David S. Colliton, age 67, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the First Christian Church, 302 South Main Street, Benton, IL 62812, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will take place in the Mt. Etna Cemetery near Akin.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is assisting the family with local services and arrangements.

David was born on August 13, 1951 in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of Edward F. Colliton, Sr. and Barbara J. (Sheely) Colliton.

He was a retired Kids Program Director, having worked at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum.

David loved his children and grandchildren. He was an accomplished artist and musician, and he loved the outdoors.

He is survived by three children: Mark Colliton, Michayla Colliton, and Sean Colliton, all three of Cincinnati, Ohio; six grandchildren; three sisters: Connie Colliton of Fayetteville, NC, Kathy Summers and husband Les of Thompsonville, IL, Edith Gostowski and husband Paul of Benton, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Edward F. Colliton, Jr.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church building Fund.

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

Ronald Lee Dollins, age 85, of Benton, went to his reward in Heaven at 10:48 p.m. Monday, November 5, 2018.

Visitation services for Mr. Dollins will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.  Private graveside services will follow the visitation.

Mr. Dollins was born on November 17, 1932 in Benton, the son of Paul Virgil Dollins and Mary Madeline (Rone) Dollins.  He married the former Marilyn Jane (Harvey) Dollins on December 24, 1958.  They would spend 54 years in marriage, until her death in March of 2013.

Ron would proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, where he was an Aircraft and Engine Mechanic with the 15^th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. While serving his country, his father would tragically die in the Orient 2 Mine explosion on December 21, 1951, therefore Ron would be discharged in March of 1952 to come home to Benton and support his mother.

Mr. Dollins earned a master’s degree in Political Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  He retired from the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services.   

Ron is survived by three sons: David Dollins of Paducah, KY, Michael Dollins and wife Amy of Benton, IL, Stephen Dollins and wife April of Marion, IL; eight grandchildren: Nathan of Pasadena, CA, Abigail and Jared of Paducah, KY, Michaela and MacKenzie of Benton, IL, Jessica, Victoria, and Ava of Marion, IL.

Mr. Dollins was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; an infant brother; and a brother Paul Dollins.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry,         and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

David Brent Toney, 64, of Bloomington, IL passed away on October 31, 2018.

He was born on December 5, 1953 in Franklin County, IL to Jack and Shirley (Arterberry) Toney.

He is survived by one uncle and two aunts Don and Barbara Toney of Ankeny, Iowa and Mary Lou Toney of Leroy, IL, and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services will be on Saturday November 3, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.  Friend and family are asked to meet at the Cemetery.

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

Phyllis Jean Johnson, age 82, of Benton, passed away at 9:50 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018, at the Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor.

Phyllis was born on June 7, 1936 in Marion, Illinois, the daughter of Edward Monroe Brumit and Janie Jewell (Williams) Brumit.

She was an LPN, and last worked and retired from the VA Medical Center of Marion.

Phyllis was a member of the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Iuka, Illinois.

She formerly was a member of the Eastern Star, and the Red Hatters.

Phyllis is survived by three children: Rhonda Hefner of Mt. Vernon, IL, Terri Doughty of Pensacola, FL, and James Cooper of Benton; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information about making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, visit Alz.org

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

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

Kenneth “Little Disciple” James Norris, 80, of Benton, IL,  passed away at 4:00 p.m., on Monday, October 15,  2018, at Benton Healthcare and Rehab.

He was born on September 27, 1938, to Ira and Mabel (Huggins) Norris in Perry County, IL. Kenneth was a Baptist Minister and ran the Little Disciple Ministry. He loved gospel and country music. Kenneth enjoyed being outdoors and feeding the squirrels.

Kenneth is survived by his six children, Debra (Gerald) Norris-Suttle, Sherry Norris, Tammy (Ben) Norris-Steele, Phillip (Cassie) Norris, Kent Norris, Paula (Trisha) Cornet; twelve grandchildren, Veronica Norris, Joseph  Norris, Adam Melvin, Kaid Norris, Ben Steele, Jr., Meghan Brooke Steele, Phillip Norris, Jr., Patrick Norris, David Norris, Cora Norris, Keith Norris, Cody Cornet and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Mabel Norris; one son, Mark Norris; two brothers, Relmond Norris and Norman Norris; and one sister, Nancy Kinkaid.

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

A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

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

Jennifer A. Lang, 56, of Benton, IL, passed away at 2:44 p.m., on Sunday, October 14, 2018, at her residence.

She was born on November 6, 1961, to Richard and Vera (Bunker) Lang in Ann Arbor , MI.

Jennifer loved traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with her family and friends. She was especially fond of her pet cats.

Jennifer is survived by her one brother, Richard G. Lang, Jr.; one nephew, Bryan Lang; and companion, Earl Glisson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Sr. and Vera I. Lang; and two brothers, Steve and Barry Lang.

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

Services will be held at a later date.

Memorials contributions may be made to Second Chance Rescue of Franklin County and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

John Paris Fields, 59, of Mount Carmel, IL., passed away at 10:15 a.m., on Friday, October 12, 2018, at the Wabash Christian Village in Carmi, IL.

Paris was born on April 16, 1959, to Karl and Myrtis (Rose) Fields in Carmi, IL.

He was a member of the Mt. Carmel Eagles and V.F.W.  Paris enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends.

Paris is survived by one brother, Scott Fields and wife Melissa of Elk Run Heights, IA; three nieces, Laura Reker, Caitlin Fields and Megan Fields; and one nephew, Ethan Fields and wife Rachael.

He was preceded in death by parents, Karl W. and Myrtis P. Fields, and a brother, Doug Fields.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Mary “Peggy” M. Sidwell, 102, of Benton, passed away at 3:55 p.m., on Friday, October 12, 2018, at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Benton, IL.

She was born on August 19, 1916, to Floyd and Lola (Fuel) Long in Indiana. Mary retired from Franklin Hospital as a LPN after many years of service.  On July 10, 1940, she married Frank Cima and he preceded her in death on May 9, 1973.  On December 12,1992, Peggy married Lawrence O. Sidwell and he preceded her in death on December 14, 2007.

Peggy was a member of the First Christian Church in Benton.  She enjoyed needle point, crocheting, knitting, painting and reading.

She is survived by her son, Greg Cima and wife Denise of Benton, IL; two grandsons, Quintin Cima and wife Kim of Benton, IL, Jarrid Cima and wife Michelle, Newburg, IN; a granddaughter, Julie McReynolds and husband Jimmy of Johnston City, IL; eight great-grandchildren, Autuam, Drew, Jordan, Kristen, Michael, Chase, Alex and Colton; six great-great grandchildren, Ryder, Ryvan, Lily, Kayson, Freya and Elie; two nephews, Carel Lee Long and Phillip Long; three nieces, Sharon Stull, Jan Seymour and Jenetta Trussel.

Peggy was preceded in death by parents, Floyd and Lola (Fuel) Long; her first husband, Frank Cima; her second husband, Larence O. Sidwell; and two brothers, Carel and Vernon Long.

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

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018, 11:30 a.m., at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Memorial contributions can be made to Benton Ministerial Alliance or First Christian Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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