Bill Wilkerson, 89, of Buckner, IL, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at Frankfort Care Center, in West Frankfort, IL.

He was born May 26, 1926 in Benton, IL, the son of Earl and Janie (Owens) Wilkerson.

Mr. Wilkerson was a World War II veteran, serving in the Army Signal Corps. He was a lifetime member of DAV. Mr. Wilkerson formerly worked for Pinkerton Detective Agency when they were building the Houston Astrodome, in Houston, TX. He worked for Poulson Funeral Home, in Benton, for several years. Mr. Wilkerson was also a truck driver. He would also go with his father in years past to hold revivals at various Apostolic Churches in Illinois.

Mr. Wilkerson is survived by his wife, Betty (Barth) Wilkerson, of Buckner, one son, Bill (Cheryl) Wilkerson, Gulf Shores, AL and one daughter, Faye Carney and husband Jerry, of Foley, AL; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, several stepchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Wilkerson was preceded in death by his parents and by six brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 4 at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Donnie Hill, of Granite City, IL, officiating. Burial, with military honors by the Benton American Legion and VFW Posts and Illinois National Guard, will be in Franklin Cemetery, in Whittington. Visitation will be after 12 noon on Sunday at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to the DAV, and will accepted at the funeral home at any time.

David Lee Pedigo, 73 of Valier Patch, passed away Monday, September 28, 2015 at his home.

He was born in West Frankfort, IL on May 27, 1942, the son of Alfred Otto and Maggie (Campbell) Pedigo. He married Carolyn Fae (Joiner) on March 17, 1962 in Valier Patch.

Mr. Pedigo was a bass fisherman and made crappie jigs.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Pedigo, three children Dennis Ray Pedigo, David B. Pedigo and Cleona Fae Pedigo; five grandchildren, Amber Dawn Short, Beth Nicole Williams, Kelsey Lee Docherty, David Anthony Pedigo and Alicea Fae Pedigo; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Sam Pedigo and wife Janet, of Johnston City and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Pedigo was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.m Thursday, October 1, 2015 at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church, in Benton, IL with Pastor Chris Hammonds officiating. Burial will be at the Hammond Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at the church.

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

Judith Ann Pearce, 69, of Ewing, IL left her earthly home and walked into the arms of her heavenly father on September 26, 2015.

Judy was born September 20, 1946 to James Edward and Dorothy Mae (Auten) Sullivan.

She became a Christian in June 1960 and followed Christ all her life. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Thompsonville, IL where she grew up.

She met the love of her life Gale Martin Pearce and they were married December 23, 1966. To this union were born two children Daron Scott (Debbie) Pearce, Ewing and Lisa Michelle, who died in infancy.

She is survived by her son Daron (Debbie) Pearce, of Ewing; a stepdaughter Vanessa Burgess, of Ewing; granddaughters Kaela Ann (Ben) Menson, of Columbus, IN, Allison Michelle Pearce, Daniel Lenevich, of Ewing and Amanda Nicole Harris, of Marion, IL; one sister, Brenda (Bill) Smith, West Frankfort; one brother Roger (Brenda) Sullivan, Thompsonville; nieces and nephews Kevin (Kendall) Smith, Thompsonville, Kenny (Denise) Smith, Thompsonville, Kim (Matt) Rains, West Frankfort, John (Shasta) Sullivan, Carmi, IL, Sheila (Aaron) Smith, Lakeland, FL; great nieces and nephews Leanna, Kenlee, Kenise, Kolby, Koty, Brogan, Hunter, Dallas, Bryson, Easton, Ian and Kaylee. She is also survived by aunts, cousins and a host of friends.

Judy and Gale were members of Williams Chapel Church, in Ewing where Judy was Sunday School teacher, church treasurer and song leader until its closing. They now attend Oasis Community Church of the Nazarene in Harrisburg, IL.

Gale and Judy and Daron and Debbie own and operate Rend Lake Antique Mall and Southern Illinois Auction at Ina. Gale and Judy are retired farmers.

Judy was a member of Frankfort Area Genealogy Society, in West Frankfort and Franklin County Tourism, in Benton. She adored her children and granddaughters. She loved spending time with family and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Michelle, her mother Dorothy Sullivan, father-in-law and mother-in-law Falgar and Lillie Pearce, grandparents Earl and Esta Sullivan and Mamie and Holloway Auten and aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 30 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton, IL with Pastor Gary Clark officiating. Visitation will be at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. and after 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Burial will be at Thurmond Cemetery, in Ewing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Baptist Children’s Home, in Carmi.

James Allen Lusby, 52, of Benton, died Friday, August 28, 2015 at his home.

Mr. Lusby’s wishes were to be cremated. A Memorial Graveside Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2015 at the Sursa Cemetery of Mt. Vernon, IL. There will be no visitation. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton.

James was born on November 26, 1962 in Joliet, IL, the son of Mikul Don Lusby-Jones and Donna Annalee (Funkhouser) Lusby.

He and his mother owned and operated Lusby’s Janitorial Service in the Lemont, IL area.

James enjoyed evening walks, watching 1970’s and 80’s era television programs and movies, collecting Hot Wheels cars, his cat, and Chicago Bears football.

He is survived by his sister Carrie Plascencia and husband Joe of Joliet, IL; a brother Don Lusby and wife Linda of Chicago Ridge, IL; three nieces: Samantha, Lindsey and Lilyanna; three nephews: Keith and wife Shannon, Eric, and Alejandro; two great-nephews: Damyen and Apollo; a great-niece Bella; two aunts: Elizabeth Overbey of Benton, and Sara Jones of Sharon, TN; and numerous loving cousins.

