Orval W. Jones, 91, of Whittington, IL went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015 with his wife daughter and grandson at his side.

He was born in Sesser, IL on September 18, 1924, the son of Orval William JOnes, Sr. and Hazel Gladys (Taylor) Jones. He married Lorene R. Britton on July 22, 1941, and she survives.

Mr. Jones was a World War II veteran, serving in the Army Air Corps from May 23, 1944 to August 7, 1946, where he attained the rank of First Lieutenant and flew a B-29.

Mr. Jones was a charter member and one of the founding members of Immanuel Baptist Church, in Benton. He worked in the coal mines for 22 years before working as a union electrician for 24 years. He retired from the electrical maintenance department at Southern Illinois University, in Carbondale, IL. He then came out of retirement to work at a McDonalds in Florida. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting and spending time with his family, especially his great-grandchildren.

Mr. Jones is survived by his wife, Lorene R. Jones, of Whittington, one daughter, Nancee Paul, of Whittington, one son, Bob Jones and wife Shirley, of Whittington,  grandchildren Brad Paul and wife Melissa, of Ewing, Jeff Jones and wife Stephanie, of Whittington, Kevin Jones and wife Becky, of Whittington; great-granchildren Cydney and Nathan Paul, Noah and Logan Jones and Kaden and Kolton Jones.

Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at Immanuel Baptist Church, in Benton, IL with the Rev. Sammy Simmons and the Rev. Ron Cremeens officiating. Burial with military rites conducted by the Benton American Legion and VFW Posts and National Guard Honor Squad will be in Shiloh Cemetery, in Whittington. Visitation will be after 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at Immanuel Baptist Church, in Benton.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.

George A. Roye, 80, Coello, IL passed away on Sunday November 29, 2015 at 10:50 P.M. at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt Vernon, IL.  He was surrounded by his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Missy Roye of Christopher, and his grandson and granddaughter-in-law Lance and Amanda Roye of Marion.

George was born on February 23, 1935 in West Frankfort to John and Edna (Beggs) Roye.  He attended Frankfort Community High School.  He began working in the oil drilling business when he was 17 years old.  He loved and spoke often of doing this job, which took him to different parts of the world, including Argentina and the Dominican Republic.  After 17 years, he then began working as a Coal Miner.  He worked for various companies, including Old Ben, Freeman United, Classic Coal, and retired with Kerr-McGhee in Galatia.

George enjoyed his time helping others.  He always cared for others and would help them in any way. He was never seen without a smile on his face and loved telling stories.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren, Jessi and Sean Roye, and his great grandchildren, Dyson and Maleah Roye.  He also loved fishing, especially the great trips to Reel Foot with his son Kevin and grandson Sean.

George will also be missed by the love of his life and soul mate of nearly 30 years, Margaret Fierra of Coello.  “George and Maggie” were always together and were the true definition of love.

George’s wishes were to be cremated with burial at Denning Cemetery in Orient, IL.  A memorial service will be on Saturday December 5, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.  Visitation will be on Saturday December 5, 2015 from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Christian Church in Christopher and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Kay Ann (Thomas) Denton, 60, of Benton, IL died at 8:07 a.m. Monday, November 30, 2015 at the Franklin Hospital in Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2015 at the Leffler-Poulson Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will be in the Mulkeytown Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Kay Ann was born on April 6, 1955 in Benton, the daughter of Charles A. Thomas and Barbara (Lang) Thomas.

Kay worked for many years as a cashier at several area convenience stores.

She was of the Catholic faith.

She loved her cats, her family, and especially her grandkids.

Kay is survived by her three children: Chase Hall and wife Andrea of Benton, Misty Hopper and husband Clint of Waltonville, Andy Sanders of Whittington; nine grandchildren: Sadie, Courtney, Blake, Matilda, Lexie, Austin, Ashton, Zackery, and Hunter; a brother: Skip Thomas and wife Janis of Benton, two sisters: Lesa Thomas and Jenny Casey and husband Randy both of Benton; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, and a sister Cathy Springer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

 

 

Randall “Randy” Van Hoorebeke, 51, of Herrin, Il passed away Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015 at Herrin Hospital.

Randy was born May 13, 1964 in Fortuna, CA  to Alberta Rose and was raised by Donald Van Hoorebeke and Marlene Van Hoorebeke Loman.

He was a bricklayer with the Bricklayer Local Union 8.

He is survived by two children, Josh Van Hoorebeke, St. Louis, MO and Cody Van Hoorebeke, Herrin.

