Daniel Charles Alexander, 80, of Mahomet passed away unexpectedly on January 25, 2025, at Carle Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. He was born December 19, 1944, in Christopher, IL.

“Dan” or “Danny” to friends and family, he was an educator for 40 years. After completing his Masters degree at Southern Illinois University, he accepted a position on the Mathematics faculty at Parkland College where he remained until his retirement. He was the proud author of two college textbooks.

Dan was a lifelong sports fan who followed many teams, often from the vantage of his treadmill. He was a particularly avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, University of Illinois Basketball and Football teams, and the Arizona Cardinals. An enthusiastic reader, he never lost the ability to immerse himself in the magic of a good book with favorites including the writings of Michael Crichton and the Harry Potter series.

Mostly though, Dan was an incredible husband, father, and grandfather. He spent every day in the company of his beloved wife, Mary, with whom he completed countless garden and house projects, shared innumerable cups of mocha, and spent hours watching the birds in their backyard sanctuary. They traveled frequently together to visit family and support their grandchildren in various activities and always looked forward to hosting the next family gathering. He was always quick to add a dad joke which he had prepared days or weeks earlier for the occasion.

Dan is survived by his wife, Mary Alexander of Mahomet, IL; children, Matt (Kristine) Alexander of Brookfield, IL; Phillip (Mary) Alexander of Mahomet, and Sarah (Pascual) Arcangel of Aurora, IL; siblings Linda Heise and Donald Alexander of Benton, IL; eight grandchildren, Kianna, Zaiden, Journey, Rukia, Massimo, Alekzio, Rhydian, and Walden; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Delbert R. and Helen Teaney Alexander; brothers, Delbert Alexander and Gene Alexander, and sisters-in-law Mary Jane and Jean Marie Alexander.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 8th at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1102 Churchill Rd, Mahomet, IL 61853. Visitation from 1 pm – 5 pm and service at 2 pm.

Please join Dan’s family in sharing memories and photos on his guestbook at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dan’s name to the Ronald McDonald House at Donate | RMHC

Carl Dale Smith, age 89, departed his earthly journey on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at his home in Benton, IL.

Carl was born November 14, 1935 to George Edward Smith and Nancy Marie (Wayman) Smith. He was of a non-denominational faith. Carl’s lifetime career was in the concrete business. He was no stranger to hard work. He was still finishing concrete at age 83 until his health failed. Carl enjoyed gardening or anything outdoors. Carl loved family, you could see the pride he had for them in that infectious smile displayed while speaking to or of them.

Carl married Beverly (Reed) Flatt in 1980 and they were blessed with 44 years. Surviving Carl, along with his wife Beverly are his children Richard (Rosa) Smith of Richland Center, Wisconsin, Brian Smith of Richland Center, Wisconsin, Tim (Melissa) Flatt, West Frankfort, Derek (Melinda) Flatt, Benton, Amy (Zach) Gillihan, Lees Summit, Missouri, Grandchildren: Travis (Malinda) Smith, Tyler (Leslie) Smith, Trenton (Sarah) Smith, Chelsea (Drew) Prusaczyk, Nathan Flatt, Kristen (fiancé Nathan Rhebergen) Flatt, Jake Harris, Emily and Hannah Cardwell, Mason, Josie and Bryce Gillihan. He is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and a third due to arrive in March. Also surviving Carl is his brother Arthur (Patty) Smith of Sheridan, IL, and several nieces and nephews that he adored. Preceding Carl in passing are his parents and siblings, brothers Charles and Everett Smith and sister Florence Warner.

Services will be held Thursday January 30th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. up to the time of service. Mr. Scott Potter and Mr. Eric Nueske will be officiating the services with internment to be at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, IL.

If you knew Carl you knew a man of genuine kindness and to us that love him, we find comfort in all the precious memories.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Minnie (Murphy) (Holman) Hess, age 100, of New Berlin, IL, passed away, Saturday January 25, 2025, at IL Presbyterian Home, in Springfield, IL.

She was born on August 7, 1924, in Wayne County, IL, to Charles and Bertha (Huff) Murphy. She married Stanley Holman in 1942. He preceded her in death in 1990. She later married Homer Hess in 1994. He preceded her in death in 2017.

She is survived by five children: Sandra Paulek (John), Janice Szperra (Gene), Richard Holman (John Murray), Marcena Urish (Matthew), and Melinda Martin (Greg). She is also survived by six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by two infant children: David, and Susan Holman, her parents, and five siblings.
Minnie was a kind, loving, Mother and wife. She worked for Mt. Vernon city schools in food service, retiring in 1984. Minnie was a woman of deep faith and was a charter member of Southside Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Minnie was a blessing to all of the many lives she touched. Her memory will be treasured by many.

Funeral services will be held at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton, IL, on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00 A.M., with visitation starting one hour prior. Burial will follow at Williams Chapel Cemetery in Ewing, IL.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Baptist Children’s Home. 949 County Rd 1300 N. Carmi, IL 62821, or charity of choice

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Mitchell Earl Kane, 66, of Benton passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones at 11:40 P.M. Friday, January 24, 2025.

