Kevin Charles Sehlke, Sr., age 37, of Benton, passed away at 10:10 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Deaconess Midtown Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Kevin was born on July 24, 1988, in Harvey, Illinois; the son of William and Lisa (Turner) Sehlke. He married the former Heidi Leighann McGee on October 11, 2016, and she survives.

He worked as a tire builder with Continental Tire of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Kevin was of the Catholic faith.

Kevin loved life. He loved the outdoors, hiking at the Garden of the Gods or Ferne Clyffe, riding bicycles, and motorcycles. He had a great personality, he was funny, and loved being around people, especially being with his family.

Surviving is his loving parents William and Lisa Sehlke of Benton, Illinois, his wife Heidi Sehlke of Benton, Illinois, three children Taylin Dawn McGee, Kevin Charles Sehlke, Jr. and Karmin Faith Sehlke all three of Benton, Illinois, a sister Kelly Sehlke of Sesser, Illinois, aunts and uncles: Colette and Mark Tunzi of Midlothian, Illinois, Michelle and David Walton of Crestwood, Illinois, James Dunavant of Ewing, Illinois, Michael Dunavant of Portage, Indiana, Kim and Doug Anoman of Wisconsin, Richard and Susan Sehlke of Midlothian, Illinois, special nephew and niece Blake Johnson and Layla Johnson both of Sesser, Illinois, several nieces, nephews and cousins, and special friends Jared Cockrum of Sesser, Illinois, T.J. Freeman of Sesser, Illinois, Jeremy and Brad Kowalczyk of Tinley Park, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Public visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois. Immediately following the services, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2898 banquet room, located at 201 East Washington Street, Benton, Illinois.

The family prefers that Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Kevin, be made to Centerstone Addiction Treatment and Recovery for Substance Use Disorders and will be accepted at the services.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Kevin, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Mark Duran Samuels was a true muckraker, a passionate journalist who owned newspapers, published newspaper, edited newspapers, wrote opinions for newspapers and sold advertising for newspapers.

His work took him across the United States and once to Cuba with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Paul’s request. Mark died June 4, 2026 and was laid to rest in a private service on June 12, 2026.

Mark earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University, his Master’s from University of Illinois, and attended one year at the Simmons Law School at Carbondale.
A good bourbon, an interesting book, an early morning tee time, and a flat billiards table with responsive cushions made Mark a happy man.

He could sight read music at an early age; sang Tenor and later Baritone. He played guitar and probably bought, swapped, and played more trumpets than Maynard Ferguson!

Several close relatives preceded Mark in death including his Mother, Lois (Bryant Samuels) Jenkins and Elmer Jenkins of Benton. Maternal grandparents John and Anita Bryant of West Frankfort, Paternal grandparents Wayne “Teenie” and Nellie Samuels of Benton, and Wayne Richard Samuels of Benton.

Mark has a sister who loved him very much; Lyndy Girten and husband Donnie Girten of Benton, his nephew Codey Girten and wife Jacqueline who live in California with their daughter Cynthia, and he spent time together in the last weeks of his life with his nephew, Trevor Girten of Benton talking about their shared interest in billiards and reading. Mark bought Trevor his first trumpet.

I hope he felt it clearly, how deeply he was loved, even after goodbye.

Mark shared the same love and kindness toward animals that his Mother did. After his death, his faithful fury cat, Baby Love Mona Lisa, was adopted by a family friend who was grateful to have her.

If you feel so moved, Franklin County Animal Control is always in need of donations for their fur babies! It would be a blessing for the animals and a way to honor Mark. Donations can be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter ,13163 Oddfellows Lane, Benton, IL 62812, 618-438-9197

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

Michael Alan Tygett, 45, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at his home due to complications from congestive heart failure and pneumonia.

Michael was born on May 14, 1981, to Rick and Mary (Eurgil) Tygett. He graduated from Sesser-Valier High School in 1999 and went on to attend Southern Illinois University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications.

