George Evilsizer, 84, passed away on Saturday December 2, 2017 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.

He was born on October 19, 1933 in Buckner, IL to George and Goldie Mae (Shover) Evilsizer. He married Charolett (Greenwood) Evilsizer on February 5, 1955 and she preceded him in death on April 25, 2016.

Survivors include his daughters Sherry (Sam) Timmons of Loyce City, TX, Cindy (Joe) Friend of Royalton, and Sue (Mike) Clements of Fairview Heights, IL; grandchildren Amy (Chris) Cates, Niki (Jacob) Tindell, Alexa (JD) Jones, Eric (Brittney) McElroy, Marty Clements, and Crystal LaChance; 15 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 7 sisters.

He was a United States Air Force veteran serving during the Korean War.

Funeral services will be on Thursday December 7, 2017 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Thursday from 10:00 Am until the time of the service at 12:00 PM. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Greenwood United Methodist Church in Mulkeytown and will be accepted at the funeral home,

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Parkway Gardens Assisted Living in Fairview Heights for the exceptional care of their father.

For a full obituary visit our website at www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Marion Rolla, 63, passed away on Saturday December 2, 2017 in Mt Vernon, IL.

He was born on March 1, 1954 in Christopher to John and Mary (Renik) Rolla.

Survivors include his daughters Jennifer (Rusty) Tolley of Belle Rive, IL and Jessica (George) Evans of Albers; four grandchildren Ava Tolley, Atley Tolley, Tuck Evans and Quinnley Evans; one sister Elona Lundstrom of Chicago, IL; two brothers Michael (Barb) Rolla and Stephen (Diane) Rolla both of Christopher.

He was a special education teacher and was a member of the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Loretta Moore and Phyllis Cantua and one brother John Rolla Jr.

Graveside services will be held on Monday December 4, 2017 at 2:30 PM at the St Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery in Christopher with Pastor Josh Wehrmeier officiating.  Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Special Olympics, envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

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

Charles Ivan Prior, Jr., 72, of Benton, passed away at 12:02 a.m., Friday,  December 1, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.

Ivan was born on December 30, 1944, to Charles and Mary (Parkhill) Prior in West Frankfort, IL. On September 27, 1969, he married Ginger Cremeens and they made their home outside of Benton. Ivan started as a coal miner in 1971 at Inland Steel, Sesser, IL and continued working in the mining industry for 25 years. In 1987, he became a proud business owner for 31 years.

He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict from 1967 to 1969 where he was the recipient of the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and Device and Expert Badge Pistol.

Ivan attended Rescue Freewill Baptist Church in Whittington, IL. He was a HAM Radio Operator since 1964 and a member of the Franklin County Amateur Radio Association.

Ivan loved his grandkids dearly and enjoyed traveling with his wife Ginger.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 48 years, Ginger, his mother, Mary Marie Prior of Thompsonville, IL; one son, Matt (Leslie Beth) Prior of Benton, IL; one grandson, Luke Prior of Benton, IL; one granddaughter, Sedona Mae Prior of Benton, IL ; one brother, Paul Prior of Newburg, IN and one sister, Peggy (Gary) Clark of Pittsburg, IL. He is also survived by one niece and many nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Ivan Prior, Sr.

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

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 4, 2017, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 4, 2017, 2:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Rev. Gary Clark and the Rev. Bryant Harris, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Phillips Cemetery, Ewing, IL, with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Army Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Tuesday School at Rescue Free Will Baptist Church.

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

Louis “Louie” Pechenino, 97, of Christopher passed away on Friday December 1, 2017 at 7:52 PM at the Herrin Hospital.

He was born on September 22, 1920 in Coello to Joseph and Jenny (Vallero) Pechenino. He married Paulagene (Reed) Pechenino on November 27, 1947. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Survivors include his wife Paulagene of Christopher; one son Paul (Susan) Pechenino of Trenton, IL; four grandchildren Julie, Kenneth, Angela, and Amy; three great grandchildren Andrew, Gabby, and Louie.

He was a World War II veteran serving in the Army. He was a member of the Christopher American Legion, Christopher Lion’s Club, Christopher Library Board, and was an Alderman for the City of Christopher for many years.

He was a teacher and served as principal  at the Hoffman School in Cahokia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Darla Siegrist, one son Gary Joe Pechenino, and one brother Tony Pechenino.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday December 5, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Matt Crain officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at St Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Christopher Library Board and will be accepted at the funeral home

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

Michael “Mike” T. Joplin, 72, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 11:20 p.m., on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, with his loving wife by his side, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital, Mount Vernon, IL.

He was born on December 26, 1944, to Danny and Jean (Bigham) Joplin in West Frankfort, IL.  Mike was a 1962 graduate from Benton Consolidated High School. He received his B.S. in Paralegal Studies from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  On December 30, 1976, he married the former Linda Dill.   Mike retired as an educator.

Mr. Joplin was a United States Navy Veteran (Corpsman –TAD Marine Corps) and attended New Life Church of God in Benton.

Mike enjoyed spending time with his family and being active in fitness.  He was known for his faithfulness to his Lord and Savior and his quick witted humor.

