CHRISTOPHER — Steve Dominick Micheletto, 60, died Saturday, Nov. 29. 2014, in his parents’ home.

He was born Feb. 4, 1954, in Du Quoin, to Peter and Arlene (Wingo) Micheletto of Christopher and both survive.

Steve was a coal miner at Prairie State Mine in Coulterville, He was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher.

He married Linda (Smith) Micheletto of Christopher and she survives.

Other survivors include his children, Jamie Winemiller of Christopher, Elizabeth Shaw of North Carolina and Austin Shaw of Christopher; grandchildren, Jenna Micheletto, Stephanie Winemiller, Shianne Winemiller, Harley Winemiller and Jerry Winemiller; and brothers, Danny and Carla Micheletto of Marine, IL.

Memorials may be made to St. Andrews Catholic Church, Hospice of Southern Illinois or America Cancer Association.
According to Steve’s wishes, he will be cremated with no services.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements.

For more information, visit our web site at gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Burton Raymond Crocker, 89, of Sesser, Illinois, died at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2014.

Burton was born in Franklin County, Illinois, on February 23, 1925, to Mary (McBride) and Raymond Crocker.   He graduated from Goode Barren Township High School in 1942 before serving in the Marine Corp during World War II.  Mr. Crocker served his country during the Korean War as well. He attended Southern Illinois University before he married Jean (Dillow) Crocker in 1949.  She still resides in Sesser.

For over forty years, Mr. Crocker was a successful businessman.  In 1948, he started his business career as an independent insurance agent and realtor when he purchased Crocker Insurance Agency from his father.  He was instrumental in starting two area financial institutions, Rend Lake Bank and American Savings and Loan, serving on the board of directors of both entities.  He was also a land appraiser; in fact, he appraised the land for Rend Lake.  Burton has served his community actively throughout his lifetime.  He served as chairman on the Sesser Water Commission, chairman of the Sesser Area Economic Development Corporation, chairman of the Franklin County Draft Board, and was a member of the Sesser Area Chamber of Commerce.  He served many years as Commander of the Bates Post American Legion and is still a member.  He is also a member of the First Baptist Church in Sesser.

In 1995 Mr. Crocker was awarded the Golden Deeds Award from the Sesser Chamber of Commerce in recognition for community service.  In recognition for his dedication to the community of Sesser, to his family, his country, and for his outstanding character, leadership, and accomplishments, Mr. Crocker received the Distinguished Alumni Award at the Sesser-Valier High School graduation in May, 2013.

Burton was the loving father of four children, Dianna Williams (Curtis) of Sesser, Janet Jones (Larry) of Harrisburg, IL, Randall Crocker (Cindy) of Sesser, and Brenda Kramer (Keith) of Sesser.  He also had eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren: Jennifer Lemons (Arthur), Gillian and Cordelia, Laura Marberry, Frances Marberry (deceased), Brett Crocker (Danielle) and Collin, Alex Kramer, all living in Sesser, Tara Grosner (John) and Ingrid of New York City, NY, Loren Jones (Karee), Millie and Otis of Austin, TX, Braden Jones (Courtney), Thomas and Beckett of Gainesville, FL, Erin Janello (Tony), Jaylyn and Aiden of Mulkeytown, Dennis Kramer of Annapolis, MD and Kyle Crocker of St. Louis, MO.

His parents, two brothers, one sister and his granddaughter preceded him in death.  One sister, Clara Brown of Sesser, survives, as well as two sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Crocker of Sesser and Elizabeth Crocker of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, Illinois.  The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2014, at the First Baptist Church in Sesser with pastors Harl Ray Lewis and Brother Larry Cook officiating.  Burial with military rites will be at the Maple Hill cemetery following the funeral.

In honor of the importance that Mr. Crocker placed on education, the family has set up a Burton R. Crocker SIU Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Donations may be made to:  Burton R. Crocker SIU Memorial Scholarship Fund, SIU Foundation, 1235 Douglas Drive, Carbondale, IL  62901.

Jeanne M. (Woods) Diel was born in Franklin County, Illinois on August 29, 1926 at the home of her parents, Roy “Pete” and Ida (Leffler) Woods. Jeanne went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014. She was a member of the West City Church of God.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton. Services will be at the West City Church of God on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.mm. and interment will be in Brady Cemetery, Akin, IL.  Visitation will be after 1 p.m. at the church.

