Mike Deaton departed his earthly life suddenly on November 3, 2025 at his home.

He was born in Marion, IL to George and Mary Jane Deaton. He was a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a degree in Accounting. He had worked at Old Ben Coal and lastly at Delta as an accountant. He was an avid golfer having gone to college on a golf scholarship and was known throughout Southern Illinois for his gifted ability. He was a former member of West Frankfort Country Club and Kokopelli Country Club. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Christopher. A friend to many and a “get it done” kind of guy who helped anybody that needed a helping hand.

He is survived by his loving wife Debbie for 52 years., his loving children Stephanie Deaton and Brent King of St. Louis, Mo, a special nephew who was like a son, Doug Deaton, his wife Chandler Short Deaton and their children Sawyer Gray and Knox Wilder Deaton, his sister in law Melinda Deaton, his nieces Jessica Deaton, Chelsea and Chris Duty all of Marion, IL and Kelly Deaton, Cameron and husband and several great nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his brother Gregory Mark Deaton of Marion, IL. Holding a very special place in his heart are his brother and sister in law Melissa and Steve Michaels of Murphysboro, IL. His loved and spoiled pets Maggie and Tess and Poppy to Reacher.

A celebration of life will be held on November 22, at 4:00 p.m. at 618 Taphouse in Marion, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Polar Plunge 2026 in memory of his brother’s charity, St. Jude’s Children’s hospital or the Franklin County Animal Shelter in Benton, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary Jane (Webster) Deaton, mother-in-law and father-in-law Dick and Betty Ingram, one brother Douglas Kent Deaton and one sister-in-law Kitty Deaton.

A special thank you to Christopher Chief of Police Andy Trogola, Officer Stacey Sperling, Fire Chief John Taylor and all of the Paramedics and EMTS from town and Coello. You all will never know the comfort and support you gave me in my worst moments of my life. God bless you all. A special thank you to our friends and neighbors who have sent flowers, brought food, phone calls, visits and love during our time of grief. God bless you all. We will forever be grateful.

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

Mrs. Shirley Ann Chamness, age 83, of Benton, passed away at 9:15 a.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Benton, IL.

Shirley was born on March 28, 1943, in Benton, Illinois, the daughter of Lena Niblett. She married Lyndell Vernell Chamness on July 7, 1967, and together they shared 54 years of marriage until Lyndell’s death on September 16, 2021.

She was a homemaker and member of the West City Church of God.

Shirley enjoyed planting flowers and teaching Sunday School Class for the little kids.

Surviving are two children: Tina Harpool and husband Kevin of Benton, IL, Keith Chamness and wife Misty of Benton, IL; grandchildren: Brittany Elliot and husband Eric of Edwardsville, IL, Brison Harpool and wife Crystal of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Sydney Chamness of West Frankfort, IL, Dillan Chamness and wife Katelyn of Mt. Vernon, IL, Tyler Chamness and fiancée Aymee of Benton, IL, Devon Despotopulos of Benton, IL.
She was preceded in death by her mother, her husband, one son: Kevin Lee Chamness, a sister, and a brother.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Shirley Chamness, may be made to West City Church of God, and will be accepted at the services.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Shirley Chamness, may be made to West City Church of God, and will be accepted at the services.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Shirley, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Larry Allen Baker, 77, of Benton, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on April 10, 1948, to Arnold and Eula (Smith) Baker in Lundale, WV. Larry married Karen Shuping and she preceded him in death on July 10, 2005.

Larry was a retired United States Army Veteran, who served in the Vietnam War.

He attended the New Salem Primitive Baptist Church in Benton. Larry was Past Master of the Benton Masonic Lodge #64, Past Commander at the Benton American Legion Post 280, Past Service Officer at the Benton V.F.W. and Past member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery Board.

Larry is survived by his loving daughter, Melissa Owens and her husband, Doug; his two grandsons, Mitchell D. Owens and his wife, Rebecca and Jared T. Owens; his four brothers, Herman Baker, Ed Baker, Phillip Baker and Jack Baker and his sister, Patty Hood.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Eula Baker, his wife, Karen Baker, his brother, Jerry Baker and his infant sister, Patricia Baker.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home and Crematory, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Kurt Sanders, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

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

Debra Lee Depasquale, 56, of Benton, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her home Sunday, November 2nd, surrounded by what she believed to be most important — her family.

