Floyd E. Mezo, 71, of Benton passed away on Tuesday afternoon February 2, 2021 at his home.

Floyd was born in Kankakee, IL on March 31, 1949, the son of Floyd and Susie Jane (Hungate) Mezo.
Mr. Mezo was a member of the Benton American Legion & VFW Posts. He was a retired carpenter.
Mr. Mezo is survived by two sons, Scott Hefner, and wife Crystal, of Bluford, IL and Larry E. Mezo, of Benton; grandchildren Angel, Clarissa, Kailey, Nathaniel, Daniel, Alex and Tyler; a sister, Brenda Mezo, of Hurst, IL. He also helped raise Joseph Armes, and wife Angela, of Zeigler, IL;

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial with Military Rites performed by the Benton American Legion & VFW Posts will be in the Little Springs Cemetery in Thompsonville, IL. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

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

Jo Carol Smith, age 65, of Murray, KY, passed away at 3:26 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray, KY.

Her wishes were to be cremated with Entombment of her urn within her mother’s mausoleum located at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Celebration of Life services will take place at a future date.

Jo Carol was born on March 5, 1955, the daughter of Nancy Ann (McCarty) Hodack. She married Douglas S. Smith on July 18, 1986 in Grace United Methodist Church of Newburgh, New York; and he survives.

She worked many years for Verizon in New York, and held several job titles, from Switch Person to Order Clerk. While working full-time, Jo Carol continued her education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Marist College in New York, then several years later, she earned a Law Degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Law.

She greatly enjoyed touring the country with her husband on their motorcycle, traveling, shopping, and spending time with her mother and her cousins.

Surviving is her loving husband of 34 years Douglas S. Smith of Murray, KY; several cousins, including Mary Blondi and husband Bobby of Benton, IL, Laura Weger of Urbana, IL, Sarah Williams of Benton, IL, Julia Furlong of Benton, IL, Holly McCord and husband David of West Frankfort, IL, Judy McCarty-Anderson and husband Craig of Dunnellon, FL, Kathryn McCarty-Schwab and husband Rich of Concord, CA, Michael McCarty and wife Terri of Orient, IL, Susan McCarty, wife of Rick McCarty (deceased) of Benton, IL; and their families. Also surviving are one aunt, Marjorie McCarty of Logan, IL and a step-aunt, Rosemary Glidewell of Pekin, IL.

She was preceded in death by her mother Nancy Ann (McCarty) Hodack; three uncles: Mike McCarty, Ike McCarty, Joe McCarty; two aunts: Evelyn Weger and Martha Williams. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Roy and Pearl McCarty of Benton, IL and Josephine Conner of West Frankfort, IL.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jo Carol, may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715; or visit https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate

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

Nolan Ray Wingo, age 81, of Thompsonville, passed away at 2:50 a.m. Sunday, January 31, 2021 at the Deaconess Midtown Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Celebration of Life services for Nolan will be held at 12 noon Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Those attending the funeral, the family would like you to share a story about Nolan. Private burial services will be in the Jackson Grove Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our funeral home at a time, masks are required. If you are sick, please stay at home.

Nolan was born on July 1, 1939 in Valier, Illinois; the son of Harry Wingo and Ethel (Eckels) Wingo. He married the former Roselyn Fay (Harris) Overturf on May 7, 1976 and she survives.

He served his country in the U.S. Army from September of 1957 to September 1959.
He was a retired coal miner having last worked at Old Ben #21. He was a proud member of the U.M.W.A. Prior to his career in the coal mines he worked as an LPN.

He was a member of the Jackson Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
Nolan enjoyed horses, being a cowboy, deer hunting, vegetable gardening, and camping at Double M Campground near Junction, Illinois.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 45 years, Roselyn Wingo of Thompsonville; two daughters, Terrie Eichorn and husband Wayne of Junction, IL, Tannette Wingo of Dixon Springs, IL; six step-children: Carl Dean Overturf and wife Paula of Benton, Janice Elaine Chevalier of Thompsonville, Cynthia Marie McClerren and husband Leon of Thompsonville, Peggy Lynn Erwin and husband Curt of Benton, James Marshall Overturf and wife Stacey of Benton, Linda Roselyn Morris and fiancée Jack Batts of Thompsonville; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a brother Dale Wingo and wife Dianna of Valier, IL; a sister Arlene Michelletto of Christopher; several nieces and nephews; and numerous wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers Donald and Arnold Wingo.

