George O. Slankard died peacefully at his home in Sesser, IL. He was 95 years old.

George was born on December 15, 1924, in Sesser, IL to George T. and Helen (O’Neil) Slankard. He graduated from the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University and became a teacher in the Sesser Schools, where he met another teacher, Mary Hartman, who would become his wife on October 11, 1950.

After concluding that teaching was Mary’s forte and not his, George decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and work in the family owned business of Slankard Publishing. George’s passion for printing grew beyond that of his family’s and for the next 45 years he and Mary built the business and published three magazines; the first being the American Cooner, which was widely known and respected in the field of hunting, dog training and field trials. Cars & Parts was the next magazine to be published and was one of the first Automobile magazines that not only included interesting and informative articles but also included information on car auctions, swap meets as well as being a classified marketplace for cars, parts, accessories and services. Hunter’s Horn was then published, which specialized in the sport and competition of Fox Hunting.

After a very progressive and fruitful career in the publishing business, George retired and decided to devote his attention and energy to the field of Horticulture. With Mary by his side, George became active in learning and growing many different species of plants. He was a member of the Azalea, Magnolia and Holly societies. His love for and beauty of plants was evident to all who visited their extensive gardens.

George was a lifelong learner and consummate reader of anything and everything that was of interest to him. His vast knowledge on a variety of subjects always amazed and delighted his family and friends, who were blessed to be able to sit down and speak with him. Those discussions will forever be in their hearts.

George is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Mart (Hartman) Slankard, numerous nieces and nephews along with friends who always considered him part of their family, as well.

A celebration of life will be held in the summer when the magnolias and gardens are in full bloom.

Memorial contributions, in memory of George, may be made to the Rend Lake College Foundation for the RLC Learning Resource Center Project. Gifts can be made online at www.rlc.edu/give-now as well as to the Sesser United Methodist Church P O Box 428, Sesser, IL, 62884.

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

James “Sam” Samuel Wink, 78, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Sunday March 8, 2020.

He was born on March 25, 1941 in Rome, KY to Thomas Henry and Mary Bertha (Durbin) Wink. He married Agnes (Bartlett) Wink on October 29, 1960 and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by his children James “Byron” Wink of DuQuoin, IL, Tom (Bobbie Jo) Wink of Christopher and Mary Jo Wink of Benton; 14 grandchildren and several great grandchildren; one sister Jane Ruth Hayden of Sorgho, KY and one brother Vincent Wink of Owensboro, KY.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Barry Samuel Wink, one sister Mary Ann Millay and two brothers Bill Wink and David Wink.
He served in the Army National Guard.

Funeral Mass will be on Friday March 13, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday March 12, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher and on Friday from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

James “Tooter” Lovelady, 88, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday March 8, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on October 8, 1931 in Jefferson County, IL to Lorenzo and Ethel (Neville) Lovelady. He married Mary Agnus (Perino) Lovelady and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his children Steve (Anita) Lovelady of Tamaroa and Michele (Wayne) Behm of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Stephani Evans of Eldorado and Austin Lovelady of Tamaroa; great grandchildren Alivia Lovelady, Adrian Lovelady and Clara Evans.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Mary Hudson and two brothers George Lovelady and Adrian Lovelady.

He served in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War, he was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus member, and was also a member of the UMWA and the Sesser VFW. He was a career fabricator and master aluminum welder and also worked at the Inland Steel Mine in Sesser.

Funeral Mass will be on Thursday March 12, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser. Visitation will be on Wednesday March 11, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser and on Thursday from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Knight of Columbus and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Jackie G. Sandefur, 76, of Zeigler, passed away at 9:05 p.m., on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on February 2, 1944, to Avel and Lizzie (Swain) Sandefur in Cleburn, IL. Jackie worked as a Machine Operator for Maytag for 38 years.

