Debra G. Eubanks, age 69, of Benton, passed away at 7:15 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2025, at her home.

Her wishes are to be cremated, with a private family Celebration of Life, to be held at a future date.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Debbie was born on July 4, 1955, in Waipahu, Hawaii; the daughter of Billy Joe Gilland and Josephine (Cabulagan) Gilland. She married David Eubanks on April 5, 2010, and together they shared 14 years of marriage.

Her working career included working as a card dealer with Harrah’s Casino in Metropolis, IL; and as a bank teller with Banterra Bank.

She was of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) A Buddhist organization that practices Nichiren Buddhism.

Her husband said that she enjoyed spending time with him in their home, playing computer games and shopping online.

She is survived by her loving husband David Eubanks of Benton, Illinois; her children Tiana Williams and husband Tayton of Kauai, Hawaii, Brant Hale and significant other Chelsea of Paducah, Kentucky, Kelley Hale and significant other Shawn of Murray, Kentucky; step-children: Michelle Odam and husband Dan, David Eubanks, Jr. and wife Brittany, William Eubanks and wife Kim; grandchildren including: Taelyn Hale-Ajimine, Kili Williams, Mehana Williams, Kailea Mason, Keira Hale, Tehya Haumea-Oliver, Liam Eubanks, Delilah Eubanks, Makayla Odam, Ethan Odam, Katie Van Poucke, Rhianna Moss and Danta Moss; sisters: Bernadine Sarano and husband Eric of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Glenda Pinheiro of Henderson, Nevada, Lisa Jo Dossett and husband Brad of Marion, Kentucky, Vicky Eubanks of Benton, Illinois; a brother Mike Eubanks of Buckner, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions in memory of Debbie may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org)
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Debbie, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Donald “Dave” Niana, 83, of Christopher, passed away on Friday January 17, 2025 at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on July 9, 1941 in West Frankfort, IL to Dominic and Anna (Ferrori) Niana.

He is survived by his sister Linda Burkitt of Christopher, two brothers Richard “Peanuts” Niana of Buckner and John Niana of Christopher; nephews David (Brenda) Burkitt, Scott (Julie) Burkitt, John Matthew (Donna) Niana, Brad (Kelly) Niana; great nieces and nephews Nathan Burkitt, Leanna (Shane) Bennett, Luke (fiancé Marlee Russell) Burkitt, Emily (Adam) Becker, Dominic Niana and Samantha Niana; great great nieces and nephew Isabella Niana, Ava Bennett and Brooks Bennett.

Dave served in the United States Navy stationed in Bermuda doing surveillance during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was employed by E & E Mine Tool Service and then the United States Postal Service. He enjoyed playing golf, bowling but especially trips to Golconda and Reel Foot with his brothers and buddies. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion and served on the honor guard for many years.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday January 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St Andrews Catholic Cemetery Fund or to CASA, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

In Loving Memory of Janet Elaine Shadowen
March 14, 1953 – January 16, 2025

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Janet Elaine Shadowen, known to all as Jan. She left this world on Thursday, January 16th, 2025, at 6:35 p.m., surrounded by her loving husband and devoted family and the love they carried for her. She was 71 years young.

Born on March 14, 1953, in Christopher, Illinois, Jan was the cherished daughter of Gladys Moore and James Travelstead and grew up in West Frankfort, Illinois. Jan’s life was a tapestry of love, faith, and kindness. She possessed an unmatched strength, a compassionate heart, and an enduring faith that guided her every step.

Jan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend who found joy in the simplest things—cooking, photography, and the laughter of her loved ones. Her cookbooks overflow with recipes seasoned with love, and her photo albums, filled with memories of family and friends, tell the story of a life lived fully and beautifully.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Marty Shadowen; her daughter, Tracey Shadowen-Fryar, Tracey’s husband Terry and her son, Jason Shadowen and his wife Shayna; and her adoring grandchildren, Lexi, Austin, Isaiah, and Noni. She also leaves behind her brother Edwin Travelstead and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her mother Gladys, stepfather Carl, father James, her sisters Velma Bellee, Geraldine Shriver, and Carole Evrard, and two infant brothers David Travelstead and Ronnie Travelstead.

Jan’s family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with loved ones who passed before her and is now at peace, resting in Heaven. Her unwavering faith and her favorite scripture, Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” were constant sources of comfort and strength, even in her hardest days.
In her final moments, Jan’s family played the music of her favorite artist, Neal McCoy, bringing her joy and serenity. Her journey was one of courage and grace, teaching everyone who knew her what it means to live a life filled with love and gratitude.

A celebration of Jan’s life will be held at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, 410 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois on Sunday, January 19th, 2025. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with Funeral services starting at 2 p.m. and cemetery services immediately following at Denning Cemetery in West Frankfort IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fires of Revival Ministry in Benton Illinois in her memory.

Jan will forever be remembered for her laughter, her enduring faith, and the light she brought into every room. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Rest easy, Jan. You were deeply loved and will be missed beyond words. Your love and light will remain with us always.