Memorial contributions in memory of Nolan Ray Wingo, may be made to the Jackson Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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

Robert Bradley Gulley, age 45, of Benton, passed away at 7:18 a.m. Saturday, January 30, 2021 at his home.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2021 at Leffler Funeral Home, with Rev. Roger Webb officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our funeral home at a time, masks are required. If you are sick, please stay at home.

Robert Bradley Gulley was born on October 8, 1975 in Benton, the son of John Robert Gulley and Linda Marie (Galloway) Gulley. He married the former Cindy Ann Brown on April 22, 2018 and she survives.
He worked for Alpha Medical Supplies and was a Member of Potter’s Way Church of Frisco.
Brad enjoyed coaching baseball, watching football especially Pittsburgh Steeler football.
His family said he loved life and just going with the flow; and he loved his family and spending time with them.
Surviving is his loving wife Cindy Gulley of Benton; his son Kolton Bradley Gulley of Benton; two daughters Emma and Olivia Mathews both of Benton; his father Bob Gulley of Benton; his sister Lisa Holland and husband Steve of Benton; a brother-in-law Robert Brown and wife Elizabeth of Benton; two nephews Andrew and Aaron Holland; three nieces Brittany Porrit, Amanda Batts & husband Brandon, Cassie Brown; an uncle Jeff Galloway and wife Paula of Benton; his mother-in-law Peggy Denison and husband Jerry of West Frankfort; special friends Mika and Ed Snell of Christopher, Brian Whaley and wife Jennifer of Florida.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his mother; and his father-in-law George C. Brown.
Memorial contributions in memory of Robert Bradley Gulley, may be made to Potter’s Way Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Brad, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Barbara Ann Combs, age 72, of Benton, passed away at 11:55 a.m. Friday, January 29, 2021 at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Leffler Funeral Home, with Rev. Phillip Kennedy officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 1, 2021, and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our funeral home at a time, masks are required. If you are sick, please stay at home.

Barbara was born on June 18, 1948 in Dodgeville, Wisconsin; the daughter of Clifford Johnson and Louise Bleodow. She married Harold L. Combs on September 2, 1973 and he survives.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed camping, fishing, knitting and Christmas. She loved her Green Bay Packers, but most of all she loved her three grandsons, and was proud of each of them.

Barb was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of West Frankfort, and she attended the First Free Will Baptist Church of Benton.
Surviving is her loving husband of 47 years, Harold L. Combs of Benton; a daughter Cathy Williams and husband Phillip of Fort Worth, TX; a son Jeff Combs and wife Yvette of Fairfield, IL; three grandsons: Jaxon Combs, Lance Williams, Jacob Combs; a sister Linda Blusche and husband Craig of Mt. Horeb, WI; two brothers-in-law: Jerry Combs and wife LaDonna of Rolla, MO, Carol Combs of St. Louis, MO; several nephews Jimmy Holmes and family, Johnny Holmes and family, John Combs and family, Josh Combs and family; a niece Laura Brouk and family; and her many friends, and her church family at First Free Will Baptist Church of Benton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister Susan Minkus.

Memorial contributions in memory of Barbara Ann Combs, may be made to the First Free Will Baptist Church of Benton, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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

James Allan Williams, 71, of Benton, passed away at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, January 28, 2021, at the VA Medical Center in Marion, Illinois.

He was born on July 17, 1949, to James and Katheryn (Crisp) Williams in Christopher, Illinois. James was a United States Army Veteran serving in Vietnam. He retired after 40 years as a Property Claims Supervisor for many Insurance Companies. On August 4, 1972, he married Valorie Pansic, at the Steel City Baptist Church.

He was a member of Steel City Baptist Church, the Bernillo Posse Horse Riding Saddle Club in Bernillo, New Mexico, and the Tome Posse Horse Riding Saddle Club, Valencia County, New Mexico.

James was a loving husband and brother. He enjoyed spending time with his nieces, nephews, family and dear friends, riding and taking care of his horses, playing golf, traveling in his RV, a strong and proud patriot and loved his country.