Michael was an outgoing and personable individual who never met a stranger. He could talk for hours about the subjects he was passionate about and had a gift for connecting with people. He especially enjoyed spending time in the garage with his father, restoring cars and sharing a hobby that brought them both great pride and enjoyment. In recent years, Michael dedicated much of his time to caring for his parents, providing them with unwavering love, support, and companionship. Above all, he cherished his family—especially his mother, his nieces and nephews, his great-niece, and his beloved dog, Fritz.

Michael is survived by his mother, Mary Tygett; his sister, Michele Epplin (Ed) of Troy, IL; his sister, Jennifer Zinzilieta (Craig) of Benton, IL; and his brother, Tim Tygett (Allison) of Palos Hills, IL. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Luke Epplin, Alexis Epplin (fiancé Jacob Campbell), Lauren Zinzilieta, Jake Zinzilieta (fiancée Lexi Windes) and their daughter, Layla Zinzilieta, Emma Zinzilieta, Timmy Tygett, and Zach Tygett. In addition, he leaves behind a large extended family, including his aunt and uncle, Cheryl and Charles Dame; his uncle, David Eurgil; several cousins; and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rick Tygett; his grandparents, Felix and Irene (Sopala) Eurgil, James Tygett and Viva (Mabry) Tygett Eovaldi, and step-grandfather, Adolph Eovaldi; his aunt, Linda Eurgil; and his cousin, Matthew Eurgil.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Memorial Service at 11:45 AM on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, Illinois with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:45 AM. Following the service, the procession will head to Maple Hill Cemetery for the interment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois.

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

Jerry Wayne Vaughn, age 65, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 7:05 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026.

Jerry was born on July 3, 1960, in Herrin, Illinois; the son of Harold Vaughn and Vera (Childers) Irby. He was a 1979 graduate of Zeigler-Royalton High School and the Zeigler Christian Academy. He married the former Robyn Sue Workman on September 4, 1981, and she survives.

He was a retired school bus driver with Benton Consolidated High School District #103, and a member of the Zeigler Eagles Aerie #2444.
Jerry and his wife Robyn attended the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton.

Jerry loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles, gardening, and he thoroughly loved mowing the grass. He also enjoyed playing cards, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving wife of 45 years, Robyn Vaughn of Benton, Illinois, a daughter Rhonda Sue Vaughn of Benton, Illinois, his siblings including: Leta Carr and husband Edward of Mulkeytown, Illinois, Myra Day of Thompsonville, Illinois, David Irby of Texas, Carl Lee Irby and wife Linda of Energy, Illinois, Conrad Irby and wife Barbara of West Frankfort, Illinois, Caryn Humphry and husband Mike of West Frankfort, Illinois, many special friends, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Gary Vaughn, a brother Robert Irby, and two half-brothers: Chuck Irby and Stephen Wallenmeyer.

Public visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church, 707 East Webster Street, Benton, Illinois. Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Chris Hammonds officiating. Burial will follow in the Zeigler Cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.

The family prefers that Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Jerry, be made to the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton and will be accepted at the services.

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

Twila Dawn Tiberend, age 53, of Benton, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 10:05 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Twila was born on September 25, 1972, in Perth-Andover New Brunswick, Canada; the daughter of Royce and Bernice (Currie) Tompkins. She moved to Minnesota at the age of twenty-one and met the love of her life Robert Tiberend and married him two years later, on April 8, 1995.

She was a management level chef at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, Illinois. Twila loved her job at SIU, teaching her staff, chatting with students, and helping students with special dietary needs.

Twila was an active member of the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton, where she was very involved in the church ministry and activities. She spent 7 summers planning, shopping, and cooking for as many as four hundred campers on the Illinois District Campgrounds.