Debra was born on April 26, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois; the daughter of Lawrence Lee Wyatt and Nancy Carol (Miller) Wyatt. She married Joseph Depasquale on December 5, 1993 and together they shared almost 32 years of marriage.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Depasquale, and her three daughters, Angie Zinziletta and husband Eric of Aviston, Illinois, Lacy Depasquale and life partner Patrick Duffy of Paducah, Kentucky, and Samantha Forgatch and husband Bryson of Benton, Illinois, who carried gratitude for her love and the lessons her life taught. She leaves behind two grandchildren, Vinny Forgatch and Aveah Depasquale, who filled her days with laughter and joy. Her loving mother Nancy Wyatt of Ewing, Illinois, two sisters: Jean Wyatt and partner Deana of Ewing, Illinois, Gayla Wyatt of Ewing, Illinois, and a brother Brian Wyatt.

Debra’s life was one of family ties, the lasting impact of a mother’s presence, and her beloved bulldog, Mikey, who was a constant companion and a source of humor and comfort.

To those who knew her best, she was uniquely herself — a woman who found comfort in her spirituality, the warmth of the sun, and the joy of holiday traditions. With an unforgettable laugh that echoed through generations, she will never stray from our hearts and will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her father and a sister Kelli Wyatt-Spearson.

May she now rest in the warmth of God’s light, finally at peace.

Her 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 services.

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

Terry Leon Moore, age 86, of Benton, IL, passed away at 5:34 a.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Deaconess Regional Healthcare Services of Marion, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Roger Teal and Pastor Paul Leffler officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Terry was born on September 14, 1939, in Whittington, Illinois, the son of Sidney Moore and Beatrice (Thomas) Moore. He would marry the former Sharon Kay Rowe on July 26, 1962. Together they shared 63 years of marriage.
He started working on cars with his father and together they operated Moore’s Auto Repair of Benton. Terry formerly served on the Franklin County Board from December 1998 until November 2006. He also was elected the Browning Township Supervisor and served as Supervisor from 1997 through 2009. He currently was a board member of the Hill City Water District.

He enjoyed fishing, working on cars, motorcycles, and four-wheelers. He also enjoyed riding four-wheelers and spending time with friends and family on his pontoon boat. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.
Surviving is his loving wife Sharon Moore of Benton, IL; his son Tommy Moore of Murfreesboro, TN; his grandson Dylan Moore and wife Nicole of Murfreesboro, TN; twin grandsons Owen River Moore and Frazier Briggs Moore; a sister Phyllis Delaney of Benton, IL; his four-legged companion Hunter; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Corene Mitchell and Earlene Galloway.
The family prefers Memorial Contributions be made in memory of Terry to the Grace Baptist Fellowship Church of Benton and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mary Ann Lewis, 87, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Thursday October 23, 2025 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon, IL.

She was born on April 10, 1938 in Mulkeytown to George A. and Audrey (Malone) Hart. She married Gene Lewis and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her two sons Gene (Rehana) Lewis of Jersey City, NJ and Todd Lewis of St Louis, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one brother George D. Hart.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday October 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Mulkeytown.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Friends of Franklin County Animal Control. Please make the checks out to Friends of FCAC and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Joanne Wilkerson, 91, of Benton passed away on Friday afternoon October 24, 2025 at the Herrin Hospital.

She was born in McPherson, Kansas on September 25, 1934 the daughter of Harry & Ruth (Robinson) Walker.
She was married to Bill Wilkerson on December 2, 1950 and he passed away on September 18, 1999.

She was a devout Christian and a member of the West City Church of God. She loved God, her husband & family. She loved her church family and it saddened her when she was physically unable to attend. She was a soul winner. She was kind to everyone and raised generations of children. She was quick witted and loved her cats.

