Robert Eugene Gooden, age 64, of Thompsonville, passed away at 6:20 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at his home.

His wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a future date.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Eugene was born on August 30, 2026, in Pinckneyville, Illinois, the son of Robert Gooden and Imogene (Stevens) Hughes. He married the former Jennifer Joy Bocock on December 7, 2008, and she preceded him in death on June 20, 2025.

He, along with his former wife, owned and operated the Groove Shop on East Main Street in Benton. Prior to moving to Franklin County, he worked out of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 of Chicago, Illinois. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. His brothers said he was a “motor head” and enjoyed anything about cars and engines. He even helped one of his brothers rebuild an engine for a Chevrolet truck. Eugene was of the Baptist Faith.

Surviving is his siblings: Larry Gooden of DeSoto, Illinois, Logan Gooden of DeSoto, Illinois, Joe Hughes of Elkville, Illinois, Cheryl Williams of DuQuoin, Illinois, Myra Gossett of Carterville, Illinois, Bobbi Gooden of Clinton, Arkansas, Betty Sue Hughes and Paula Reale both of Austin, Texas, and Judy Walker of DeSoto, Illinois, his stepfather Willard Hughes of DeSoto, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by His father Robert Gooden, mother Imogene Hughes, and his wife Jennifer Joy Gooden.
Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Robert Eugene Gooden, may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To give condolences to the family online, or to share memories of Mr. Robert Eugene Gooden, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Ronald David Williams “Dave”, 82, passed away peacefully at 8:10 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Dave was born May 10, 1944, in Clay, Kentucky, the son of Ora Stanford Williams and Mary Catherine “Woody” (Woodring) Williams and grew up with many brothers and sisters. He moved to Illinois several years later and began his career by working as a brick mason and was a member of the Brick Layers Union for many years before becoming a heavy equipment operator, belonging to the Local Union IUOE 318 in Marion, mainly operating a backhoe. He was known for his backhoe skills as many said he was the “best there ever was.” Dave was also a member of the Frankfort Lodge #567 A.F. & A.M. of West Frankfort.

Dave was a devoted husband, father, and paw paw. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Debbie Williams and their 4 girls; Kelly (Brian) Bishop, Sandy (Steve) Browning, Chrissy (Andy) Woods, and Sherry (Evan) Owens. Dave had several grandkids that were the absolute light of his life; Jordan (Brandon) Evrard, Paris (Macyn) Dunk, Tyler Owens, Caleb Bishop, Sydney Browning, Eldon Owens, Ember Milby, Noah Bishop, Emma Milby, Grant Owens, and Brendon Bishop. Great grandkids; Madalyn and Emmy Evrard, Scottie and Atlas Dunk, and Briggston and Kampbell Bishop.
Dave is also survived by his siblings; Stanley (Jean Ann) Williams and Rita (Kevin) Arcieri and several nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his mother and father “Woody” and “Stan”, brother Guy Williams, brother Jimmy Fones, sister Jeanita Spillman, brother Terry Williams, and brother Andy Williams.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, where Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the Elder S.M. Williams Cemetery of Ewing, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to Residential Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Dave, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Linda Marie Eaton, age 64, of Thompsonville, Illinois, passed away at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at her home.

Linda was born on September 16, 1961, in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Bobby Eugene and Kathryn (Robinson) Furlow. On June 9, 1990, she married James Lee Eaton, together they shared in 36 years of marriage.

She worked as an educator with SIU Early Childhood Development. Through her job she provided daycare for parents pursuing their GED and was a parent educator. Her family said she enjoyed reading to the early childhood students and would often dress in character while reading to them.