James is survived by his loving spouse of 49 years, Valorie Williams, a brother, Kirby (Paula) Williams; and sister, Peggy (Mike) Poole; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents, James Thomas and Katheryn Williams.

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

A Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the Steel City Baptist Church, 9241 Crawford Street, Benton, Illinois, with Rev. Larry Miller, officiating.

Burial will take place at Brady Cemetery, Akin, Illinois.

Memorials contributions may be made the Brady Cemetery Fund, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Max Eugene Walker, age 79, of Johnston City, passed away at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Herrin Hospital.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the West City Church of God, with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the West City Church of God. Burial will be held at Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery at a future date.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Due to Health Concerns related to COVID-19: Visitation and Funeral services patrons are required to wear facial coverings and observe social distancing. If you are sick, please stay at home.

Max Eugene Walker was born on April 18, 1941 in Benton, Illinois; the son of Herbert Walker and Margaret (Blair) Walker. He married the former Cheryl Howe on October 5, 1991 and she survives.

He was a retired freight train conductor with NY Central, Pennsylvania Central, Conrail and Norfolk Southern.

He was a member of the West City Church of God. Max enjoyed worshipping his Lord with his church family, whom he loved; and enjoyed all church activities and services.

He enjoyed going out to eat with his friends and family, hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles.

Surviving is his loving wife Cheryl Walker of Johnston City, IL; two daughters: Marica Gostowski and husband Art of Benton, IL, Gina McCoin of Marion, IL; a son Mathew Walker and wife Amy of Bourbonnais, IL; grandchildren: Madison Walker of Bourbonnais, IL; Michael McCoin of Marion, IL, and Christopher McCoin or Versailles, MO; a sister Deb Alexander of Leesburg, FL.
He was preceded in death by his father; a daughter Kimberly Daniels; a sister Brenda Kay Dixon and husband Harry; a brother-in-law Kenny Alexander; and a grandson Waylon McCoin.

Memorial contributions in memory of Max Eugene Walker, may be made to West City Church of God, and will be accepted at the services.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Max, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Danny Balota, 63, of Benton, IL ‘Went to be with his Lord and Savior’ on Tuesday night January 26, 2021.

Danny was born in St. Louis, MO on March 7, 1957, the son of John and Beulah (Mandrell) Balota.
The most important thing in Danny’s life was Jesus, his family and especially his grandchildren. He was a very hard worker and was a kind and generous man.

Danny is survived by his children, Phillip Balota, Jr, of Benton and Shawn Elko, of Buckner, IL; three bonus children, Brandy Collins, and husband Joe, of Benton, Ashley Weddle, and husband Terry, of Bloomfield, IN and Brandon Romani, of Christopher, IL; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister Debbie Lence, and husband Alan, of Marion, IL; brother John Balota, and wife Carolyn, of Bloomington, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother, Robert “Rob” Balota.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, January 29, 2021 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Graveside services will immediately follow the visitation at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with Bryan Collins officiating.
We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our building at a time, and masks are recommended.

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

Father Joseph Lawrence Trapp, 87, of Benton, Illinois, born August 13, 1933, in Mount Carmel, Illinois, to Sylvester S. and Marie Pfiester Trapp, passed away at 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, in Benton, Illinois at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Joseph Trapp, a devout, dedicated and caring priest, graduated from St. Mary Elementary School in Mt. Carmel, before enrolling at St. Henry Seminary in Belleville, Illinois to begin his studies for the Catholic priesthood, which were completed at St. Meinrad Philosophy and Theology Seminary in St. Meinrad, Indiana. He was ordained a Catholic priest for the Belleville diocese May 23, 1959 by Bishop Albert R. Zuroweste.

Father Trapp began his 61 years of priestly ministry in southern Illinois in a temporary summer assignment at St. Joseph Parish in Olney and then as an associate at Sacred Heart Parish in Du Quoin (1959-1962) and St. Peter Cathedral Parish in Belleville (1962-1967). In 1967 he was assigned to his first pastorate at St. Patrick Parish in Enfield. Two years later he was named the pastor of St. John Nepomucene Parish in Dahlgren with St. Clement Parish in McLeansboro as a mission. During that time, he was also appointed administrator of St. Patrick Parish in Enfield. In 1975 he became the first resident pastor as St. Clement Parish in McLeansboro. In 1979 he was also appointed administrator of St Patrick Parish in Enfield. Beginning in 1982 he was named the pastor of St. Mary Parish in Shawneetown and St. Patrick Parish in Pond Settlement.

