Melvin D. Dixon, 74, of Benton, passed away at 6:47 p.m., on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 21, 1948, to William and Florence (Watson) Dixon in Christopher, IL. He graduated from Benton Community High School, Class of 1966. When he was in high school, he worked for Davis Feed Store.

Melvin is a Veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. In 1967, he entered the Army serving three years and was discharged as an E5 Specialist receiving the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He returned to his family in Benton, working at Roses Gas Station.

On June 5th, 1971, he married the former Barbara Learned. Shortly after their marriage, he was hired by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department as a Jailer. After 4 months, he was promoted to Deputy. On October 11, 1973, he was hired as a full-time police officer at the Benton Police Department, serving 28 years. During his tenure at the police department he served in many positions, from Drug Task Force to Police Chief. He retired on October 19, 2001. He was also a member of the Police Pension Board. Melvin then joined Brinks Armored Car Service for 13 years, until he finally retired in 2014.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather. He enjoyed going to the gun range, watching his grandkids sporting events and attending every event they participated in. He also enjoyed traveling and classic cars. He loved being actively involved in the Benton Community and seeing it evolve.

Melvin was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton, IL, and a former member of the choir.

Mr. Dixon is survived by his loving spouse of 52 years, Barbara, two daughters, Amanda Miller and husband, Troy, of Benton and Sarah Stowers and husband, Derek, of Benton; five grandchildren, Matthew Miller, Logan Stowers, Isabella Miller, Lenox Stowers and Lance Stowers; brother, James Dixon of Benton; sister-in-law, Melissa Learned; three nephews, Ryan Dixon, Travis Dixon and Corky Miller and two nieces, Debbie VanWinkle and Jill Blythe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William B. and Florence Dixon, a brother, William C. Jackson, a sister, Charlotte Miller and sister-in-law, Kay Dixon.

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

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Jesse Hinds, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United State Army Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Victor H. Sauerhage, Jr., 62, of St. Louis, MO passed away after a short battle with cancer on Wednesday afternoon June 14, 2023 in Mercy West Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

He was born in DuQuoin, IL on April 24, 1961 the son of Vic Sauerhage, Sr. & Barbara Sue (Moore) Sauerhage.
When he was young Victor was a coach at Sloan Gymnastics and he loved that, he also traveled to several meets as a judge. Mr. Sauerhage worked in Retail Sales.
Victor is survived by his:

Mother: Barbara Sauerhage of Benton
Sister: Lynda Depue & husband George of Taylorville
Brother: Harry Lee Sauerhage & wife Lisa of Benton
Lifelong partner: John Parker, Sr. of St. Louis, MO
2 Children:
Onae Parker of Alton
John Parker, Jr. of St. Louis, MO
3 Grandchildren: Kadyn, Royce & Raegyn (his little Lucy Mae)
Very special Cousin: Janaira Wagoner
Special Uncle & Aunt: Wilma Wagoner & husband Bud
Nieces & Nephews:
Toni & Tod Morgan and their children Tad & Heather
Tyler & wife Kirsten Malkovich
Ryan & wife Brandi Sauerhage and their children-Brantlee & Hadley
Ryan & wife Rachel Fraulini and their children-Easton & Paisley
Whitney Sauerhage & Mark Kovach
Nic & wife Sam Depue and their children-Leah, Noah, Luc & Madeline
His very special furry babies: Jody & Max
Several very special Cousins, Aunts & Uncles
Special lifetime friend: Bradley Willard aka “Little Willie”

Mr. Sauerhage was preceded in death by his Father-Vic Sauerhage, Sr., Great-Niece: Adalynn Depue and Grandparents-Willie & Minnie Moore and Raymond & Bertha Sauerhage.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 17th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Joe Zbinden officiating. Visitation will be after 9:00 A.M. on Saturday at the funeral home. A meal will be served immediately following the service at the Steel City Baptist Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Donald J. Hardin, 80, of Zeigler, passed away on June 10, 2023 at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on November 29, 1942 to Claude and Willie Mae (Simmons) Hardin. He married Cindy Sue (Duenos) Hardin on January 5, 2005.

He is survived by his wife Cindy Hardin of Zeigler; children Theresa (Dean) Dubois of Kenosha, WI, Tammy Hardin of Kenosha, WI, Donald (Kyndrea) Hardin of Crane, MO, Deborah Hardin of Kenosha, WI and Joshua (Kaleigh) Duenos of Marion, IL and several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Linda Hardin, one sister Barbara Jones and two brothers Billy Hardin and Jimmy Hardin.