She loved meeting up with a friend to chat over breakfast, lunch, or a game of Skip-bo. Mostly, Twila loved her family and hosting in her home. She was happiest when her home was full of chatter and laughter and always prayed that with or without her, people would always feel welcome and safe within its walls.

Surviving is her loving husband of 31 years, Robert Tiberend of Benton, Illinois, a daughter Sierra Tiberend of Okinawa, Japan, two sons: Kaleb Tiberend and wife Madelyn of Benton, Illinois, Ethan Tiberend and wife Lillian of Greenville, Illinois, her mother Bernice Tompkins of St. John New Brunswick, Canada, a brother Daniel Tompkins of Alberta, Canada, a sister Annette MacDonald and husband Kenneth of St. John New Brusnwick, Canada, a sister-in-love Nancy Adams of Alberta, Canada, father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Sherry Tiberend of West Frankfort, Illinois, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Matt and Ida Tiberend of Benton, Illinois, several nieces, nephews and her church family.

She was preceded in death by her father Royce Tompkins, a daughter Jennique Tiberend, a grandchild Eden Tiberend, and a sister Rebecca Tompkins.

Public visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church, 707 East Webster Street, Benton, Illinois. Funeral Services will follow at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Chris Hammonds and Rev. James Price officiating.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.
The family prefers that Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Twila, be made to Sierra Tiberend for her Missionary Endeavors and Journey in Japan.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Twila, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Roger W. Gant, age 67, of Mulkeytown, Illinois went to be with Jesus, his Savior on Wednesday, June 17th, unexpectedly at his home.

Roger was born May 27, 1959 in Du Quoin, Illinois, the son of Arthur and Bessie (Tanner) Gant. He was a graduate of DuQuoin High School. He married the love of his life, Lori Yadeski in April of 1981. His working career included Gypsie Hill Farm/ Blue Bell Packing Company, Wynn’s HVAC, Genesis HVAC, American Coal Company, Prairie State Generating Company, and Lively Grove Coal Mine.

Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing, and just being in the outdoors. He was a lifetime member of the Christopher Saddle Club, but he mostly enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of The Family Church in Zeigler, Illinois. He is survived by his wife Lori, daughters Ashley Ramsey (Dave) of Benton, Illinois, Alisha Gant of Christopher, Illinois, his grandchildren Cali Ramsey, Jakob and Skyler Ramsey, and Wesley Wright. His mother Bessie Gant and siblings Paula Kurtz (Harold), Mary Melvin (Leroy), sister in law Sue Andress (Dave), along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday June 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Ron Davis officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home and on Monday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Miner’s Cemetery in Royalton.

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

Darrel Dwain “Boots” Bigham, age 73, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026, at his home in Sesser.

Darrel was born on September 9, 1952, in Christpher, Illinois, the son of Jack Bigham, Sr. and Merle Francine (Hayse) Bigham.

His working career consisted of coal mine construction. He enjoyed fishing and loved playing with his dog Bogo.
His family said he was a “Free Spirit”.

He is survived by his siblings: Jack Bigham and wife Lydia of Benton, IL, Peggy Fitzpatrick and husband Mike of Benton, IL, Donna Perkins of Benton, IL, Deon Bankston of Johnston City, IL, Charlie Dahmm of Bolivar, MO; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Mr. Bigham was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, his parents, and two brothers Dennis Keelin and Butch Taylor; and a sister Linda Taylor Cockrum .

His wishes were to be cremated.

Celebration of Life Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL.

Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.
Memorial contributions, in memory of Darrel, may be made to the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, and will be accepted at the services.

To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of “Boots”, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, is in charge of the cremation services.

Phyllis Piazza, age 80, of Benton, passed away at 10:25 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2026, at her home.

Phyllis was born on September 12, 1945, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Jimmie and Beulah (Carr) Treece. She was married to Donald D. Piazza, and he preceded her in death on March 10, 2009.

