Steve Camden, 57 passed away February 14, 2015 at his home.

Steve was born to Irvin and Dorothy (Buckner) Camden.

He is survived by his wife Debbie Camden of Benton and his mother of Benton. They had two children Lisa and Thad Logsdon of Sesser and Stephen Bryan and Mandy Camden of Sesser. Grandchildren Brian, Chelsea, Tori, Beau, Dalton, Dylan. Two brothers Barry and Thea Camden of Dahlgren and Kenny Camden of Benton. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Father.

He was a member of the Stormrider’s and was known as Tin Man. He was also a member of the UMWA and was retired from CONSOL mine. He was a Veteran of the Army.

He loved riding his Harley and spending time with family and friends, he will be sadly missed by his family and friends and all that loved him. Especially his little buddy Rocky.

His wishes were to be cremated.

A memorial service will be on Thursday February 19, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Nathan Dilliner officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday February 19, 2015 from 5:00 P.M. until the time of the service at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

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

Randall J. Harp, 60, of Christopher, passed away Feb. 10, 2015 at his mother’s home.

Randy was born June 19, 1950 in Christopher, Il, the son of Darrell Joel Harp and Wilma Jean (Hammonds) Ogilvie, of Christopher.

Randy was a carpenter.

He is survived by one brother, Mark and Rhonda Harp, of Pontoon Beach, IL and several uncles, aunts and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father.

The family held a private funeral service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015.

Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, was in charge of arrangements. Burial was in Mulkeytown Cemetery, Mulkeytown, IL.

For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Naomi M. Wilkerson, 87, of Benton, passed away Feb. 10, 2015 at her home.

She was born in Benton, IL on July 30, 1927, the daughter of Everett and Allie (Midyette) Dawson.

She married Ezra Wilkerson on Oct. 28, 1944, and he preceded her in death on March 29, 1999.

Mrs. Wilkerson first worked at General Electric, then Sangamo Electric and also at several sewing factories. She enjoyed cleaning houses for people until she was 80 years old.

Mrs. Wilkerson was a member of the Christopher Church of Christ.

She is survived by one daughter, Linda Roberson, of Benton, and one son, Mike and Teri Wilkerson, of Benton; five grandchildren, Luke Roberson and fiancee Samantha, of Sunray, TX, Courtney Roberson, Morton, MS, Corey Wilkerson, of Benton, Drake Lebrun, of Benton, Jacob Wilkerson, of Benton; sister Ruth Whitlow, of Kankakee and brother Glenn Dawson, of Thompsonville.

Mrs. Wilkerson was preceded in death by her parents, husband, by a son-in-law Mike Roberson and by five brothers, Gale, Glenn, Seldon, Evan and Ivan Dawson.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with George Marshall officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Elwanda Dalton Lockin, 88, of Benton, passed away Thursday morning Feb. 12, 2015 in Benton.

She was born in Paducah, KY on April 4, 1926, the daughter of Edward Carl and Rose Helen (Ryan) Dalton.

She married George William “Bill” Lockin on August 21, 1949.

Mrs. Lockin was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton. Mrs. Lockin was a operating room nurse at Miner’s Hospital in Christopher and then later was office nurse for Dr. J.P. Durham.

Mrs. Lockin is survived by her husband, George William “Bill” Lockin, of Benton; three children, David Lockin and wife Jennie, of Lilburn, GA, Karen Bachus, of Marietta, GA and Jane Hutson and husband John, of Brentwood, TN.

Also surviving are six grandchildren, Matthew Lockin, of Phoenix, AZ, Jonathan Lockin, of Statesboro, GA, Avery Bachus, of Marietta, GA, Meredith Dixon, of Marietta, GA, Madelyn Hutson, Brentwood, TN and Kathryn Hutson, Brentwood, TN; three great-grandchildren, Savannah, Scarlett and Ozzy.

Mrs. Lockin was preceded in death by her parents, by a brother, Robert Dalton and by three sisters, Geneva, Glenn and Ruth.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 16 at First United Methodist Church in Benton, with Pastor Shane Smith and Jim Muir officiating. Burial will be in Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton and after 11 a.m. on Monday until the funeral hour at the church.

Kathryn Ada Lewis, 87, of Marion, IN, passed away February 7, 2015

Kathryn, formerly of Sesser, IL was a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

She faithfully served her family as a wife, loving mother, grandmother and sister. Kathryn graduated from Sesser High School where she met her husband Leslie. L. Lewis who she followed in passing. She was also proceeded in death by her daughter, Sheryl Ann. She will be sadly missed by her loved ones: Dennis Lewis, son, June (Robert) Everling, daughter, Leslie Kay Lewis, granddaughter, Katie Everling, granddaughter, Cody Everling, grandson, Alexis Antrim, great granddaughter.