He was a man who fiercely loved God, his wife, family and friends. He was a wonderful father and example for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a respected businessman, who was known for his honesty. Often referred to by friends and church family as the kindest gentle giant with the biggest heart. Don had the gift of hospitality. If you came to his home, you were not leaving without him preparing you a meal or sending one with you. He loved to cook, grill, serve at church, help others, garden, flowers, antiques, camping and being outdoors and old cars, especially his 46 Ford lovingly known as “Tater”. Don touched the lives of so many with his giving, kindness and love for God. He often said “God and Me Love You”. He will be forever missed and loved by his wife and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 17, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Christian Life Center, 1901 North Park Avenue Herrin, IL 62948.

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

Ian David Fee, age 40, of Benton, passed away Sunday evening June 11, 2023, from injuries sustained in a single vehicle accident.

Ian was born on November 27, 1982, in Manchester, KY, the son of Roscoe Fee and Rhonda Marshall.

He was employed as a safety inspector with Sierra Bravo Contractors of Sesser.

Ian was a graduate of SIU-Carbondale with a bachelor’s degree in Work Force Education and Development.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and snow skiing. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his daughter.

Surviving is his daughter Darby Laine Fee of Benton, IL; father Roscoe Fee of Benton, IL; his mother Rhonda Marshall of Marion, IL; two sisters: Andrea Fee and wife Paige of Austin, TX, Macy Fee of Benton, IL; his grandmother Bonnie Marshall of Benton, IL; many friends and acquaintances.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Kent Marshall; and paternal grandparents Arlee and Daisy Fee.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Karl Barnfield officiating.

Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions In Memory of Ian, may be made to his daughter Darby, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Ian, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Peggy Ann Severin, age 76, of West Frankfort; went home to be with her Lord and Savior in Heaven at 5:47 a.m. Monday, June 12, 2023.

Peggy’s wishes are to be cremated.

Private family Celebration of Life Services will be held at a future date.

Peggy was born on September 13, 1946, in West Frankfort, IL, the daughter of Aud Edwards and Bonnie (Odle) Edwards. She was adopted and raised by Walter and Louise Fleming of West Frankfort. She would marry Dale Russell Severin on October 28, 1962; and together they shared 60 years of marriage.

She along with her husband was the owner/operator of Severin Garden Center of West Frankfort.

Peggy was a member of Faith Assembly Fellowship of West Frankfort, where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School to pre-K children. She was exceptionally talented as a Sunday School Teacher.

Peggy had a passion for Missions. She and Dale would spend many Christmas Days aiding and assisting children in Jamaica. She was very compassionate to help and see to the needs of others.

She enjoyed and loved cats, especially her cat Milo.

Surviving is her loving husband of 60 years, Dale Severin of West Frankfort, IL; a son Steven Severin of West Frankfort, IL; three grandsons: Cory Severin of West Frankfort, IL, Adam Severin of Marion, IL, and Jacob Severin of West Frankfort, IL.

She was preceded in death by her birth parents, adopted parents, a son Shawn Severin, and a sister Janice Spain.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions In Memory of Peggy, may be made to Dale Severin to be designated for Missions. Please mail donations to Dale Severin, 717 North Gardner Street, West Frankfort, IL 62896.

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

Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Jerrel D. Dungy went home to be with the Lord on June 10, 2023, with his family around him.

He was born to Drennan & Genevieve (Tate) Dungy on October 1, 1941.

He married Katie (Conner) Dungy on March 16, 1963. Together they have three children: Karen Miller, Rhea Eva (Joey) Hutchcraft & Matthew (Andrea) Dungy.
They have 7 grandchildren: Brandon Hess (fiancé Laura), Samuel Miller, Shelby (Matthew) Androvandi, Ben (Katlynn) Hutchcraft, Ike (Parker) Hutchcraft, Zach Dungy (deceased) and Addie Dungy. Also surviving are four great-grandchildren: Wesley, Noah and Jaxson Androvandi and Audrey Hutchcraft. He is survived by two sisters, Reita Morris and June Jones, several nieces, nephews and cousins, a special nephew Brent (Susan) Morris who they helped raise, and a special friend Dan Halliday who was such an encourager and help through Jerrel’s illness (22 months) as was his sister June.

He was preceded in death by his grandson Zach and two brothers-in-law, Ed Morris and Melvin Jones.

He was saved when he was 21 years old at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He said he might have failed God, but God never failed him. He wanted people to come to know the Lord as their Savior and had the privilege of leading some to Salvation.

Jerrel was a faithful member of the Jackson Grove Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and Sunday School Teacher until his health failed.
He loved the farm and wanted to be a good steward of the land that God gave him.
He loved his family and his desire was to see all of them in Heaven someday.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 14th at the Jackson Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Don Bullard, Pastor Kevin Bullard and Dan Halliday officiating. Burial will be in the Phillips Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M to 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday at the church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Jimmy Doyle Jarrett, 80, of Christopher, passed away on Thursday June 8, 2023 at the Herrin Hospital.

