Penry Ann Cockrum, 73, of Sesser, formerly of Benton, gently and quietly left this earth on Saturday August 19, 2017 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis.

Penry was born on October 18, 1943 to Maurice H. “Smokey” and Patricia Ann Chapman Poulson in Herrin, IL. She was their only child.

Penry graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in the Class of 1961. These were some of her favorite people and she never missed a class reunion as well as staying in touch with her classmates. Penry attended Gradwohl School of Technology in 1962 in St. Louis, Mo. She became a Laboratory Technician and worked in the blood banks of Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon and Benton Hospital in Benton. In 1987, she graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a degree in Mortuary Science. She owned and operated along with her husband, Terry, Poulson Funeral Home, Benton, IL from 1987 to 2007. She was a member of the First Christian Church, the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, Egyptian Funeral Director’s Association, and the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Benton.

Penry married her best friend and life partner Terry K Cockrum, of Sesser on October 10, 1987. Penry and Terry enjoyed going out to eat, antiquing, being outdoors in their beloved Southern Illinois, and spending time with family and friends. Penry and Terry were excited to celebrate 30 years of marriage this October.

Penry loved and cherished her six children: Steffaney (Tom Welty) Seagle, Grand Detour, IL, Jennifer (Christopher Lee) Pyle, St. Charles, MO, Jeffrey (Andrea) Seagle, Marion, IL, Chris (Lee) Cockrum, Baltimore, MD, Craig (Chrissy Boyd) Cockrum, Sesser, Il and Vickie Cockrum, St. Charles, MO.

All who knew Penry remember her by her great laugh, joy for life, matter-of-factness, and kindness given to thousands of friends and families in her professional and personal life. There were always two or three extra spots at the table during the holidays for those she knew had nowhere else to go. She always said she loved being a funeral director because it was the last nice thing you could do for someone. She was giving and generous beyond measure from crocheted afghans to homemade photo albums, to beautifully crafted beaded bracelets. She loved creating things but more importantly, she loved giving them away.

Penry also loved her grandchildren, all who referred to her as their Ooma. They are: Andrew Dunbar, West Frankfort, IL, Derek Pyle, Miami, FL, Samantha Cockrum, Harrisburg, IL, Jordan Pyle, Philadelphia, PA, Haley Cockrum, Germany, Lance Cockrum, San Diego, CA, and Madison Bean, Marion, IL.

Penry was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband, Charles “Chuck” Seagle.

There will be a Celebration of Life Open House on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Leffler (formerly Poulson’s) Funeral Home, 401 East Main St., Benton, IL, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Leffler Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. There will be a reception at the VFW in Sesser, IL from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., all are encouraged to attend this informal gathering to remember and celebrate Penry, Terry and their family.

Interment will be at a later date, in Horse Prairie Cemetery, Sesser, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the 2nd Chance Rescue of Franklin County, or to Horse Prairie Cemetery, and will be accepted at Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main St, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Mr. Kenneth Taylor, age 79, of Sesser IL, passed away at 8:40 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2017 at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Benton.

Mr. Taylor’s wishes were to be cremated with no public services.

Funeral arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mr. Taylor was born on October 2, 1938 in Whittington, IL, the son of Kenneth Taylor and Edith (Erwin) Taylor.

He was a retired coal miner and a member of the U.M.W.A. He later worked for E.T. Simons and was a member of the Laborers Local 773.

Kenneth enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Mr. Taylor is survived by his son Brian Taylor and wife Kathy of Whittington; a daughter Beth Leber of Sesser; four grandsons: Keith Taylor of Carbondale, Brian Adam Taylor of Kenai, Alaska, Collin Thompson and Dalton Thompson of Sesser; four great-grandchildren; his mother Edith Taylor of Benton; two sisters: Carol Rea and husband David of Benton, Sandy Taylor of Whittington; a brother Bill Taylor of Whittington; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231 – 4596

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

Howard Lee Bowlin, 74, of Christopher IL.  passed away on Friday August 18, 2017 at his home.

He was born May 2, 1943 to Geoffrey and Genevieve (Kirkpatrick) Bowlin. He married Joanne (Hager) Bowlin in 1979 and she survives of Christopher.

Survivors include his wife, children Kim (Darrell) Lundsford, Missy (Joseph) Boisseau, Christina Lewis, Starlet (Matthew) Baker, Shayna (Jesse) Drew, Raquel (Torey) Pulliam and Brooklen Bowlin; two step-sons Robert (Alice) Brummitt Jr. and Mark Brummitt; daughter-in-law Amy Brummitt; two sisters Phyllis and Sparky Robinette and Diane Utley; one brother Lyle Bowlin; also survived by 19 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Howard and Joanne were foster parents for over 20 years to many children and Howard was called dad by Jason Burnett, Daniel Parkinson, Josie (Steve) Heggaton and Tara (Matthew) Nielson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one step-son Kristopher Brummitt, and one brother Hobart Bowlin.

Memorial service will be on Thursday August 24, 2017 at 7:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Thursday August 24, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 Pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Larry Clyde “Larry Clyde” Summers, 71, of Benton, IL, passed away at 10:30 p.m., on Thursday August 17, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on May 16, 1946, to Clyde and Rose (Todd) Summers in Benton, IL. Larry was the owner/operator of Summers Crane Service established in 1990. On June 26, 1976, he married Jane Hood and she survives. Larry was a United States Navy Veteran. He served on the flight deck of USS Independence and USS Kennedy during its inaugural voyage during the Vietnam War.

Larry attended Thompsonville Church of God. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and drag racing. He was full of life and could never meet a stranger.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Jane, one son, Larry (Crystal) Summers of Benton, IL; two daughters, Gina (Robert) Key of Benton, IL, and Sherma (Robert) Dorris of West Frankfort, IL; eight grandchildren, Whitney, Alysah, Trysta, Aaron (Chaney), Dustin, Dylan (Mara), Tyler, Mason; six great-grandchildren; Lucas, Mason, Alexis, Maddox, Kenedee and Emma; and many other loving extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Rose Summers; a son, Dwayne Waller; and one sister, Janice Smith.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at Pate Funeral Home, with Pastor Brian Mixon, officiating. Graveside services will follow at Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Navy Honors Team.

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

 

Tracy Lee Isaacs Jr., 52, of Mount Vernon, IL,  passed away at 11:45 p.m., on August 14, 2017, at Saint Louis University Hospital.

He was born on August 2, 1965, to Tracy and Lois (Fulton) Isaacs in Huston, TX. Tracy recently married Peggy Jean Wheatley on September 27, 2016.  He was a member of Victory Christian Church in Mount Vernon, IL.

Tracy was a loving husband and father. He enjoyed working on cars, fishing, tying new restaurants, eating good food and was an avid Cardinals fan.

Tracy is survived by his loving spouse, Peggy; two children, Elizabeth Isaacs of McLeansboro, IL., and Caleb Allen Isaacs of Mt. Vernon, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tracy Lee Isaacs, Sr. and Lois Isaacs.

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

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made out to Pate Funeral Home to assist with the funeral expense.

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