar or out in the community, Carl had a natural gift for making people feel welcome.

Carl enjoyed horseracing, golf and just about any sport you could put in front of him. He knew a little about a lot of things and a lot about a few things, and he could talk to absolutely anyone about nearly anything. He was a special guy.

Carl loved people. Even as his health declined, he chose company over solitude, connection over retreat. He was a loyal friend to many throughout his 65 years–a kind, generous soul with a quiet strength that never wavered. Carl didn’t accept defeat easily; he simply kept moving forward. His presence, humor, and steadfast spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held in Carl’s honor Saturday, May 23, 2026 11 am – 3 pm at the Boneyard Boccie Club in Benton, IL.

Karen Richel (Basso) Shurtz, 75, of Ramer, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, April 12 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on July 5, 1950 in Christopher, IL to Donald and Beverly (Gulley) Basso. She married Wayne Shurtz and he survives of Ramer. She is also survived by her children Stacee (Errick) Reveron of Florida, Donny of Tennessee, and Jean & Joey Buffkin of Tennessee; daughter-in-law Tessa Shurtz; 13 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; and siblings, Rick (Sandy) Basso and Jeanne (Chuck) Wright. She was preceded in death by her father. Her wishes were to be cremated.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE Service will be held for Karen Richel Basso Shurtz at Eternal Friends in Christ Church in Sesser, IL at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 24th with visitation from noon until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eternal Friends in Christ Church, Chewalla Baptist Church in Tennessee, or Donate Life America. If possible, Karen had requested that bright colors be worn before her passing.

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