He was born on November 14, 1942 in Hickman, KY to Fonnie Leroy Jarrod and Gussie Mae (Brewer) Blackmon. He married Donna (Kretz) Jarrett on July 16, 1966.

He is survived by his wife Donna Jarrett of Christopher; two sons Mike Jarrett of Christopher and Jeff (Michelle) Jarrett of Mulkeytown; four grandchildren Jonathon (Sabrina) Jarrett, Alex (Rikki Ward) Jarrett, Taylor Jarrett and Ashlee Jarrett; three great grandchildren Bentli, Bristol and Lilliana and one brother Phillip Blackmon of Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Shirley Raabe and three brothers James Miller Blackmon, Billy Blackmon and David Blackmon.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday June 15, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5:00 PM until the time of the service at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

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

Gloria Jean Berner, 78, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Friday June 2, 2023 at SSM Saint Louis University Hospital.

She was born on June 25, 1944 in West Frankfort, IL to Darrell and Angel (D’Haillecourt) Fiorenzi.

She married the love of her life Ivan Berner on September 5, 1964 and they spent over 57 years together until his passing in late 2001. They had one son, Brian Keith Berner (1968 – 2012). She is survived by grandson Dakota (Haley) Berner of Coronado, CA; adored great grandchildren Amelia Rose, Piper Jane, and Oliver James; brother Mike (Judy) Fiorenzi of Herrin; brother-in-law Clyde Furlow of Mulkeytown; sister-in-law Kay Fiorenzi; nieces and nephews Christy (Paul) Douglas, Bradley (Christian) Furlow, Nellie (Christian) Baril, Ben (Courtney) Fiorenzi and Joe (Janice) Fiorenzi, Tom Fiorenzi, Angela Polen, Chris Fiorenzi, and David Fiorenzi; several great and great-great nieces and nephews; and many close friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ivan Berner, son Brian Berner, brothers Jim and Don Fiorenzi, one sister-in-law Evelyn Furlow, father-in-law and mother-in-law Ralph and Bertha Berner. She was a beautician for many years and also worked as a home care assistant.

She was a devoted Christian and member of the Mulkeytown Christian Church, serving for many years as a Sunday school teacher and ladies fellowship member and officer. A visitation and memorial service will be held in early July to allow currently-deployed Navy grandson Dakota to be present. Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Rev. Kurt Jensen officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Franklin Historical District or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

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

George J. Spotanski Jr., 94, of Scheller, passed away on Sunday June 4, 2023 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon, IL.

He was born on January 17, 1929 in St Louis, MO to George Michael and Anna Rose (Kurczynski) Spotanski. He married Evelyn (Czerwinski) Spotanski on May 3, 1952 and shared 57 years of marriage until her passing in 2010.

George is survived by his children Garry (Phyllis) Spotanski, Don (Debi) Spotanski, Cheryl (Donald) Martin and Susie (Steve) Doty all of Scheller; 11 grandchildren Tara (Jarrett) Biggerstaff, Tracy Spotanski, Tiffany (Kyle) Kluck, Brandon (Kandace) Spotanski, Melissa (Tim) Bathon, Jennifer (Ryan) Blankenship, Kathy (Ryan) Lott, Tony (Jessica) Martin, Christina Martin, April (Joe) Emery and Emily DeForest and friend Corey Braden; 26 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Evelyn Spotanski and his brother Leroy Spotanski.

George was a member of the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser and St Barbara’s Catholic Church in Scheller. He had worked at Wagner Electric & Dowzer Electric in Mt Vernon. He was retired from Sesser Concrete Products and was an Active Farmer. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his visits with Special Friends JoAnn Butler and her daughter Patti Doerr. He especially loved seeing his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. He enjoyed Bowling and had a special bond with his teammates.He also enjoyed mowing grass and an occasional trip to a Casino or going with his niece Vicki to Mississippi as well as watching the St. Louis Cardinals.

Funeral Mass will be on Saturday June 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St Barbara Catholic Church in Scheller with Father Nick Junker officiating. Visitation will be on Friday June 9, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Jullian Graves, 12, of Sesser, passed away on May 30, 2023 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on December 26, 2010 in Mt Vernon to David Graves and Ashley (Pedigo) Smolley.

He is survived by his mother Ashley (Blake) Smolley of Sesser; siblings Corey Pedigo, Trinity Graves and Hadley Smolley, he is also survived by his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother Brenda Pedigo.

Funeral services will be on Saturday June 3, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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