Linda enjoyed making jewelry, attending concerts, and eating out with her husband. She also enjoyed her jewelry booth at a local antique store in Carterville.
Surviving is her loving husband of 36 years, James L. Eaton of Thompsonville, Illinois, a son Charles Jacob Eaton and wife Haley of Oregon, Ohio, two grandchildren Lucas Lee Eaton and Archer Grey Eaton, two sisters: Lisa Griffith and husband Roger of Marion, Illinois, Debra Davison and husband Greg of Christopher, Illinois, a brother Robert Furlow of Christopher, Illinois, her mother-in-law Marilyn Eaton of Thompsonville, Illinois, two aunts: Carol Aronson and husband Carl of Lake of Egypt, Illinois, Sandra Williams and husband Mark of Nixa, Missouri, an uncle Bill Furlow of Christopher, Illinois, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her father-in-law Merwin H. Eaton, and a brother-in-law David Allen Eaton.

Private family services will be held Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois with Dennis Austin officiating. Private burial services will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery of Du Quoin, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life Service for family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Benton Elk’s Club, where food, drinks and live music will be provided.

The family prefers Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Linda, be made to the Franklin County Early Childhood Education Program and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home and at the Celebration of Life Service on August 22, 2026.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Linda, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Theresa Ann Miller, age 70, of Thompsonville, passed away at 4:46 p.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Deaconess Regional Healthcare of Marion, Illinois.

Mrs. Miller’s wishes are to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a future date.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Theresa was born on November 3, 1955, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph and Irene (Graham) McLaughlin.
She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

Theresa was a retired waitress, having worked at various restaurants in the Springfield area.
She enjoyed watching movies, reading books, taking boat rides, and most of all cherished her time spent with her grandchildren.

Surviving is her loving daughter Elisha M. Comer of McCordsville, Indiana, two grandchildren Isabella Comer and Cole Comer, both of McCordsville, Indiana, a sister Mary Smith and husband Stephen of West Frankfort, Illinois, a brother Michael McLaughlin and wife Tracey of Lakeland, Florida, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Joseph McLaughlin and Thomas McLaughlin, and a sister Irene Cullers.
Memorial Contributions, In Loving Memory of Theresa Miller, may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To give condolences to the family online, or to share memories of Theresa, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

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Charlotte Wilkerson, 89, of Marion, formerly of Buckner, passed away on Thursday August 13, 2026 at Parkway Manor in Marion.

She was born on February 10, 1937 in DuQuoin, IL to Orion and Inez (Harris) Green. She married Joe Wilkerson on June 19, 1959 and he preceded her in death on June 29, 2001.

She is survived by her sons George (Larissa) Wilkerson of Herrin and Joe (Jennifer) Wilkerson of Carlyle; grandchildren Stephanie (Justin) Galiher, Adam (Zoe) Wilkerson, Christopher (Ashley) Wilkerson, Alaina (Christopher) Simms and Paige (Nick) Urban; great grandchildren Lily, Connor, Sophia, Tessa, Cooper, Lincoln and Ellie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, six brothers Richard “Pete” Green, Harris Green, Joe Green, Robert Green, David Green and Harry “Henry” Green and one sister Katherine Pierce.

Funeral services for Charlotte will be on Saturday August 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Masonic & IOOF cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Joe Wilkerson Teacher Scholarship Fund or to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Roland Dewight Hodges, 92, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday August 9, 2026 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

He was born on January 16, 1934 in Oregon, IL to Willis and Helen (Hepfer) Hodges. He married Betty (Bassett) on December 6, 1974 and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his children Elizabeth “Beth” Johnson of Peoria, Kenneth Hamm of Sesser and Steven (Norma) Hamm of Scheller; seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; two brothers Joe (Jan) Hodges of Rockford, IL and Jerry Hodges of Lake Carol, IL, one sister Marilyn Davison of Freeport, IL and one sister-in-law Judy Hodges of Rockford, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son-in-law, Duane Johnson, and one brother, Roy Hodges.

He was a retired Army Veteran and had worked in real estate in Peoria until his retirement.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday August 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Sesser Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Slone officiating.

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

Lana Kaye Wright, a resident of Clarksville, TN (formerly of Williamson County) age 74, passed away on August 3, 2026, at Riverview Post Acute.