He was born in Marion, IL on September 14, 1958, the son of Gene Earl & Josephine (Pippie) Kane.

He married Mary Ward on September 11, 2013.

Mitch spent a lot of his better years with his wife, children, grandchildren and dogs. You could always find him outside grilling, or watching black & white movies or telling a funny joke. His humor will be missed by many. We want Mitch to be remembered by how strong he was and how long he fought.
Mitch is survived by his:
Wife: Mary Kane
7 Children:
Jason Justice
Sarah Kane
Louren Kane
Katlyn Ward
Dustin Kirkman
Dylan Kirkman
Jacob Kirkman
Grandchildren: Kirrah, Roman, Kyrie, Layla, Aiden, Kailence, Kieran, Maryn & Millie
Sister: Valerie Mabry
Brother: Vince Kelley
He is also survived by many loved ones.
Mitch was preceded in death by his Parents.
A Memorial visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 700 P.M. on Wednesday, January 29th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Francesca M. Hart, 84, of Valier, passed away on Tuesday January 21, 2025 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born on August 31, 1940 in St Louis, MO to George and Loretta (Farkas) Shovan Jr. She married Lamon Deon Hart on August 31, 1958 and he preceded her in death on September 13, 2018.

She is survived by her daughter Lori (Chris) Dillman of Lake of Egypt; daughter-in-law Mary Hart of Chicago; grandchildren Andrew Hart, Sidney (Abbie) Hart, John Ryan (Tina) Beighley, Tyler (Kristi) Dillman and Cortney Panzo; great grandchildren Cooper, Vincent, Max Taylor, Sage Paul, Madison, Trey, Emerson, Evann, Aura and Arin; sister-in-law Phyllis Shovan of Valier.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Lonnie Hart, one brother George Paul Shovan, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Damon and Charlotte Hart

She was a member of the Eastern Star and was a General Manager of The Hang Up clothing store in Christopher for many years. She was also a member of the Valier First Baptist Church.

Funeral services for Francesca will be on Saturday February 1, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Dale Burzynski officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Private family burial will be at Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Valier immediately following the service.

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

Mr. Charles Edward Wiggs, age 84, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 8:35 p.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

Charles was born on January 19, 1941, in Franklin County, IL; the son of Charles Fred Wiggs and Mildred O. (Waldrum) Wiggs. He married the former Catherine J. White, on October 2, 1984, and together they shared 40 years of marriage.

He formerly worked for Bracy’s Store of Benton. He would later work 27 ½ years in the coal mines with Freeman United Mine #6 of Waltonville, IL. After retiring from the coal mine, he owned and operated Wiggs Bicycle shop of Benton.

He and his wife Catherine attended the Logan Church of God.

Charlie enjoyed working and helping people. He loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a people person and was a member of the UMWA.
Surviving is his wife Catherine Wiggs of Whittington, IL; a daughter Pat Cantrell of Benton, IL; three grandchildren: Charity Clark and husband Jeff of West Frankfort, IL, John Odle and wife Rosa of Clermont, FL, Matthew Odle of Benton, IL; six great-grandchildren: Hannah Grace Clark, Makaela Joy Clark, Micah Jentzen Clark, Josiah Jahaziel Clark, Rowan Chase Odle. Finley Renee Odle; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Bill Wiggs.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Pastor Mike Mayberry officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the organization of the donor’s choice.

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

Rosalind Alice Brandon age 79 of Royalton passed away at 10:05 P.M. on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Herrin Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Rosalind was born July 25, 1945 in Mulkeytown, IL to Henry D. and Rose E. (Hicks) Meadows. She married Charles R. Brandon on April 19, 1962 and they shared more than 62 years of marriage and wonderful memories.

Rosalind a model of love, compassion, and a beacon of light; leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth and kindness. She walked through life with a gentle strength. Her generosity touched everyone she encountered with an unforgettable grace, while always encouraging a positive attitude no matter the circumstances. Her kindness, warmth and guidance will be missed by all who knew her.

Rosalind enjoyed singing at church in her younger years. She enjoyed doing crafts, gardening, an avid reader of the Bible. Rosalind spent her life nurturing her loved ones. Rosalind’s family was her greatest joy. She cherished every moment spent with them.

She is survived by her loving husband Charles R. Brandon of Royalton, IL, son Calvin R. Brandon of Christopher, IL, daughter Hydie (John) Brower of Carterville, IL, daughter Kelly (Luis) Brandon-Lopez of Benton, IL, 2 brothers Randy Meadows of Benton, IL, Charles (Deborah) Meadows of Cleburn, IL, sister-in-law Janet Meadows of Cleburn, IL, granddaughter Charly (Dalton) Williford of Thompsonville, IL, granddaughter Sammy Brandon of Carterville, IL, granddaughter Jesse (Max) Summers of Mulkeytown, IL, granddaughter Racheal Lukens of Royalton, IL and 8 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Charles D. Brandon and 2 brothers Henry D. Meadows, Jr. & Sam J. Meadows.

A special thank you to all of her caregivers including Fern Perruquet and Peggy Walker.