She became a member of the Palestine Baptist Church at a young age and attended regularly with other members of her family. She was baptized in the Big Muddy River, just north of the then-Deputy Bridge.

In August 1944, Jeanne entered the United States Cadet Nurse Corps, along with her sisters June and Muriel. They trained at Missouri Baptist School of Nursing in St. Louis, MO. She was a licensed registered nurse in Missouri, Illinois and California.

She was united in marriage with Robert E. Dial on May 15,1959, at Benton Assembly of God Church.  Her husband was an ordained minister of the gospel with the Full Gospel Ministers of Paducah, Kentucky.  Together they were instrumental in bringing many young people to know the Lord as their Savior. “Moreover it is required in stewards that you be found faithful.” (I Corinthians 4:2).

Survivors include her husband, the Reverend Robert E. Diel; brother Evan R. Woods, of Robinson, IL; several nieces and nephews of whom she was very proud.

She was preceded in death by her paretns and by a daughter, Iva Jane; sisters Muriel E. Walker, of Marion, IL, Eva Faye Cluck, of Benton, IL, June Jones, of Marion, Il; brothers Carl E. Woods, of Michigan; Wesley E. Woods, of Anna, IL; Clinton A. Woods, of Johnston City, IL, and Gordon A. Woods of Benton, IL.

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

Dolores M. Ames, 83, of Christopher passed away at her home on Tuesday November 18, 2014 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

A life-long resident of Franklin County, Dolores was born on May 2, 1931, the daughter of Charles “Arthur” Koenig and Edith Gilliam Koenig.  Her maternal grandparents were Albert and Elizabeth Gilliam.

Dolores married Everett “Boogie” Ames on May 23, 1969 and he preceded her in death on February 17, 2001.

Dolores worked for Blue Bell Packing Company, the Office of the Franklin County Superintendent of schools, Inland Steel Coal Company, and was retired from Consolidation Coal Company.  She was a member of The First Christian Church in Christopher.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m.. to 1 p.m. on Saturday November 22, 2014 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.  Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. also at the funeral home, with Reverend Daniel Ison officiating.

Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers, Dolores suggested that memorials be made to The First Christian Church in Christopher.

Brian Dean Morris, 40, Christopher, IL passed away Nov. 18, 2014 at Franklin Hospital emergency room.

Brian was born Nov. 23, 1973 in Chicago, IL, the son of Herbie Lee Morris and Sharon (Young) Morris of Christopher.

He worked as a professional over-the-road truckdriver.

Brian is survived by his fiancee Brittney Irvin, Christopher, IL; children Jesse Phipps, Cambria, Deacon Brian Morris, Benton, Preston Dale Morris, Benton, Noah Summers, Benton, IL; brother Kevin Morris, of Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 21, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, IL with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mulkeytown Cemetery.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements.

For more information visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Charles Richardson, age 75, of Benton, passed away at 4:27 p.m. Monday, November 17, 2014 at the Franklin Hospital emergency room.

Funeral services will be held at 1p.m. Friday, November 21, 2014 at the Leffler-Poulson Funeral Home, with Rev. Gary West officiating. Burial with Military Rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, Benton V.F.W. Post 2671 and the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard will be accorded at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening and from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton.

Charles was born on November 20, 1938 in Frisco, IL, the son of Roy Richardson and Martha Florence (Beaty) Richardson. He married the former Brenda Thomas on December 3, 1960 in Crown Point, IN, and she survives.

He was proud to be a retired coal miner having worked at Old Ben 24, and he was a member of the UMWA., and he was proud to having served in the United States Marine Corps from Aug. 8, 1956 to Aug. 15, 1958.

Charles was a man of many talents, which included being a farmer, truck driver, bus driver, car wash manager, referee, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He loved to garden, and according to his family, he grew the best sweet corn in Southern Illinois.

Charles especially loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and could be found at any event that the grandchildren were involved in.