James was preceded in death by his parents; and a niece Chantrese.

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

Dennis ‘Rick” Paxton, 66, of Benton, IL, passed away September 21, 2015 at Franklin Hospital, in Benton.

Rick was born November 20, 1948 in St. Louis, MO, the son of Lindell Paxton and Lulubelle (Tucker) Paxton.

He was an Army veteran, serving in Vietnam. Rick was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, in Benton and the Benton Elks.

He married Thelma (Barber) Paxton on June 14, 1990 and she survives.

Also surviving is a daughter, Teresa Michele Totman, of Danville, KY; granddaughter Briar H. North’ one brother David Paxton, Hilton Head, SC and one sister Teresa ‘Terri’ Hallahan, Christopher, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John “Micky” Paxton.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 25, 2015 at 7 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher with the Rev. Naomi Edmonds officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, September 25, 2015 from 6 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Paxton Family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, IL is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

William Stephen ‘Steve’ Swinney, 67, of Benton, IL, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September, 16, 2015.

Steve was born June 20, 1948, in Benton, the son of Dr. William “Bill” Joplin Swinney and Dorothy Monroe Swinney.

Steve was a 1966 graduate of Benton Consolidated High School, serving as class president and in numerous other clubs. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University and his Master’s Degree from University of Denver.

Steve spent 41 years working in the banking industry, serving as the president of State Bank of Whittington since 1977. During his years as president, the bank added three new branches in Benton, Sesser and Christopher and the bank has continued to be locally owned and operated and carry a five star rating. He served most of his career on the legislative committee for the Community Bankers Association. Steve accepted the award for Benton-West City Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year in 2010 for State Bank of Whittington. Steve spoke often of his love for helping others and the work he accomplished at State Bank of Whittington. He was a very humble, honest and giving person. Steve was an avid golfer, enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a member of the Boneyard Boccie Ball Club and the Benton Elks.

Steve is survived by his wife, Sibyl Rodenbush Swinney, children Greg Swinney, Heather Franklin (Michael), Sara Holman, step-children Ronda Baker Dunn (Randy), Beth Baker and Preston Baker (Amy); grandchildren Tommy “The Turtle” Swinney, Emma, Kaylee, Jacob Franklin; Dash, Charlie, Josie Holman; Sara Hammer (Matt), Gavin Wanstreet (Elaine) and Lea Baker. Great-grandchild Eleanor (Ella) Hammer; sister Nancy Durham (Chuck), niece Stephanie McDuffee (Mike) and her children Jessica Sommer (Ethan) and Keyndra Calvin; brothers-in-law the Rev. Robert Rodenbush and wife Evangeline and Barry Rodenbush. He was also survived by a special cousin Jack Monroe and several other family members, friends and colleagues.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Robert Rodenbush officiating. Visitation will be after 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Franklin Cemetery in Whittington.

For those who wish memorial contributions can be made to the Ronald McDonald House or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Benton, IL

Ernest William Stroud, Jr., 58, of Benton, died at 10:02 p.m. Monday, September 7, 2015, at his mother’s home.

Mr. Stroud was cremated.

A Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 17, 2015 at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home, with Sister Laura Reynolds officiating. Visitation will be from 12 noon until the funeral hour. Burial will be at a future date. Arrangements are with the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton.

Ernest was born on February 7, 1957 in Joliet, IL, the son of Ernest William Stroud, Sr. and Katherine (Zobel) Stroud. He married the former Jane Frances Cherigatti on November 27, 1976, and she preceded him in death on June 4, 2011.

Mr. Stroud, during his employment career, worked in the maintenance department with Stepan Chemical. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

Ernest actively served in the U.S. Army from January 31, 1975 to January 30, 1978 where he was a certified Track Vehicle Mechanic. During his service time he attained the rank of Specialist 4th class.

Mr. Stroud is survived by his mother Katherine Stroud of Benton; two sons: Michael William Stroud of Benton, Kurt Lee Stroud and wife Melissa of Shorewood, IL; four brothers: Robert Ray Stroud and wife Eileen of Joliet, David Lee Stroud of Joliet, Richard Joseph Stroud and wife Andrea of Mundelein, IL, and Adam F. Stroud; four nephews and three nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father, his wife Jane, a sister, and a nephew.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with the cremation services, and will be accepted at the funeral home..

To sign the online memorial guestbook or to share memories of Ernest, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Benton, IL

Sherry Lynn Ude, 60, of Benton, died at 3:33 p.m. Monday, September14, 2015, at the Franklin Hospital in Benton.

Sherry’s wishes were to be cremated.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2015 at the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the church.

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

Sherry was born on January 8, 1955 in Greenville, KY, the daughter of Rufus Allen Burch and Hazel Renee (Knight) Burch. She married Ralph “Sam” Gibbs on August 8, 2008 and he survives.

Sherry retired from AMAX Delta Mine in Harco. Sherry was the first lady coal miner in the state of Illinois to receive an explosives certification. She was a member of the U.M.W.A.

She enjoyed traveling, and her little dogs.

Sherry is survived by her husband, Ralph “Sam” Gibbs of Benton; her son Matthew Jesse Ude of Benton; a step-son Bill Gibbs of Johnston City; four grandchildren: Dakota McClure, Madison Carter, Emily Sanders, Cord Turner; three great-grandchildren; a sister Lisa Sherman and husband Keith of Bremen, KY; a brother Richard Burch and wife Kaye of Florida; a brother-in-law Bill Gibbs; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter Misty Jo McClure; and a brother Jerry Burch.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Humane Society, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington DC 20037, and will be accepted at the funeral home..

To sign the online memorial guestbook or to share memories of Sherry, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com