Lyle Gene Utlaut, 85, of Sesser, passed away on Monday February 16, 2026 at Stonebridge Nursing Center in Benton.

He was born on February 27, 1940 in Greenville, IL to Harold and Orvetta (Ulmet) Utlaut. He married Marilyn Sue (Wingo) Utlaut on July 15, 1972 and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his children Rick (Teresa) Utlaut of Sesser, Starla (Tim) Jay of Johnston City, IL, Jason (Joni) Utlaut of Sesser and Mark Utlaut of St Louis, MO; grandchildren Ashley Williams, Courtney Utlaut, Brianna (Shawn) Gilbreath, Hannah Utlaut, Wyatt Utlaut, Adalynn Utlaut and Sylvie Utlaut; great grandchildren Kiley Williams, Malakai Cavins, Gabriella Delgadillo, Graciella Delgadillo, Kayden Stone, Ares Utlaut, Mia Utlaut, Brayden Miller, Braylee Utlaut and Braxton Wilson and one special little buddy Lilly Rose Hittle.

He was a coal miner and was a United States Army Veteran.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Donald Utlaut and brother Sterling Utlaut.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday February 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Walter Rexing officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Mary Jeanette Tate, age 79, of Benton, passed away at her home at 11:58 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Mrs. Tate was born December 25, 1946, in Buckner, Illinois the daughter of James Neal Morrison, Jr. and Della (Stalorites) Morrison.
Jeanette was a member of the West City Church of God. She enjoyed going to church and worshipping her Lord and Savior.

Her working career consisted of 25 years working as a legal secretary for Bill Hart, 20 years with IBEW Local 702, and with Attorney Paula Newcomb.

Jeanette enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards and attending her church.

She is survived by two sons Jason & Lisa Tate of West Frankfort, IL, and Andy & Megan Tate of Herrin, IL, two grandchildren Austin Tate and wife Mallory of St. Augustine, FL, and Madison Tate of West Frankfort, a brother James Morrison, III and wife Karen of Benton, IL, and several nieces, nephews, and her church family.
Mrs. Tate was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Rebecca Roberts.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the West City Church of God, with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Saturday at the West City Church of God. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Organization for Breast Cancer at www.komen.org or will be accepted at the service on Saturday.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Jeanette, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Cynthia “Cindy” Lynn (Whaley) Livesay, 69, of Benton, IL, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in West Frankfort, IL.

She was born on March 22, 1956, to Donald and Betty (Wilkerson) Whaley in Benton, IL. Cynthia was divorced at the time of her death.

Cindy had been a CNA caregiver her whole life. She loved to sew, home making and she especially loved her two special great-grandchildren.

Cynthia is survived by her loving daughters, Dawn Renee Vandom of Benton, IL and Stacy Lynn Mclaughlin of Thompsonville, IL; her grandchildren, Whitney Chloe Whaley (Zach Vallow), Ty Michael Miller and Austin Dale Miller; her great-grandchildren, Phoenix Tyler Beal and Maverick James Vallow and one brother, Ronald Dale Whaley and his wife, Julie, of Benton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Lee and Betty Lou Whaley, grandparents, Ray and Chloe Wilkerson and one grandson, Leyan Michael.

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

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Per Cindy’s wishes, cremation will take place.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pate Funeral Home, and will be accepted at the Funeral Home.

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

Guy Williams, age 87 of Benton passed away peacefully in his sleep at 9:54 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

He married Jan Marie Malkovich on May 6, 1967, had two children, and remained together until her death in 2009. He looked forward to seeing her again.

Guy was born August 26, 1938, in Evansville, Indiana to Sadie Irene Cavins and Ora Stanford Williams. He had three siblings; Norma Irene, Fern Evelyn, and Gary Richard, all of which preceded him in death.

In 1955, Guy relocated to Sesser, Illinois where he was blessed with a second family; his siblings also included brothers Stanley, David, Andy, and Terry, sisters Jeanita and Rita, and stepmother Mary (Woody).

Guy served honorably in the United States Navy as a gunner’s mate attached to the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was able to travel the world, was proud of his service, and continued until his death to share sea stories with whomever would listen.