Randy is also survived by brothers and sisters, Sandra, Donna and David of Christopher, IL, Larry, Mary, Sharon, Charles, Loren, Kenny, David, all of Texas, and Elmer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Shirley and Alice.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015 at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, IL. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015 from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Randy’s sons Josh and Cody and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, in Sesser, IL.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patricia Leister of Carterville, IL died on Monday, November 16, 2015 at Herrin Hospital. She was 89.

Pat was born on March 19, 1926 in Christopher, IL and attended high school in Princeton, IN where she met her future husband, Col. James W. Leister (ret.).  After their marriage in 1948 they began a life in the Army which allowed Pat and her two sons, Jim and John, to live in many places both within the U.S. and internationally, but their time in Japan and Montana held some of her fondest memories.

Retirement eventually brought her to live in Corpus Christi, TX where she volunteered with the Chamber of Tourism as a member of the Sparklers organization until eventually relocating to Alma, MI.  After her husband’s passing in 2013 she returned to Southern Illinois.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, W.O. (“Runt”) and Helen Johnston, and her sister Margaret Smith.  She is survived by her two sons, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and her beloved Golden Retriever, Andy. A celebration of life will be held at Patricia home at 505 Rushing Dr. Apartment 8 in Carterville, IL Saturday Nov. 21,2015 at 1 p.m.

Arangements were entrusted to the Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher IL.

Ray H. Edwards, 88, of Normal, IL passed away at 1:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015 at St. Joseph Hospital in Bloomington, IL.

Ray was born in Thompsonville, IL on Dec. 25, 1926, the son of Hester and Daisy (Dean) Edwards.

He married June (Sweet) Edwards, and she preceded him in death in 2006.

Mr. Edwards was a U.S. Army veteran.

He had retired from the shipping department at Caterpillar. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a NASCAR fan and country music fan.

Ray is survived by his daughter Julie Lyons and husband Todd, of Normal; daughter-in-law Vickie Edwards, of Pekin; grandchildren Alex and Aaron Burns, of Normal, Troy Edwards, of Pekin and Tracy Spracklen, of Manito; brother Jack Edwards and wife Modena, of Johnston City along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a son-in-law Ronald Edwards in 2005, a daughter Marsha Edwards in 1967, a brother Theodore Edwards and a sister Mae Edwards.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 at County Line Cemetery, Thompsonville, IL with the Rev. Gary West officiating. There will be no visitation and those attending are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton, is in charge of arrangements.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhom.com

Donald Thomas “D.T.” Richardson, Sr., age 52, of Benton, passed away at 4:03 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2015 at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton with Rev. Alan Newman officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to the funeral hour on Tuesday at the Immanuel Baptist Church, 516 North Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

Funeral arrangements are through the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton.

Donald Thomas Richardson was born July 21, 1963 in Anaheim, CA, the son of Walter Tom Richardson and Sara Sue (Bassett) Richardson. He married the former Christine Marie Tasky on May 21, 2011 and she survives.

D.T. was a Police officer with the Benton Police Department and was a Firefighter with the Ewing-Northern Fire Protection District.

D.T. began his career in law enforcement with the Energy Police Department, he would later become Chief of Police in Crainville. His career in law enforcement would later take him to Christopher Police Department before he would become employed as a Deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff Department, where he was employed for 24 years. After retiring from the Sheriff Department, D.T. became Chief of Police at Sesser. After serving as Chief of Police in Sesser, D.T. was appointed interim Fire Chief with the City of Benton Fire Department. After his tenure as Fire Chief, D.T. became a police officer with the City of Benton where he was currently employed.

In 2001 D.T. served as an International Police Officer with the United Nations Defense in Kosovo.

He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his friends and law enforcement and firefighter families. He loved his pugs.

Christine said he was a good husband, father and friend.

D.T. is survived by his wife Christine Richardson of Benton; his mother Sara Vancil of Benton; a son Donald Thomas “Tommy” Richardson, Jr. of LaSalle, IL; two grandchildren; a step-son John Bryan Tasky and wife Heather of West Frankfort; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Bill and Nancy Tasky of Benton; a brother Robert Eugene Richardson and wife Lisa of Largo, FL; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Kim and Mike Mandrell of Benton; brother-in-law William David Tasky of West Frankfort; special friends Dave and Shelley Webb of Ewing; an Aunt Laura of Florida; several nieces and nephews; and his law enforcement and firefighter family.

