George “GP” Paul Shovan III, 86, of Valier, passed away on Sunday April 7, 2024 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on March 18, 1938 in St Louis, MO to George Paul and Loretta (Farkus) Shovan Jr. He married Phyllis (Chandler) Shovan on March 18, 1960 and she survives of Valier.

He is also survived by his two sons Mike (Kia) Shovan of Jackson, MO and Greg (Lori Robinson) Shovan of Herrin; grandchildren Hayden Shovan and Aslee Shovan and one sister Francesca Hart of Valier.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He loved to be outdoors hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge Edwards Lodge of Texarkana. He was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corp and was stationed at 29 Palms in California and he worked at Old Ben Coal Central Shop until his retirement.

Funeral services will be on Sunday April 14, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother George Marshall officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 12:30 PM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Shelby Jean Seals, age 84, of Benton, passed away at 5:05 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 15, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mrs. Seals was born on September 28, 1939, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Edward Kuykendall and Marjorie (Odle) Kuykendall. She would marry Adrian Dean Seals on October 21, 1960, together they would share fifty years of marriage, until his death on February 18, 2011.

Mrs. Seals worked as a bookkeeper. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene of Benton, and the Daughters of Dorcas.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed word games. She enjoyed worshipping and attending her church, and she enjoyed being a part of the Daughters of Dorcas Ministries. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are her two children Robin Wininger of Benton, IL, Marc Seals of Benton, IL; two grandchildren Jarred Alan Hurt of Phoenix, AZ, Corey Ryan Seals and wife Jennifer of Oklahoma City, OK; a great-grandson Lathan Isaiah Hurt; a sister Linda Noel of Kenai, AK; a brother Jerry Kuykendall and wife Nadine of Chicago, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a sister Joyce Burford.

The family prefers Memorial contributions may be made to the Ministerial Alliance Summer Lunch Program and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Frances Palmer, 87, of Christopher, passed away on Friday April 5, 2024 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis, MO.

She was born on June 14, 1936 in New Matamoras, OH to Paul and Bernice (Hall) Petty.

She is survived by her children Paula Meinert of Christopher, Edward (Sherry) Palmer of Sesser, George Palmer of Christopher and Hubert Leon (Shelly) Palmer II of Florida; grandchildren Mike Meinert, Jordan Flatt, Drew Palmer, Alex Palmer, Justin Palmer, Tia Haught, Allen Byrns, Toby Byrns and Stephanie Byrns; great grandchildren Aleesha, Payton, Kamryn, Ryker, Henry, Vada, Ryan, Hazel,Arya, Ella and Oliver; one sister-in-law Phyllis Petty of Benton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandson Matt Meinert and one brother Warren Petty.

Graveside services will be on Friday April 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Miner’s Cemetery in Royalton with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Audrey Faye Summers, 84, of Benton, passed away at 3:12 a.m., on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Fairview Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in DuQuoin, IL.

She was born on March 22, 1940, to Paul and Emma (Price) Hatley in White Bluff, TN. She married James Edward Summers and he preceded her in death.

Audrey was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Audrey is survived by her daughters, Debra (David) Gergely of Benton, IL and Marie (Willow) Baker of WA; Grandson, Andrew Gergely of Benton, IL; Granddaughter, Katie Gergely of Benton, IL; her brother, Bobby Williams of Dixon, TN; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Emma Hatley, her husband, James Summers and her sister, Brenda Dowdy.

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

Visitation will be held onWednesday, April 10, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home in Benton, IL.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.
Burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton. IL.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Dean Webb, 79, of Sesser, passed away on Friday April 5, 2024 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

He was born on June 26, 1944 in McLeansboro, IL to Roe and Mary (Veatch) Webb. He married Beverly (Mausey) Webb on June 13, 1964 and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his two sons Jeff (Julie) Webb of Sesser and Darin (Jill) Webb of Dardenne Prairie, MO; grandchildren Hannah (Rachel) Webb, Madison (Devan) Lamke, Ali (Tyler) Krough, Ben (Taylor) Webb, Sam Webb and Jozy Webb; great grandchildren Ayson, Collins, Isla, Ivory, Rhen, Weston and Jules and one brother Cecil (Paula) Webb of McLeansboro, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother John Robert Lee Webb.

Dean was a devout Christian and member of Sesser First Baptist Church for 60 years where he served as a former deacon, taught all ages of Sunday school and initiated the “Children’s Playground” project. At McLeansboro High School he excelled in football, basketball, baseball and track. In football he was the MVP in his conference and the leading scorer in Southern Illinois. As a starting guard, he was on the first McLeansboro team to go to state. His love for sports continued by serving local children through coaching and training clinics. In retirement he focused on his love for woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Dean will be on Saturday April 12, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the church. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Baptist Church for the Children’s playground and will be accepted at the church.

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

Clarence Allen “Tike” Lampley, age 70, of Benton, passed away at 10:15 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Tike was born on April 19, 1953, in Christopher, Illinois; the son of Clarence Everett Lampley and Mary Lou (Poynor) Lampley. He married the former Cynthia Lynn Hackleman on March 25, 1974, and she survives.

Tike was the owner and operator of Positive Impressions of Benton. He formerly worked as a coal miner with Old Ben #21 of Sesser. He was a member of the U.M.W.A. and was of the Baptist faith.