Five years later Father Trapp began a 13-year pastorate at St. Rose Parish in Metropolis, and later also the administrator of St. Joseph Parish in Elizabethtown.

His final parish assignment as pastor was at St. Joseph Parish in Benton in 2000, where he served until his retirement from active ministry in 2015. Until recently he continued to volunteer at weekend liturgies at a number of southern Illinois parishes.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Thomas and sister-in-law Brenda Trapp, sister, Joanne Coffey, and brother-in-law Robert Bice.

He is survived by his brother, Eugene and sister-in-law Catherine Trapp of Danville, Indiana, and sister Margaret Bice of Owensboro, Kentucky, nieces, nephews and extended family. He will be gratefully remembered by the thousands of parishioners in the 11 parishes where he exercised his priestly ministry.

When asked about his ministry as a priest, parishioners said: He was always pastoral – focusing on the needs and concerns of others as individuals and as a community, not on himself. He has been described as humble, non-judgmental, hospitable, supportive. He was a listener. His homilies are remembered for supporting faith as an effort to grow in a way of life encouraged by Jesus’ words in the Gospels. He was always on a journey of faith with his parishioners, who respected his presence on that journey as an equal.

He could also be critical of the adequacy of his ministry and leadership – with a tendency toward self- criticism. At the same time, he could be incisive and willing to speak out or write a critical letter when he judged the actions were contrary to the priority of pastoral ministry. As a man and a priest, he was a person of consistent principles.

It should be noted that he was a gardener and a lover of nature.

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

A walk-through visitation will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 506 West Main St., Benton, Illinois from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., in compliance with Phase 4 Restore, guest will be entering the church from the west entrance, and are ask to please follow social distancing and a wear mask.

The Funeral Mass will follow visitation at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m., for the family, support group and attending clergy. The Funeral Mass will be Officiated by Principle Celebrant The Most Reverend Bishop Michael G. McGovern, Concelebrant Father Urban Osuji, CM Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, Illinois, The Homilist Father George Mauck, and many Concelebrating Clergy. Live Streaming of the service will be available on the St. Joseph Catholic Church Benton Illinois 62812 Facebook Page, and registration for the Live Streaming of the Funeral Mass is required at www.catholicchurchesofrendlake.com

Graveside Services will be held at 2:45 p.m., Saturday, January 30, 2021, at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, located off of Poplar Street and Landes Street in Mount Carmel, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary Mount Carmel Catholic School Endowment Fund and will be accepted at the visitation or sent to 417 Chestnut St., Mount Carmel, Illinois 62863.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Arlene Puckett, 84, of Thompsonville, IL, passed away at 4:12 p.m., on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Herrin Hospital in Herrin, IL.

She was born on April 24, 1936, to Jewell and Amelia (Marvel) Cook in Galatia, IL. On September 15, 1956, she married Charles Puckett, and he preceded her in death on February 19, 2016.

Arlene was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. She enjoyed shopping with her twin sister, playing Bingo and spending time with her family. Her family thought she made the best cinnamon rolls and always enjoyed when she made them.

Arlene is survived by her loving children, Kenny (Peggy) Puckett of Galatia, IL; Diane (Alec) Wissinger of Thompsonville and Bridget (Kenny) Derr of Kathleen, GA; six grandchildren, Beth Ann (Kelly) Leek, Kevin Puckett, Alec Brent (Kristy) Wissinger, Travis (Miranda) Wissinger, Britney Derr and Landon Derr; and nine great-grandchildren, Demetria, Alexis, Hannah, Kevin, Jr., Joseph, Kirby, Kaelyn, Emmalyn and Mason; one great-great grandchild, Cooper.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jewell and Amelia Cook, her husband, Charles Eugene Puckett, twin sister, Kathleen Mandrell and sister, Geneva J. “Jean” Bender.

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

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 29, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 29, 2021, at 1:00 pm at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Alan Newman, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery in Akin.

Memorials may be made to the Pate Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral costs and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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