She was a Benton High School Graduate of the Class of 1963. She was a self-employed hair stylist, and she attended the Grace Awakening Church of Benton.
Phyllis enjoyed playing golf and playing cards. She loved doing yardwork. Most of all she loved spending time with her grandkids.

Surviving are her two children: Bradley Piazza and wife Liz of Crawfordville, Florida, Tara Borowiec and husband Tim of Benton, Illinois, grandchildren including: Robert Montgomery of Benton, Illinois, Jake Piazza of Jacksonville, Florida, Kalie Triplett and husband James of Benton, Illinois, Isabella Austinson and husband Anders of Bainbridge, Georgia; great-grandchildren: Weston Montgomery, Kase McDaniel, Cohen Triplett and Coyer Triplett; three step-great-grandchildren: James Triplett, Skyla Triplett and Natalie Triplett; a brother Roger Treece and wife Brenda of Benton, Illinois, two nieces Alisha Treece of Benton, Illinois, Amanda Welch and husband Aaron of Benton, Illinois, great niece and nephew Abby Welch and Austin Welch; and several cousins and their families.

Phyllis had numerous friends and customers that she loved. She wanted to recognize those that had special meaning to her life, Mike Franklin, Linda Simpson, Debbie Gladson, Tom and Sue Whittington, and her special neighbor Beverly Nelson.

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

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois. Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon with Rev. Ken Petty officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, Illinois.

The family prefers that Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Phyllis, be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Phyllis, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Janet K. Watson, 72, of Sesser, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Evelyn’s House, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

She was born August 28, 1953, in Jacksonville, IL, to Thomas and Florence “Ellinor” (Christopherson) Williams. She was a graduate of Sesser High School and attended Rend Lake College. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sesser.

Survivors include her daughter, Mikah (Craig) Salonies of Wentzville, MO; her son, Deric (Trina) Brookman of Charlotte, NC; two grandchildren, Karsen and Will Salonies; her sisters, Pamela Kund of Riverside, CA, Nancy (Carroll) Kelly of Sesser, and Ruth Biggers of Springfield; and her brother, Thomas (Donna) Williams of Decatur.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John L. Watson, and her sisters’ husbands Harold Kund and Paul Biggers.

Graveside services will be held Friday, June 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Mitchell Cemetery in Sesser. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jagger’s Doggie Daycare’s Emergency Fund or the First United Methodist Church in Sesser.

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

Carol Clark-Kutscher, age 66, of Christopher, passed away at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Illinois.

Carol was born on July 7, 1959, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Edward Ervin Clark and Bonnie Lee Wanda (Rich) Clark. She married Donald Kutscher on October 16, 1998, in Blount County, Tennessee, and he preceded her in death on April 28, 2025.

She graduated from the Thompsonville High School Class in 1977. She would attend UMSTL Barnes-Jewish School of Nursing where she attained her master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner. She worked at several local hospitals throughout the region, including St. Francis Hospital of Cape Girardeau, SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Prairie Heart Cardiovascular Institute of Carbondale, Franklin Hospital of Benton, and Crossroads Hospital of Mt. Vernon.

Carol and her late husband attended Our Savior Lutheran Church of Carbondale.

She enjoyed trips to the Smokey Mountains, watching Hummingbirds, flowers, camping, and taking care of her dogs.
Surviving is a step-daughter Holly Hacker and husband Tommy of Savannah, GA, five grandchildren: Josiah Hacker of Richmond, VA, Emma Hacker, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hacker, Hannah Hacker, Eliana Hacker all of Savannah, GA, three brothers: Mike Clark and wife Judy of Benton, IL, Charles Clark and wife Aris of Opdyke, IL, Dennis Clark and wife Janet of Benton, IL, sister-in-law Darlene Kutscher Daniel of Jackson, MO, a brother-in-law Bob Choate of Austin TX, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Debbie Choate.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Jay Holden officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Honor the Life of Carol, to Friends of Franklin County Animal Control or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the services.
To give online condolences to the family or to share memories of Carol, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.