He enjoyed going to the horse races, trips to Florida, fishing, and most of all enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Surviving is his loving wife of 50 years, Cindy Lampley of Benton; two children: Stephanie Neal and husband Bryan of Benton, Casey Allen Lampley of Benton; four grandchildren; a brother Keith Lampley and wife Christine of Benton; two sisters-in-law: Mindy Szoke and husband Dr. David Szoke of Murphysboro, Alice Hackleman of Benton; an uncle Paul Lampley and wife Diane of Buckner; an aunt Mary Summers and husband Wayne of West Frankfort; special friends including: Kenny Irvin, Roger Kirk, Danny Johnson, Dale Irvin, Garrett Irvin, and Andy Sloan; also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: David Lampley and Stephen Lampley; father and mother-law: Lewis E. and Peggy Lou Hackleman; brother-in-law Lewis E. Hackleman; a daughter-in-law Bobbie Lampley; and several aunts and uncles.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ministerial Alliance Summer Lunch Program and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Richard “Dick” Dean Stritzel, 85, of Christopher, passed away on Wednesday March 27, 2024 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

He was born on May 24, 1938 in St Louis, MO to Frank and Mae (Husky) Stritzel. He married Carolyn Lee Ann Stritzel on May 30, 1963 and she preceded him in death on May 15, 2023.

He is survived by his daughters Lori (Dennis) Tindall of Mulkeytown, Kellie (Scott) Bast of Chesterfield, MO, Julie (Vas) Sabeeh of Phoenix, AZ and Holly Helfrich of Christopher; grandchildren Kati (Steve) Borta, Matt (Leighann) Thomas, Rachel (Jeremy) Chaney, Jacob (Niki) Tindall, Chloe Bast, Audrey Bast, Miles Sabeeh, Simone Sabeeh, Rollin Sabeeh, Ryan Helfrich, Jack Helfrich and Sam Helfrich; great grandchildren Jaxon, Charley, Gwen, Evan, Ryleigh, MeMe, Luke, Wyatt and Khloe; siblings Larry (Carolyn) Stritzel of Valier, Marilyn (Richard) Wall of Trenton, IL and David (Becky) Stritzel of Diamond Head, MS.

Dick was a school teacher and had taught at West Frankfort High School and John A. Logan College and Rend Lake College. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Christopher.

Funeral services will be on Thursday April 4, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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

Arlie Sam Kraft, 99, of Benton passed away Saturday evening March 30, 2024 at StoneBridge Nursing & Rehab Center in Benton.

He was born in Franklin County, IL on December 31, 1924 the son of Emil & Lettie (Neunlist) Kraft.

Mr. Kraft married Lenora Faye (Struble) and she preceded him in death on June 18, 2020 after 73 years of marriage.

Mr. Kraft served 2 years in World War II and 2 years in Korea serving with the US Army. Mr. Kraft along with his wife loved camping, gardening, his family and his grandchildren. He worked for Taylor Motors & Foley Sweitzer for over 50 years until they closed.

Mr. Kraft is survived by his:
4 Sons:
Sam Kraft of Benton
Gary Kraft & wife Debby of Benton
Scott Kraft of Benton
Chris Kraft & wife Teresa of Benton
Grandchildren:
Jennifer Kraft
Brandon Kraft & Samantha
Cody Kraft & Christine
Sheena & Courtney
Mike Kraft & Mercedes
Samantha Kraft

Several Great-Grandchildren
8 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Mr. Kraft was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, Daughter-in-law-Linda Kraft, 1 Brother-Rollie E. Kraft and his wife Jeane.
A Graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 3rd at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Military Rites will be conducted by the Benton American Legion Post #280 & VFW Post #2671 There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Lorene Rebecca Jones peacefully passed away on March 28, 2024, at the age of 100, in Whittington, IL.

Lorene was born in Centralia, IL on July 8, 1923, the daughter of Claud Britton and Jessie Atwell. She married Orval Jones on July 22, 1941.

Lorene was a woman of strong faith and dedication. She was a charter member and one of the founding members of Immanuel Baptist Church. Known for her exceptional homemaking skills, Lorene shared her passion for cooking and serving others when she owned and operated Burton’s Cafe in Whittington. After her restaurant days, she enjoyed traveling, fishing, and camping with her husband, Orval, and spending time with family and friends.

Lorene is survived by her loving daughter, Nancee Paul, son Bob (Shirley) Jones, grandsons Brad Paul, Jeff (Stephanie) Jones, Kevin (Becky) Jones, great-grandchildren Cydney (Ty) Taborn, Nathan Paul, Noah (Amy) Jones, Logan Jones, Kaden Jones, Kolton Jones. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 74 years, Orval Jones, and her parents.
Graveside funeral services will be held at the Shiloh Cemetery on Saturday, March 30, at 1 pm. The burial will follow immediately after. Those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church. Lorene will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
For more information please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Darrell Eugene Simion, 85, of Christopher, IL, died at home on Wednesday March 27, 2024.

He was born November 24, 1938 in Christopher to Opal (Roberts) and Rudy Simion. Darrell was a business owner and entrepreneur in Christopher for nearly 50 years operating the family business Simion Auto Parts and later Simion Fabrication.

He is survived by his wife Rosalee; two sons, Lane (Sheila) Simion, Scott (Shelly) Simion, sister-in-law, Karen Simion, two nephews, several grandchildren and great-grand-children and close family-friend Steve Makowan. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Donald (Duck) Simion.

Graveside services will be held on Monday April 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL with Brother Brad Ryan officiating. Private family visitation will be from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.