Kathryn was an accomplished seamstress, compassionate pianist, and charter member of Sunnycrest Baptist Church. Kathryn and her husband were local business owners for over 30 years in Marion (Marion Plywood and D & L Health Foods). She gave back to her community by helping with the Marion Easter pageant for many years.  She enjoyed rummaging, playing cards, crafts, cooking and traveling. Kathryn cherished her family and the time spent with each of one of them.

In Honor of her life, the family will be hosting a “Home Going Celebration” on February 11, 2015 at  Horse Prairie Church in Sesser, IL. Visitation starting at 12 p.m. and the funeral service at 1 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home of Sesser, IL.

Special Thank You to her caregivers, Family Care Hospice, Needham Storey Funeral Home and Chaplain Don Miller.

Elizabeth “Betty” Dees, 79, of Coello, IL, passed away Feb. 7, 2015 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born Jan. 9, 1936 in Dowell, IL, the daughter of Dorris Hickman and Helen (Probst) Hickman.

She was a secretary at Christopher High School and a member of Coello Baptist Church.

Betty was married to Donald Dees and he survives in Coello.

She is survived by two sons, John and Kimmy Dees, of Coello and Bryan Dees, of Coello; grandchildren Daniel Dees and Derek Dees and step granddaughter Michele Dees; a brother James Hickman, of Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Betty’s wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

For more information visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Rose Marie Patten, 86, of Benton, passed away Monday evening Feb. 9, 2015 at the Stone Bridge Living Center, in Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made in Mrs. Patten’s memory to First Christian Church, in Benton.

Robert J. Kirkpatrick passed away February 7 due to heart complications at Barnes Hospital with his family at his side.

He was born January 15, 1927 in Sesser, IL where he attended schools. He was the son of William Virgil Kirkpatrick and Freda Atchison, and was raised by his grandparents, Harve and Maggie Atchison.

Bob married Lucille Underwood on July 27, 1950 and they have celebrated 64 years of marriage. Bob served as an Army Staff Sargent at end of WWII assigned to General MacArthur’s Headquarters in Manila and Japan. His 10 year career as a Railway Postal Clerk ended after a rail car accident. He enrolled in college and completed his BS in Accounting and Business from Southern Illinois University in three years. Bob became a Senior Bank Examiner with the FDIC, and eventually became President and Chairman of the Board, Bank of Sesser.

In the mid-60s he survived a near-fatal car accident which did not slow down his service to the community. Bob completed 30 years on school boards including Rend Lake College. He and Lucille were dedicated members of Sesser United Methodist Church. Bob served as Lay Leader and Finance Chair as well as Chair of Conference Finance & Administration. Having moved to Mt. Vernon, they became members of the First United Methodist Church there. Recognized for his continuous contributions, Robert received the Liberty Bell Award, Outstanding Chamber Member, and 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award for Sesser-Valier Schools.

Wearing many hats, he was Sesser Masonic Lodge Secretary for 35 years, honored as a 33rd degree Mason, and had active leadership roles over 50 years in the Ainad Shrine and Illinois Scottish Rite. Bob was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion.

Bob and Lucille loved to travel, visiting the vast majority of the U.S. and many parts of the world. In past years Bob spent time with WWII veterans and participated in an Honor Flight to DC.

He is survived by sons and wives Keith and Becky Kirkpatrick of Valparaiso, IN; and Rick Kirkpatrick & Jayne Sanders of Denver, CO; and daughter and husband, Kathy and Al Johnston of Galva, IL. There are six grandchildren (with spouses): Colin Kirkpatrick & Logan Wince, Burbank, CA; Jamie & Angela Kirkpatrick, Mackinaw, IL; Meghan Kirkpatrick, Chicago; Tyler & Beth Johnston, Galva, IL; Karly Johnston, Kewanee, IL; Troy Kirkpatrick, Carbondale, IL; great-grandchildren under two: Camden Johnston and Finch Kirkpatrick. He is survived by sisters Phyllis Corona, Helen Galloway, Virginia Brachear; and large numbers of close relatives including Wilbur & Winnie Van Horn and Aunt, Sadie Lewis. He is preceded in death by siblings Michael O’Sullivan, Terry O’Sullivan, and Susan Callihan.

Robert Kirkpatrick loved and was deeply dedicated to God, his family, his community, and his country.

Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 13 from 5-to-8 p.m. at Brayfield Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser and on Saturday, Feb. 14, 10:00-1:00 p.m. at Mt. Vernon First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be at 1:00 with burial to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Memorial gifts may be made to Shriners Hospital St. Louis, Sesser United Methodist Church, or Mt. Vernon First United Methodist Church.

Carmen Lucille Lampley, 81, of Benton, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 at Franklin Hospital in Benton.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Gary West officiating. Burial will be in Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 10 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a trust fund for Rusty Lampley, that has been set up at the State Bank of Whittington, or to the Wednesday night Kid’s Program at North Benton Baptist Church.