Charles and his wife Brenda are members of the North Benton Missionary Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife Brenda Richardson of Benton, four daughters: Mary and husband David Baburnich of Benton, Rebecca Klein of Naperville, IL, Sandra and husband Jim Nolen of West Frankfort, Christy and husband Brian Cheatham of Zeigler, seven grandchildren: Jennifer and husband Jade Rash, John Nolen, Sarah Nolen and Bruce Zaragoza, Elizabeth Klein, Emily Baburnich, Alison Cheatham, Jacob Cheatham; three great-grandchildren: Aiden Rash, Katelyne Rash, Brody Zaragoza; four brothers: Donald Richardson of Ewing, Kenneth Richardson and wife Marleen of Benton, James Richardson and wife Jamie of Marion, Dale Richardson and wife Janice of Ewing, brother-in-law Bill Baker and Jennifer of Benton and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Richardson was preceded in death by his parents, a sister: Lois June Greenwood, mother-in-law: Marie and husband Bob Baker, father-in-law John Thomas; two brothers-in-law: Dale Greenwood and John Thomas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences to the family, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

CHRISTOPHER — Avery “Bill” Lee Miller, 69, of Christopher, died November 16, 2014 at his home.

He was born October 14, 1945 in Pemiscot County, MO the son of Avery Frederick Miller and Inez Ola (Shelton) Miller.

Bill worked in retail management and was a member of First Presbyterian Church, in Du Qoin, IL.

He married Janet (Davison) Miller, on December, 12, 1984 and she survives of Christopher.

Survivors include his children, Jason and Beverly Miller, of Hornersville, MO and Renee and David Howard, of Maceo, KY; step-children Tracy and Tim Morris, Oak Hill, VA and Tom and Lynn Bowlin, Metropolis, IL; grandchildren Lauren Miller, Elijah Howard, Reagan Miller, Abbey Miller, Luke Miller, Emily Morris, Morgan Morris, Sam Morris, Maddie Bowlin and Ben Bowlin; great-granddaughter Kaydence Miller.

Also surviving are sisters and brothers, Dorothy Adams, of Wappapella Lake, MO, Hazel and Tom Morgan, Bernie, MO, Margurette Ward, Wappapella Lake, MO and Roberta Skaggs, Gibsono, MO.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers James Miller and Thomas Miller.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Du Quoin with Pastor Tim Scroggins officiating. Visitation will be Saturday November 29, 2014 from 10 a.m.. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of DuQuion

In lieu of flowers donations can be to the First Presbyterian Church of DuQuoin or to Hospice of Southern Illinois

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL is in charge of arrangements.  For more information visit our web site at gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

SESSER – Eva J. (Phillips) Basso passed away peacefully Saturday, November 15, 2014.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday in Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Program or to the Sesser-Valier Lifeline FoodPantry.

Eva was born October 5, 1912, the daughter of John G. and Beulah (Hutson) Phillips.

She spent more than forty years working as a secretary for Slankard Publishing Company.

Survivors include, son Ditto and Marla Basso, grandchildren Amanda Basso and Chip and Erin Basso, and great-grandchildren Mitchell, Gracie, Reid, and Reagan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Basso Junior; her parents; two brothers, Paul and John Junior Phillips; two sisters, Dolly Phillips and Madge Lovin.

She was a member of Horse Prairie Baptist Church in Sesser.

SESSER – Delbert Brown, 91, of Sesser, passed away Nov. 9, 2014 at his home.

Delbert was born June 12, 1923 in Franklin County, IL, the son of Nat Brown and Lettie (Miller) Brown.

He married Alma (Newbury) Brown and she survives in Sesser.

He worked at Old Ben 21 before he retired and also was a farmer.

Delbert was a member of the VFW of Sesser, UMWA, and a member of the First Baptist church of Sesser.  He was a great husband, dad, and grandfather. He was a man of many hobbies he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, coin collecting, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and an avid Sesser-Valier Sports fan.

He served in the Navy during WWII, and served for 2-1/2 years in the Pacific Ocean on the Minesweeper USS Revenge, and was also on the first ship to enter Tokyo Bay and witnessed the signing of the peace treaty.

He is survived by his children, Linda and husband Terry Miller of Sesser, IL and Darrell and wife Charlotte Brown, of Sesser, IL; grandchildren Richard and wife Selena Miller and Angela and husband John Furlow and Guy Brown; great grandchildren Grady Furlow, Stella Furlow, Cole Furlow; step-great-granddaughter Danielle Stroud and sister-in-law Clara Brown, Sesser, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and sisters, Lacy Brown, Earl Brown, Violet Kirkpatrick, Leroy Brown, Janeva Lovelady and Ruby Spann.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Sesser, Il with the Rev. Tom Dewitt and Brother Bryant Harris officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday November 12, 2014 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser and on Thursday November 13, 2014 from 10 a.m. until the service time at 11 a.m.

Burial will be at Horse Prairie Cemetery, Sesser IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser-Valier Athletic Department or to the Sesser VFW and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com