Mrs. Wilkerson is survived by her:
4 Children:
Gary Wilkerson & wife Betty of Eldorado
Larry Wilkerson & wife Carol of Taunton, MA
Terry Toms & husband Larry of Benton
Dennis Wilkerson of Benton
10 Grandchildren:
Jamie Wilkerson
Joey Wilkerson
Jennifer Wilkerson
David Wilkerson
Clint Wilkerson
Stacy Tessone
Valerie Witt
Joey Toms
Brandy Wilkerson
Billie Jo McDicken

20 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Mrs. Wilkerson is preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, 2 Daughters-Tammy Adams & Joni Wilkerson, 2 Grandchildren-Jenna & Justin Wilkerson, 1 Great-Great-Granddaughter-Hampton Barnaby and 5 Siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, October 27th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Monday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Billy (Bill) Paul Conner, of Whittington, IL, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at 12:02 a.m. EST in Dayton, OH, on October 18, 2025, with the love of his life, Linda, by his side.

Bill was born on June 21, 1944, to Leo M. and Ruth E. (Mabry) Conner, who preceded him in death. He married Linda Leigh Britton on July 3, 1965.

Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda Conner of Whittington; his brother, Richard (Dick) Conner (Nancy) of Pocahontas, IL; daughter, Jaquenette (Jackie) Conner Belka (Mitch) of Beavercreek, OH; and son, Shawn Paul Conner (Shelly) of Springfield, IL. He is also survived by five granddaughters: Hayley Bosley (Jim), Erin Belka (fiancé Greg Shayko), Abbey Conner, Grace Conner, and Mia Conner; along with several nieces and nephews.

Bill attended Whittington Elementary School and graduated from Benton High School. He was a lifelong Benton Rangers fan and enjoyed watching Rochester Rockets football games as well. He was also a dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan and attended many games with Linda and his family.

Bill served his community and family throughout his life while growing up and living in Whittington, which he proudly called “The Garden Spot of the World.” He was a former Supervisor of Ewing Township, sang bass for the Psalmaneers gospel group, was instrumental in starting and serving on the board of the Ewing Warrior Booster Club, and was either on the board or served as president of the Whittington Gun Creek Days Festival for its entire existence. A hard worker, Bill was employed by Glass Specialties and Metropolitan Insurance, worked as a union glazier for many years, and eventually co-owned Southern Illinois Glass with Jerry Frisby until retirement.

In 1976, Bill began pulling garden tractors with his son Shawn and later moved into the mini-rod class. He was a member of several tractor pulling associations across the midwest and officially retired from the sport in 2023 after winning numerous points championships. Bill enjoyed traveling with his family to tractor pulls and made countless friends along the way. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making new friends wherever he went.

Bill was most proud of his children and grandchildren and loved watching them play sports. He also enjoyed traveling with his family to places such as Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Michigan, Florida, Mexico, the Virgin Islands, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and more.
Visitation will be held at Whittington Church from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, with the service immediately following at 2:00 p.m. A dinner for family and friends will be held following the service. Interment will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton (Dayton, OH). The family extends their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Kettering Health Medical Center and Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton for the compassionate and exceptional care they provided during Bill’s brief illness. Their kindness and dedication brought great comfort during a difficult time.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Carrie Lou Eubanks, 89, of Sesser, passed away on Wednesday October 15, 2025 at St Louis University Hospital in St Louis.

She was born on January 27, 1936 in DuQuoin, IL to Russell and Mable (Davis) Cavins. She married Howard Eubanks on March 24, 1984 and he survives of Sesser.

She is also survived by her children Brandy Marcus of Coello, IL, Robbi Marcus (Alan) Rieckenberg of Pinckneyville and Jill Marcus (Chris) Murry of Tamaroa; step-children Howard (Susan) Eubanks of Atlanta, Kenneth Eubanks of Sesser, Danell Morhet of Christopher and Dana (Greg) Wylie of Sesser; eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.

Funeral services will be on Monday October 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

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

Thad Ryan Ramsay, age 47, of Logan, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Thad was born on December 16, 1977, in West Frankfort, Illinois, the son of William Richard Ramsay and Jane Reynolds Ramsay Toms.

His working career consisted of a Certified Nurses Aid and EMT. He enjoyed being in the nursing and medical field and able to help people.
He loved animals, especially his cat Gracie.

Thad is survived by his daughter Kara Kirk of Energy, Illinois; his mother and stepfather Jane and Jim Toms of Logan, Illinois; grandchildren Rylee and Bennett; a sister Beth Eubanks of West Frankfort, Illinois, a brother Richard Ramsay of Benton, Illinois.

Thad was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home, of Benton, Illinois, with Pastor Brian Mixon officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Franklin County Animal Control and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Thad, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.