Guy was a bricklayer and was introduced to the profession by his father, Uncle Clifford, and cousin Tom. He was a 50-year member of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local #8. A true tradesman, he worked on countless sites around the region which provided a huge canvas to show off his work. His enthusiasm and lifelong study of the trade led to frequent talks with coworkers who eventually bestowed on him the nickname “professor” while building the Big Muddy Prison.

Guy’s love of golf was legendary and was formed when as a kid he began working as a caddy at Helfrich Golf Course in Evansville, Indiana. He was a member for many years at the Rend Lake Golf Course. Some of his fondest memories included being a part of Rend Lake’s men’s league and taking golf trips with family and friends to Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

Guy is survived by his children; Gary Williams and wife Lauren Bonner, granddaughters Mimi and Joni; Gyla and Mike Myers, granddaughters Lauren and Lola; siblings, Stanley and wife Jean Ann Williams; David and wife Debbie Williams; and Rita and husband Kevin Acieri; brothers-in-law John and wife Tracey Malkovich; Mark and wife Apryl Malkovich; and Tom and wife Eileen Malkovich. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Guy’s final wish was to be cremated. There are no plans for a memorial service at this time.

The Leffler Funeral Home, in Benton, is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
The family prefers memorial contributions in memory of Guy Williams be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Guy, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Marjorie Mae Mannino-Lindow born August 17, 1938 died Sunday, February 6, 2026 in Huntsville, Alabama from a long illness.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband Edwin Louis Lindow, Sr., her parents, Mildred Norris Mannino and Vito Mannino, a brother, Donald Lee Mannino of Illinois, and a sister, Marilyn Janet Mannino Pate of Houston, Texas. She is survived by one son, Michael Alan Lindow and wife Patti, of Madison, Alabama, a grandson, Aaron Lindow and wife Amanda, one great granddaughter Ashlyn Lindow, all of Harvest, Alabama, another grandson, Daniel Lindow and wife Crystal of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ms Lindow is also survived by four step children, Elizabeth Lindow Beck of Sandwich, Illinois, Leslie Lindow of Palm Harbor, Florida, Eddie Lindow of Joliet, Illinois, and Courtney Lindow Koske of Dunedin, Florida.

Being born in 1938 she was a child of the Great Depression growing up in DuQuoin, Illinois through World War II and 1950’s. Marjorie was a Property Manager in Houston,Texas professionally. She moved to Christopher, Illinois later in life to be with her husband Edwin. After his passing she resided in Athens, Alabama.

Graveside service will be on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 11:00 at Mulkeytown Cemetery, Mulkeytown, Illinois.

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

Kenneth Neil Furlow, 89, of Christopher, passed away on Monday February 9, 2026 at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on June 11, 1936 in Christopher to Orvil and Iva (Sanders) Furlow. He married Marilyn Jane (Wayman) Furlow on October 8, 1961 and she preceded him in death on January 30, 2022.

He is survived by his two sons Brian Neil Furlow of Christopher and Wayman (Donna) Furlow of Benton; granddaughter Lindsey Jo Furlow of DuQuoin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Norman and Debbie Wayman of Chicago Heights and sister-in-law Virginia Wayman of DuQuoin, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one grandson Josh Brisco, one sister Lola Fay Pavloff, and two brothers-in-laws Bill Wayman and Richard Wayman.

Funeral services will be on Friday February 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Don Wright officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Masonic and Odd Fellow Cemetery in Benton, IL.

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

Daniel Elmer Halliday, age 74, of Macedonia, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Dan’s wishes are to be cremated.

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

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

Dan was born on February 12, 1951, in Pontiac, Michigan; the son of Elmer Slivester Halliday and Zelda Marie (Bell) Halliday. He married the former Loretta Ann Beck on May 31, 1969, and she survives. Together they shared 56 years of marriage.

He was a retired registered nurse. Most of his years in nursing he worked for Franklin Skilled Care Nursing Unit of Benton and later worked with DaVita Dialysis of West City.