He was preceded in death by his father; his foster parent Jerry Gass; a brother-in-law Bruce Tasky; his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ewing-Northern Fire Protection District, and will be accepted on Tuesday at the church.

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

Doris June Newbury 84 formerly of Scheller passed away on November 14, 2015 at 5:43 P.M. at the Mt Vernon Countryside Manor.

She was born on June 13, 1931, the daughter of Lester and Oma (Weatherly) Montgomery. She married Joe Frank Newbury on February 26, 1950 and he preceded her in death on February 26, 2007.

She is survived by two sons and one daughter, Leslie and Kendra Newbury of Benton, Jim and Paulette Newbury of Sesser, and Janet and Jerry G. Zettler of Tamaroa.

She is survived by seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and four step-great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister Joyce Dunavan of Springfield, two brothers Ronald and Anne Montgomery of Hilton Head, S.C., and Don and Dianne Montgomery of Sesser, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers Wayne, Frank, and Jimmy Montgomery, and one son John Stephen Newbury.

Doris was a homemaker and she loved to sew. Doris retired from work in the year 2000, she was a seamstress at the Lyn-Gai Garment Factory in Sesser for 34 years. She was also on the committee of her local union district called Ladies Garment Workers 462 (ILGWU made in the USA).

Doris was a loving mother and grandmother, she will be missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services for Doris will be on Wednesday November 18, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Burial will be in the Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be on Wednesday November 18, 2015 from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Horse Prairie Cemetery Association or to Mt Vernon Countryside Manor Activity Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Pete Micheletto, 80, of Christopher, IL passed away Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, IL.

He was born Dec. 25, 1934 in Christopher, the son of Steve Micheletto and Dena (Arro) Micheletto.

Pete married Arlene (Wingo) Micheletto on August 15, 1953 and she survives of Christopher.

He worked as an auditor for the Illinois Department of Revenue for 41 years.

Pete was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church Christopher, where he served as a church trustee and president of the parish council. He was a former Church Trustee and Parrish Council President, Served on the Rend Lake Conservancy District Board for 25 years, Member of the Knight’s of Columbus in Christopher

He worked as an auditor for the State of Illinois Department of Revenue for 41 years

He married Arlene (Wingo) Micheletto on August 15, 1953 and she survives of Christopher.

Survivors include children Danny and Carla Micheletto, Marine, IL; grandchildren Jamie Winemiller, Christopher, Joe Barnhart, Highland, IL and Tyler Barnhart, Troy, IL; great-grandchildren Jenna Micheletto, Stephanie Winemiller, Shianne Winemiller, Harley Winemiller and Jerry Winemiller. He was preceded in death by a son, Steve Micheletto and one brotehr, Joe Micheletto.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015 at St. Andrews Catholic Church, in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church, in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St Andrews Catholic Church or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the church

Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, is in charge of arrangements.

Gerome Willis Grob 76, went to be with his Lord on November 12, 2015 at Carbondale Memorial Hospital, with his loving wife by his side.

Gerome was born November 24, 1938 in Franklin County near Sesser, IL to the late Henry Grob and Goldie (Inabnit) Grob Stockton.

He grew up in Mulkeytown and graduated from Sesser High School where he received several ribbons on his accomplishments in FFA and 4H. After graduating high school, he went to engineering school in Park Kansas, Mo. He became a railroad engineer and retired with 51 years with the railroad industry.

He married Sandra (Shelton) Grob in Paducah, KY and lived in Sesser with their special dog, Precious. They were happily married for 16 years. He is a member of the Bear Point Baptist Church and was baptized in the Little Engine Creek when he was 10 years old. He enjoyed reading and collecting books, listening to gospel music, working puzzles and spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife Sandi; his children from a previous marriage, sons Jeff Grob and wife Kim of Sesser, Bret Grob and wife Sheri of Sesser, Chris Grob and wife Gena of Tampa, FL; one daughter Annette Gilbert of Maryville, IL; one sister Cathy Douglas and husband Tom of Macon, GA; grandchildren Toni Anderton and husband Josh, Jordan Murphy and husband Chris, Trishina Gehman and husband Andrew, Nathan Harmon and wife Natasha, Andrew Jacob Gerome “Drew” Grob, Lane Michael Henry Grob, Devin Tyler Grob, and Tara Nicole Grob; great-grandchildren Kelisy, Mayson, Hudson, Cooper, Remy, and Leland.

His parents, one brother Gilbert Grob, one grandson Kenny Grob, son-in-law Spencer Gilbert, and his grandparents all preceded in death.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Ivan Ryan officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.

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