Jackie was a member of the Eagles, Zeigler, IL. He loved his great nieces and nephews, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his younger years he played Football, Baseball and Tennis.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Jackie was preceded in death by his parents, Avel M. and Lizzie Pearl Sandefur; a sister, Bonnie “Bonnie Fay” Samples; two brothers, Leroy Sandefur and Elmer Sandefur.

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

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

Betty Jane Frailey, 97, of Benton, passed away at 4:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at The Anchor of The Voyage Senior Living, Marion, IL.

She was born on January 14, 1923, to Hugh and Catherine (Disney) Mercer in Herrin, IL. She was a graduate of Herrin High School, Southern Illinois University Carbondale receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in Music and English Education. She attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music receiving her Masters in Vocal Education. Betty retired from Benton Consolidated High School as a Music and English Teacher. On December 22, 1946, she married D. Kenneth Frailey at the First Presbyterian Church, Herrin, IL. To this union they had two children.

She was a member of First Christian Church, Benton, Il. where she served as the Choir Director for many years. In 1968, Betty started directing the musical productions at Benton Consolidated High School. In 1970, she formed the first Madrigal Singing Group.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Janet Frailey Carstensen and husband Andrew; son, Hugh E. Frailey and wife Robin of Benton, IL; four grandchildren, Sean Carstensen and wife Amanda, Jordan Frailey, Drew Frailey, Breanne Brady and husband Shane; seven great-grandchildren, Graham Carstensen, Liam Carstensen, Brooklyn Frailey, Cru Frailey, Stella Frailey, Chance Brady, Kip Brady.

She was preceded in death by parents, Hugh and Catherine Mercer; husband, D. Kenneth Frailey; and a sister, Patricia Nelson.

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

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 302 S. Main Street, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020, 1:00 p.m., at the First Christian Church, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Kurt Sanders, officiating. Burial will follow services at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Memorials Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, the Anchor of the Voyage Senior Living Center, First Christian Church Fellowship Center Fund, and the Pyramid Players.

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

Amy Joy (Leffler) Crawford, age 44, of Benton, passed away at 4:58 p.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Her wishes were to be cremated. Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held at a future date.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge, of the arrangements.

Amy Joy was born on August 29, 1975 in West Frankfort; the daughter of Paul David and Diane L. (Severin) Leffler. She was previously married to Christopher Crawford.

She formerly worked for Severin Intermediate Care Nursing Home as food service director.
She was a member of Mt. Olive Free Will Baptist Church of Benton; she also enjoyed attending services at Fires of Revival Chapel in Benton.

Amy enjoyed traveling, cooking, going out to eat, reading her Bible, word search games, and her dogs. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her daughter Alexea.

Surviving is her daughter Alexea Joy Crawford and boyfriend Logan Cunningham of Lexington, KY; her loving parents Paul D. and Diane Leffler of Benton, IL; three brothers: Marty Leffler and wife Alisa of Benton, Tim Leffler and wife Mandy of Sesser, Dan Leffler and wife Sharon of Oak Park, California; a sister-in-law Lynette Leffler; nine nieces and nephews: Tyler Leffler, Lauren Gunter and husband Jordan, Zeb Leffler, Delaney Leffler, Tsavo Leffler, Taru Leffler, Kaiden Leffler, Reis Leffler, Lailey Leffler; aunts and uncles: Maxine Vail and husband Jim; Dale Severin and wife Peggy, Donna Corrigan and husband Mike, Danny Severin and wife Roberta, Dean Severin and wife Ethel, Dawn Miller and husband Mark, Dave Severin and wife Penny, Denise Babb and husband Jeff; Alexea’s dad: Chris Crawford and wife Amber of Benton; and several cousins and their families.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Virgil and Audrey Leffler; maternal grandparents George and Edna Severin; two cousins: Shawn Severin and Jason Vail.

Memorial contributions may be made to a college Trust Fund being designed for Alexea; and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

The family would like to say “Thank You” to, the staff at Benton Healthcare and Rehab for their great care during Amy’s stays at your facility; to the doctors, nurses and specialists at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis for their concern and care; to DaVita Dialysis of Benton.