Brother Dan loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He would witness and testify to people about his love for the Lord. He and his wife faithfully served at the Jackson Grove Baptist Church of Benton, where he served as the worship leader and he also served the church as a janitor.
He enjoyed witnessing about Jesus, participating with the Love Packages Ministry of Butler, Illinois. He also enjoyed watching nature, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Dan is survived by his loving wife Loretta Halliday of Macedonia, Illinois; a daughter Katie Wayman and husband Matthew of Christopher, Illinois; two grandchildren: Harper Wayman and Spencer Wayman; a sister Sharon Hodge and husband Richard of Auburn Heights, Michigan; a sister-in-law Trish Halliday of Benton, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, friends, and his church family at Jackson Grove.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Mike Halliday.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Dan, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

EVANSVILLE – Asalee E. (Vanzandt) Southard, age 104, of Newburgh, IN, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026, at Solarbron.

Asalee was born May 24, 1921, in Christopher, IL, to the late Martin Vanzandt and Eva (Renfro) Vanzandt. She was a faithful member of Gateway Baptist Church in Newburgh since 1957. Asalee was employed at Shawnee Plastics for 14 years. She was a Sunday school teacher for over 30 years. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening. Asalee was always calling everyone “Sweetie” and was known for her blackberry cobblers.

Asalee is survived by her son, Curt Southard (Betsy); sister, Lena Trogolo; 3 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and 4 great great grandchildren.

Asalee is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Eva Vanzandt; loving husband, Floyd Southard; son, Gary Southard; 5 brothers; 2 sisters; and grandson, Ronnie Southard.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Gateway Baptist Church, 7564 IN-66, Newburgh, IN 47630 with Reverend Glenn Mollette officiating. Burial will be in Mulkeytown Cemetery.

Friends may visit from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Gateway Baptist Church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Gateway Baptist Church at 7564 IN-66, Newburgh, IN 47630.

Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN, is handling the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Asalee Southard. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

John Bradley, 70, of Christopher, passed away on Thursday February 5, 2026 at St Louis University Hospital.

He was born on September 18, 1955 in Valparaiso, IN to Elbert and Ruth (Ross) Bradley Jr.

He is survived by his two sons Dakota Conder and Seth Bradley; two sisters Kathy Berkley of Buckner and Joyce (Mike) Saddler of Thompsonville; one brother Robert (Nancy) Bradley of Thompsonville and one brother-in-law George Smith of Buckner and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Christina Bradley, and two sisters Barbara Smith and Pamela Mayer and two nephews Bryan Mayer and John Mayer.

He was employed by Cablec in DuQuoin for many years. He loved his Harley and going on poker runs and working on cars. He was a Veteran of the United States Army.

Graveside Services will be on Wednesday February 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Jones Cemetery in Thompsonville. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Loretta A. Franklin, 87, of Benton passed away Friday night February 6, 2026 at her home.

She was born in Benton, IL on October 1, 1938 the daughter of Otha & Geraldine (Baumgarte) Hutchcraft.

She married Denzil Lee “Bud” Franklin on May 5, 1956 in Benton and he preceded her in death on February 23, 2022.

Mrs. Franklin was a Head School Cook and wanted all kids to have a good meal, even paying for some meals herself. She loved her grandkids, quilting, cooking and baking and going places with her husband. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Benton and attended the First Free Will Baptist Church in Benton.

Mrs. Franklin is survived by her:
2 Sons:
Denny Franklin & wife Cathy of Mulkeytown
Mark Franklin & wife Melody of Benton
Grandchildren:
Brice Franklin
Sammi Bailes & husband Donald
Selina Franklin
1 Great-Grandson: Jace
Sister: Betty (Allen) Miles of Benton
Brother-in-law: Mike Franklin of Ewing

She is also survived by several Nieces & Nephews and her dog Holly.

Mrs. Franklin was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, 3 Sisters-in-law-Lynn Franklin, Peggy Franklin & Freda May and Brother-in-law-John Franklin.
Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 13th at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with Bro. Kent Dunford officiating. Burial will follow. There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the takeactiontoday.net, Benton-West City Ministerial Alliance or Franklin County Animal Control.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com