Visitation will be from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. on Friday, January 24th and after 10:00 A.M. on Saturday January 25th at the First Baptist Church of Royalton. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 25th at the church with Pastor Ralph Brandon & Pastor Mario Ramos officiating. Graveside Entombment will follow at the Miners Cemetery in Royalton.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Patricia Ann (Braun) Bauman, 91, of Valier, passed away on Monday January 20, 2025 at 12:45 PM at Manor Court Nursing Home in Carbondale, IL.

Mrs. Bauman was born on July 24, 1933 in Petoskey, Michigan the daughter of Edwin G. Braun and Ruth Katherine (McKernon) Braun.

She was married to Carel L. Bauman on April 27, 1957 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he preceded her in death on May 4, 2016.

She retired from the Bank of Sesser, where she was a bank teller at the drive-up window.

She was of the Catholic Faith.

She is survived by one son Craig M. Bauman of Valier, one daughter Wendy D. Humerickhouse and fiancé Jody Ruehling of Royalton, two grandchildren Kyle Andrew Humerickhouse and Clay Matthew (Victoria) Humerickhouse, one bonus grandson Wyatt Ruehling and two great grandchildren Cole Andrew Humerickhouse and Heidi Blake Humerickhouse.

Mrs. Bauman was preceded in death by her husband Carel, Father, Mother and one brother Eugene Braun.

Her wishes were for her body to be cremated with no services.

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

Jerry “Jay” Edward Seibert Jr., 60, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday January 19, 2025.

He was born on April 14, 1964 in Aurora, IL to Jerry Edward Seibert Sr. and Celina Josephine (Bowlin) Pool.

He is survived by his siblings Jami (Tim) Ramsey of Sesser, Dewayne (Ashley) Seibert of Elkville, Drew (Jeri Lynn) Seibert of Murphysboro and Stephanie Hawk of Elkville; step-mother Rosemary Seibert of Elkville; one aunt Helen Edmonds and several nieces and nephews and his cat Willow that was like a child to him.

He was a Veteran of the United States Navy.

He was preceded in death by his parents

His wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

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

Larry Gene Flatt, born January 16, 1948, purportedly fighting with his mother, passed January 17, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Elaine (Taylor) Flatt. His brother, Rick (Sharron) Flatt, survives him.

But life is not about the beginning, nor the end – it’s about the dash. And Larry’s dash is definitely worth talking about.

He spent his youth wild as a young hare. School wasn’t a great fit for him, so he answered Uncle Sam’s call and enlisted in the Navy, first becoming a diver and later a Seabee. After his service and a few trials and errors, Larry married the love of his life (and the only woman who could ever keep him in check), Alice Faye (Van Hoorebeke) Flatt on September 18, 1988. Her children – Wendy (JP) Kelly, Brett (Bridget) Nickens, and Keith (Jerri) Nickens – survive. They enjoyed a wonderful life together, living in Mulkeytown, IL, travelling, hunting and fishing, riding motorcycles, etc., until she passed on July 8, 2002.

Larry retired from the Venegoni Anheuser-Busch distributorship in Christopher, IL after Alice’s passing. He spent the remainder of his life doing as he pleased, helping his neighbors, getting into mischief, tinkering with things, and keeping me in line. While my biological father wasn’t all that great at parenthood, Larry stepped up and filled those shoes. He taught me so much, but more than anything, he taught me that hard work – “man’s work” – doesn’t require a Y-chromosome, and that I could learn to do anything. My mom taught me how to drive a stick, but Larry taught me how to change my oil, rotate my tires, and lift vehicles to ridiculous heights. (He also taught me that one ought not forget to check one’s fluids, lest one is willing to face a stern lecture.) He could do anything, from fixing a watch to finishing drywall or wiring a house, and he was always quick to lend a hand or offer a lesson.

When Jimmy and I decided to open the shop, Larry offered his full support, and was instrumental not only in the initial opening, but in the years to come. He often referred to himself as a fixture around the place, but he was so much more than that. From helping “the pink Jeep Lady” try to balance her Jeep on the teeter-totter and climb over smashed cars, to teaching the girls in the front more than they ever wanted to know about 4x4s, Larry was a constant source of both knowledge and entertainment. Often mischievous and caught with that funny little smile he’d get when he was up to something, Larry was a sort of adopted grandfather to many.

We’ve all heard the phrase, “the man, the myth, the legend,” and I can’t think of a better way of describing Larry. He truly was a legend. While you knew quite quickly if you were in the wrong about anything (including whether or not tomatoes are edible), Larry was a kind man and he loved deeply. Always humble, he had made his own arrangements and did not want the pomp and circumstance of services, nor our tears. Instead, he wanted a simple cremation. While we were unable to “take him out back and shoot him” as we were all often instructed, and while we’re sure he’ll haunt us regardless, we are unwilling to not respect his final wishes. That being said, he never told us we couldn’t do anything in his memory down the road, so we will be hosting a Dash Bash on May 3, 2025, in his honor. Expect good food, a moment of silence, probably some gun shots or exploding Tannerite, off-roading, and a celebration Larry would be proud of.

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