Doris Steckenrider, 101, of Christopher passed away on Sunday January 7, 2018 at Aviston Countryside Manor.

Doris was born on November 3, 1916 in DuQuoin, IL to Jack Edward and Martha (Rushing) Greenwood.  She married John D, Steckenrider and he preceded her in death on February 1, 1982.

Survivors include her children Charles “Chip” (Robbeye) Steckenrider of Benton and Virginia “Gingy” Steckenrider of Belleville; her primary caregiver granddaughter Lauri (Eric) Kirkpatrick of Shiloh; 8 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; and one sister Betty Kimmel of Freeburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son John Steckenrider, one sister and three brothers.

A funeral service for Doris will be on Saturday January 13, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Ron Cremeens officiating.  Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery in Mulkeytown.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Aviston Countryside Manor and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Lowell Virgil Owsley, age 94, of Orient IL; passed away at 10:45 a.m. Friday, January 5, 2018 at the Benton Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Mr. Owsley pre-arranged his own cremation services in 2008, and chose not to have any formal public services.

He was born on November 11, 1923 in West Frankfort, the son of Bert Owsley and Maggie (Perkins) Owsley.

Virgil proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was involved in battles including Rome, Anzio, and Po Valley, where he would obtain 3 Service Bars, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Battle Stars.

He formerly worked at Norge in Herrin, and was a former member of the Orient American Legion Post# 1961. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving is two sons: Lonnie Owsley of Orient, Jim Owsley of Elgin; a daughter Sheila Monroe and husband Jeff Bowers of Phoenix, AZ; a host of grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters: Marilyn Votow, and Carolyn McAplin; and two brothers: Berty Owsley and Harvey Lamasters.

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

Richard E Morton, 78, of Benton,IL, passed away suddenly Monday, Jan 1, 2018 at Gateway Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN, with his son by his side.

Richard was born in Benton, IL, on Dec 10, 1939 to Alex and Daisy (Nolen) Morton.  He married Ellen (Gilliam) on July 8, 1961.  Ellen died Aug 18, 2016.

Richard was a member of First Baptist Church in Benton, Benton Kiwanis Club, Benton Liars Club, past member of the Benton Zoning Commission and enjoyed participating in the car show on the square for many years.

Richard was the owner/operator of Morton and Johnston Funeral Home, along with Bruce Johnston and Darin Morton.  His legacy in life was assisting families with love and care with their deceased loved ones.  His compassion was making the difficult experience that comes with death less stressful on each person, handling every detail with perfection, going above and beyond for each family and bringing true professionalism together along with his friendship to all.  In his early business days, the funeral home also served as the ambulance service transporting the sick to the hospital in the Hearse.  Richard always had many memories to share and tales to tell thru out his business career.

Survived by: son Darin and wife Gay Morton of Benton, granddaughter Darian Alexandrea Morton, Benton, step grandsons, Kert (Shannon) Williams, West Frankfort, and Colton Williams, Benton,

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and wife,

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm, Mon, Jan 8th at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, 410 S Main St, Benton, IL.  Visitation will be Sunday, Jan 7th, from 5 to 8pm at Morton Johnston Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery.  Pastors Bill Carter and Jim Jenkel will officiate.

Words cannot express our love in the outpouring of calls, inquiries and prayers sent to our family.  We Thank You so very much.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Rev. Donald J. Lenzini, 91, of Belleville passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017 in Belleville.

He was born in Zeigler, IL on February 18, 1926, the son of Joseph & Josephine (Herzog) Lenzini.

He was the assistant at St. Peters Cathedral Parish in Belleville at St. Andrews in Murphysboro, at St. Charles in DuBois, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Herrin, and Administrator of St. Joseph in Marion, as Pastor at St. Mary Magdalene in Todds Mill, Immaculate Conception in Centreville, St. Damian in Damiansville & St. Joseph in Benton, retiring in 2000.

Rev. Lenzini is survived by one brother Dr. Arthur Lenzini of Herrin, and by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents one brother, Robert and by a sister, JoAnn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 6th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton. Burial will be in the St. Aloysius Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friday at St. Joseph Church, and after 9:00 A.M. on Saturday.

In lieu of Flowers, memorials can be made to Clergymen’s Aid Society or Hincke- Sense Priest Residence in Belleville, IL, or Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Grade School in East St. Louis, IL.

The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Isham Morgan Harrison, 86, of Christopher IL, passed away on Tuesday January 2, 2018 at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

He was born on July 1, 1931 in Christopher to Dayton Logan and Ester Ann (Clayton) Harrison. 

He married Mary Lou (Russell) Harrison on November 12, 1961 and she survives of Christopher.

He is also survived by two children Mary Ann (Mike) Patchett of Christopher and Thomas (Kendra) Harrison of Christopher; five grandchildren Samantha (Levi) Webb, Tiffanie (Dustin) Young, Morgan (Max) Garrison, Christopher Harrison, and Kaci Harrison; four great grandchildren Kase Michael Young, Korbin Ray Young, Lynnex Marie Webb, and Jackson Logan Webb.

He was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean conflict.

Funeral services will be on Thursday January 4, 2018 at 7:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.  Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

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