Mike is survived by his loving spouse of 40 years, Linda (Dill) Joplin; his four children, Robert “Rob” (Erica) Webb of Wentzville, GA, Michael “Mike” T. (Amber) Joplin, II., of Wendell, NC, Nickolai Joplin of Champaign, IL and Sarah (Brock) Bennett of Benton, IL; his seven grandchildren, Emma, Jake, Mitchell, Clara, Hayden, Isabella and Keagan; his two brothers, Danny (Debbie) Joplin of Christopher, IL and Mark (Enola) Joplin of New Castle, IN.

He was preceded in death by parents, Danny and Jean Joplin;  two infant sisters; and an infant grandson, Harrison Joplin.

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

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 3, 2017, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., & Monday, December 4, 2017, 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2017, 7:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Rod Joplin, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials contributions may be made to the family.

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

Donald J. Marlo passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at Barnes Jewish Hospital.

He was a beloved husband of 37 years to Belinda (nee Johnson) Marlo.  He was a dear father to Christopher Don (Cindy) Marlo, Steven Don (Rhonda) Marlo and Paige Marlo. Beloved grandfather to Ashley, Corey, Juliet, Heather, Krystyan, and Katelyn. Brother to Ron (Gayla), Dale, David (Cathy), and Randy (Linda) Marlo.   He was also a dear uncle and cousin to many.

Don lived in The Hill area of St. Louis for over 40 years, as well as a dedicated employee to Barnes-Jewish Hospital over that time.

Don was in charge of youth Bocce at the Italia-America Bocce Club, an active member of the Crusaders, and member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree. He loved fishing and spending time with his family.

Visitation in St. Louis will be on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Michel Funeral Home. Visitation in Sesser will be on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home 102 W. Callie Street, Sesser, IL 62884 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM.

Funeral services will be on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 101 N. Poplar Street, Sesser, IL 62884. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to the Sick and Elderly Program of The Hill, 2315 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.

For a full obituary go to our website at www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

BENTON — Charles Chalon Towle, 90, passed away Nov. 29, 2017.

Services will be Friday, Dec. 1 in First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Jim Jenkel officiating. Visitation will begin at noon with services starting at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery, Benton.

Charles was born May 30, 1927, to Chalon Towle and Carrie (Booten) Towle. He graduated from Benton Township High School in 1946. After graduating from high school, he was drafted in the U.S. Army and served with Occupation Forces in Japan. In 1948 he moved to Davenport, Iowa where he worked for J. I. Case until his retirement in 1978. While living in Davenport he was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School classes.

After his retirement, he returned to Benton and worked at Ted’s clothing store and then became a realtor for McCollum Real Estate. He was a long time member of the Benton Lions Club, serving several terms as president and secretary. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, where he served as a Trustee and was on the Church Relations Committee.

He is survived by his wife Pat (Rice) Towle, and sister, Julia Gostowski; daughters, Kathy Meier, Marcia (Jerry) Ludden, Davenport, Iowa, Pam (Dale) Irvin, Benton; sons, David (Karla) Towle, Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Mike (Elaine) Prowell, Monroe, Georgia; grandchildren, Michelle (Matt) Cowell, Cory Meier, Josef (Berkleigh) Lawler, Ryan (Emily) Unger, and Alison (Brandon) Anthis, John Greer, Breen (Dillon) Greer, and Ian Greer; and great-grandchildren, Graden and Liam Cowell, Mason and Vada Unger, Payton and Alaina Anthis, and Ava and Jonas Lawler. He also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Virginia Walker and Annis Bliss along with son-in-law, Dick Meier.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Benton, or the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry.

Charles Chalon Towle, 90, passed away November 29, 2017.

Charles was born May 30, 1927 to Chalon Towle and Carrie (Booten) Towle. He graduated from Benton Township High School in 1946.

After graduating from high school, he was drafted in the army and served with Occupation Forces in Japan.

In 1948 he moved to Davenport, Iowa where he worked for J. I. Case until his retirement in 1978. While living in Davenport he was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School classes.

After his retirement, he returned to Benton and worked at Ted’s clothing store and then became a Realtor for McCollum Real Estate. He was a long time member of the Benton Lions Club serving several terms as President and Secretary. He was a member of the First Baptist Church where he and served as a Trustee and was on the Church Relations Committee.

He is survived by his wife Pat (Rice) Towle, and sister, Julia Gostowski; daughters, Kathy Meier, Marcia (Jerry) Ludden, Davenport, IA, Pam (Dale) Irvin, Benton; sons, David (Karla) Towle, Cedar Falls, IA, and Mike (Elaine) Prowell, Monroe, GA.

He is also survived by his grandchildren : Michelle (Matt) Cowell, Cory Meier, Josef (Berkleigh) Lawler, Ryan (Emily) Unger, and Alison (Brandon) Anthis, John Greer, Breen (Dillon) Greer, and Ian Greer; great-grandchildren: Graden and Liam Cowell, Mason and Vada Unger, Payton and Alaina Anthis, and Ava and Jonas Lawler. He also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Virginia Walker and Annis Bliss along with son in law Dick Meier.

Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Benton, Illinois on Friday December 1st, with Reverend Jim Jenkel officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with services starting at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery, Benton, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Benton, IL or the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home of Benton.