Shelva Hutchcraft Lampley, age 79, of Benton, died at 10:40 a.m. Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at her home. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2015 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Rev. Bert Mitchell and Rev. Bill Uhles officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home. Shelva was born on November 19, 1936 the daughter of Marshall Hutchcraft and Ruth (Sweet) Hurchcraft. She married Carl Eugene Lampley on September 2, 1978, and he preceded her in death on December 6, 2014. Shelva was retired from Benton Township General Assistance Office, where she worked as a secretary. Shelva enjoyed camping with her husband, gardening and spending time with her family. She was a member of the West City Baptist Church. Shelva is survived by her two children: Pam Edmondson of Goodyear, AZ, Mark Hall and wife Lori of West Frankfort, IL; two grandchildren: Jennie Dotson of Phoenix, AZ, David Dotson and girlfriend Ashley of Scottsdale, AZ; a brother-in-law Bill Lampley of Benton; a sister-in-law Mildred Eubanks of Benton; several cousins, nieces, nephews; and her caring friends and neighbors Lucille, Leanne, Pat and Stella. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Memorial contributions may be made to the West City Baptist Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home. To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of Shelva, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

 

Devin Scott Osborne, 53, of Thompsonville, IL, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2015.

Devin was born August 27, 1962, the son of James A. Osborne and Opal Mae Wayman Osborne.

Devin was a true entrepreneur. He owned a dealership and was a drill bit distributor, traveling with his business. He was a mechanic and body man. Devin loved his race cars and loved to race.

The pride and joy of his life was his children and family. He is survived by his children, Brandy Osborne (Jake), Devin Scott Osborne II (Megan) and Allyson Osborne. Other survivors are his sister, Sherry Osborne Mix, West City, IL, Aunt Linda Osborne Sullivan (Melvin), grandchildren Christian, Braxton, Grayson, Gracie and Luna. He is survived by his nephew Michael Osborne (Anna), Lisa Osborne (Paul), Rebecca Choat (Jerry), Melody Osborne, Anita Osborne (Raymond), Angela Lugo (Pete) and Annabelle Shukites, close friends Jerry Riddle, Michelle Riddle Bean (Jeff), Bill (Barbara) Alsbury, Jimmy (Judy) Leonard, Victor Akin (Kim). He is also survived by several aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews.

Devin was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Meredith L. Osborne, Roy Dean Osborne, niece, Dana D. Cowan, grandparents James Wayman, Ola M. Wayman, Lona Georgia Osborne Downing and Roy B. Osborne, great-grandparents Walter McKinney, Cora Alice McKinney, great-great nephew K.J. Osborne, niece Valerie Osborne and many aunts and uncles.

Devin never met a stranger and was always there to help when called upon. He was proud of his motorcycle and loved to ride. Devin was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Funeral serives will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, December 11, 2015 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, IL with the Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Burial will be in the Bald Hill Cemetery, in Scheller, IL. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Friday at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home.

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

Raymond Eugene Travelstead, 64, of Sesser, IL passed away December 9, 2015 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Raymond was born May 5, 1951 in Metropolis, IL the son of Gene Travelstead and Edna (West) Travelstead.

He married Sue (Furlow) Travelstead on May 3, 1974 and she preceded him in death on June 9, 2015.

Raymond was a retired coal miner. He attended Valier First Baptist Church.

Raymond is survived by a son, Jerry and Lexy Travelstead, of Pinckneyville, IL; grandchildren Alaina Travelstead, Landon Travelstead and Jace Travelstead; one brother Alvin Travelstead, of Marion, IL and three sisters, Sue and Kenny Goddard, of Vienna, Barbara and G.A. Clymore, Jonesboro, IL and Donna Travelstead, Creal Springs, IL; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Steve and Sherry Johnson and Larry and Bernadine Braddy, all of Benton, IL; and lifelong friend, Corky Morris, Marion, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister Linda Smith, sister-in-law Dorothy Travelstead and one brother-in-law Greg Prineas.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 11, 2015 at 12 noon at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser with the Rev. Harl Ray Lewis officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 noon. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Valier First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, Sesser, is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

Mary “DeeDee” Frances (Driver) Neikes, 88, of Sesser, IL passed away December 4, 2015 at Lavender Ridge, in Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born July 6, 1927 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Charles Raymond Driver and Gladys Elizabeth (Rice) Driver.

Mary married Robert Neikes on September 6, 1947 and he preceded her in death on November 1, 1992.

She was retired from Lyn-Gia Garment Factory and was a member of the ILGWA Garment Workers Union, and she was a homemaker. Mary was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser. IL and was also a member of the St Mary’s Alter Society.

Mary is survived by her children, Mary Kay (Don) Miceli of Lakewood, Colorado, James (Ellen) Neikes of Christopher, IL, Marcia (Jerry) Whitehead of Benton, IL, Richard (Cheryl) Neikes of Centralia, IL and Robert E. “Bobby” (Tera) Neikes Jr. of Sesser; grandchildren Michael (Jennifer) Neikes of Marion, IL, and their children Keira, Ehren, and Austin, Allison (Tony) Peterson of Ashville, N.C. and their child Sarah Marie, Anthony Neikes of Christopher and his child Kaitlin, Alicia (Tony) Canterna of Linthicum, MD, and their children Reese and Anthony Canterna, Ashley (Patrick) Smail of Glen Burnie, MD and their child Grant Smail, Jared Whitehead of Webster, TX, Richard (Clairesse) Neikes Jr. of Centralia and their children Jaden, Cantessa, Alannah, and Taylor, Teresa (Jon) Smith of Centralia and their child Riley Hannah Neikes of Thomasville, AL, Kelisy Grob of Sesser, Keegan Neikes of Sesser, Rebecca (Mark) James of Marion and their children Darius, Domonic, and Donovan; one brother Michael (Mary) Driver, of Ocala, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers Raymond Driver and James Driver.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Sesser, IL with Father Urban Osuji and Father Peter Hsu officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser with a Rosary at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Sesser, IL.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Ronald Guy Merrill, aka “Eazy” age 66, of Benton, died Monday, November 30, 2015 at the
St. Louis University Hospital.

Graveside funeral services with military rites will be at 12:30 p.m. Monday, December 7, 2015 at Mounds National Cemetery, Mounds, IL, with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton. Arrangements are through the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton.

Ronald Guy Merrill was born on January 8, 1949 in Chicago, IL, the son of Robert Louis Merrill and Guyda Mae (Huffman) Merrill.

Ron had several titles and occupations including: truck driver, tow truck driver, respiratory therapist, fireman, paramedic, and registered nurse.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Viet Nam War, having served in the Army from March 28, 1966 until March 7, 1969. Ron would later join the U.S. Navy on November 12, 1975 and serve in the Navy until May 25, 1976.

Ron was a member of the Band of Brothers Motorcycle Club, where he served as Sergeant at Arms of the Foxtrot Company.

He is survived by his four children: Brandy Merrill-Austin and husband Ronald Pierce of Benton, Michael Merrill and girlfriend Jodee Estel of Christopher, Veronica Merrill of Christopher, Stephanie Merrill of Benton; five grandchildren: Zachary Rock of Colp, Morgan Rock of Benton, Deanna Hays of Christopher, Jason Lampley of Benton, Mary Hays of Christopher; a great-grandson: Shawn Poe of Benton; a brother: Robert Merrill of Lebanon, MO; two sisters: Diane Glass of Beaumont, TX, Joanie Merrill of Fort Worth, TX; and club brother/son figure/ nephew: Robert Galant and wife Kerry of Sesser; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Merrill was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: John Merrill; and a grandson: Matthew Lampley.

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

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.