She was born on July 15, 1952, in Herrin, Illinois to Howard and Geneva (Miller) Pentecost. She was a 1970 graduate of Marion (Illinois) HighSchool and attended John A Logan College.

She enjoyed genealogy and volunteered for the Tennessee Genealogy Indexing Project as an indexer of old Tennessee newspapers.

She is survived by her son, Joshua (Laura) Wright, of Cedar Hill, Tennessee and her son, Benji Wright, of Herrin, Illinois. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Braxton Wright and Karigan Wright of Carterville, Illinois and Eva Lu Wright of Cedar Hill, Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sarah Wright and daughter-in-law, Shea Wright.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery, Benton, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to CrossPoint Church, Nashville, Tennessee or to the Arthritis Foundation.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com

Deborah Faye Summers, age 75, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital.

Deborah was born on June 11, 1951, in Benton, Illinois, the daughter of Bill Burnett and Helen (Cherkosky) Burnett. On April 17, 1970, she married David Edwin Summers, and he preceded her in death on June 13, 1976.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Private family burial will be at a future date.
She retired from retail sales where she enjoyed working in the jewelry department at J.C. Penney’s. Debbie was a member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge #819 of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. She also attended Whittington Church.

Deborah enjoyed shopping, spending time with friends, but mostly she enjoyed attending and watching her grandkids perform.

Surviving is her loving daughter Deidra Sanchez and husband Aron of Benton, Illinois, three grandchildren: Macy, Dayton, and Seager Sanchez all of Benton; two sisters: Shelah Korris Ring of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Julie Burnett of Herrin, Illinois, a brother Scott Douglas Burnett of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two brothers: Billy Burnett and Jeff Burnett.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Debbie, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Scottie Kate Towers, the beloved infant daughter of Jake and Madison (Allardyce) Towers was born and passed away on August 4th at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, IL.

Even though Scottie Kate was with us for a short time, she touched so many lives with love and in turn, was loved by so many. It’s our hope the memory and love from Scottie Kate will help fill the void left in our hearts today and for all time to come.

Scottie Kate is survived by her loving parents and big brother golden doodle, Harry. Her grandparents Shawn and Kristy (Herrin) Allardyce, Richard and Jeanette (Kampwerth) Towers, great-grandparents Sue Herrin, Greg and Barb Kasak and Dale Allardyce. Additionally, Scottie Kate is survived by her Aunt Victoria (Devin) and many great aunts, great uncles and cousins.

Great-grandparents Rich Herrin, Joe and Agnes Kampwerth and Gene and Maxine Towers have welcomed Scottie Kate into their loving arms, in Heaven.

Scottie Kate will be laid to rest next to her Nana Maxine at Harrison’s Cemetery, with a private funeral service.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, Scottie Kate’s family asks that you share love and kindness with one another, and hold your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a little tighter and longer.

Karen Ann Eovaldi, 82, of Marion, formerly of Sesser passed away on August 1, 2026, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, IL.

She was born on April 10, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Richard and Norma Elizabeth (Meyers) Wiese. She married George “Rusty” Robert Eovaldi on March 28, 1970, and he preceded her in death on December 22, 2019.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Karen built a life centered on faith, service, and a passion for teaching. A devoted Christian, she believed deeply in the power of prayer and found joy in lifting her voice in song, sharing her love of music with those around her. For 39 years, she dedicated herself to teaching, inspiring generations of students with her patience, wisdom, and caring heart. Her legacy of faith, kindness, and learning will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.

She is survived by her children Robert (Bendra) Eovaldi of Marion and Georgina (James) Krajeski of West Frankfort; Step-daughter Deborah (Vince) Zaranti of The Villages, FL; grandchildren Belinda (Joseph) Sons, Rebecca Eovaldi, Grace Veschusio, Cassidy Veschusio, and Liam Veschusio; great grandchildren Marie Sons, David Sons, and Josh Sons. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. A private Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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