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

Shirley Elaine Calloni, 82, of Benton, passed away on Sunday January 12, 2025 at Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin.

She was born on June 8, 1942 in Christopher to Walter and Ellen (Humphrey) Overturf. She married Thomas Calloni SR. on October 22, 1962 and he survives of Benton.

She is also survived by her children Thomas Calloni Jr. of Benton, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Calloni of Lafayette, IN and Steve (Cara) Calloni of Zeigler; grandchildren Austin Calloni, Addison Calloni, Blaine Calloni, Brianna Calloni, Bethaney Calloni, Riley Gress and Caleb Hall, six great grandchildren and two brothers Harold and Kevin Overturf.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister LaDonna Calloni.

Shirley loved to go fishing, camping and working in her garden, but mostly she loved her family.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Terry Lybarger officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM.

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

Saul Donovan Griffiths, 34, of Christopher, passed away on Tuesday January 7, 2025 at his home.

He was born on December 26, 1990 in Fort Worth, TX to Samuel Griffiths and Beth Ann (Flatt) Holland.

He is survived by his mother Beth Ann Holland of Christopher, his two children Deacon and Della, one brother Sean Griffiths of Christopher and one sister Sarah Griffiths of Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his father Samuel Griffiths and his brother Samuel Griffiths.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Tuesday January 21, 2025 from 11:00 Am until 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

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

Robert Dean Burlison, II, age 76, of Benton, IL, passed away Monday, October 14, 2024, at the Mount Vernon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Mt. Vernon, Indiana.

Robert was born on December 23, 1947, in Benton, IL, the son of Robert Gene Burlison and Phyllis V. (Hawkins) Burlison.

He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran during the Viet Nam War.

Bob worked for the U.S. Government writing F-16 repair manuals.

Surviving are two half-brothers, Gary Pasterik of Champlin, Minnesota and Mark Pasterik of Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Bob had numerous acquaintances through social media across the world.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation services have been entrusted to the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.

A graveside service with Military Honors provided by the Benton American Legion Post #280 and the V.F.W. Post #2671, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Bob; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Darrell Ray Brown, 71, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday January 12, 2025 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, IL.

He was born on July 6, 1953 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon, IL to Delbert and Alma (Newbury) Brown. He married Charlotte K. (Webb) Brown.

He was employed by Old Ben Coal Company Mine No. 21 until it’s closure. He then worked as a semi-truck driver until his retirement in 2015.

Darrell is survived by his wife of 48 years Charlotte Brown of Sesser, one son Guy Brown of Marion, one sister Linda (Terry) Miller of Sesser, brother-in-law Chuck (Debbie) Webb of Ewing, three sisters-in-laws Linda (Clay) Holman of Waterloo, Carolyn (Rod) Zettler of Sesser and Brenda (Rick) Witcher of Mulkeuytown, two niece Angela (John) Furlow of Benton, Laura (Ryan) Simpkins of Farmington, NM, nephews Rich (Selena) Miller of Sesser, Jared Webb of Benton, Caleb (Rebecca) Webb of Benton, Brian (Tammy) Holman of Waterloo, Steve (Brittanye) Holman of Palm Desert, CA, Justin (Ali) Holman of Benton, Mark (Andrea) Holman of Mt. Juliet, TN, Travis (Chelsea) Zettler of Sesser, and Tim (Hunter) Witcher of Sesser and numerour great nieces and nephews.

Darrell enjoyed gardening, Jeep Riding, and taking his antique tractor to shows. He enjoyed playing games with family. Darrell was a member of the Sesser First Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents Delbert and Alma Brown and his mother-in-law and father-in-law Charles and Freda Webb.

Funeral services will be on Friday January 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Williams Chapel Cemetery.

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

Roy Weldon Pinkston, Jr. of Sesser, Illinois, passed away January 11, 2025, at the VA Hospital, Community Living Center (CLC) in Marion, Illinois. Roy was born March 24, 1947, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois to the late Roy Weldon Pinkston, Sr. and Frances (Sheley) Pinkston. Roy married Patricia G. (Walker) Pinkston on March 24, 1972.

Along with his wife Pat of 52 years, Roy is survived by daughter-in-law Debbie Pinkston of Benton, IL, sister-in-law Sandra Pinkston of Mt. Vernon, IL, Steve Pinkston of Missouri, and brother-in-law Charles and wife Diann Walker of Tallapoosa, GA.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Pinkston, sister Cheryl Walton and his beloved son Roy Weldon Pinkston, III.

Roy proudly served his county in the US Navy from 1965 – 1975 as a Radioman, Fleet High Speed Code Operator, and teletype repair. After the Navy, Roy worked for Mt. Vernon Neon as a neon tube binder. And later served the City of Sesser as a police officer, firefighter, and Chief of Police, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service.

Funeral services will be on Thursday January 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Mark Wells officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 Am until the time of the service at Noon. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

The family would like to thank the incredible staff at the Marion VA hospital and especially the hospice care staff of the CLC.

Fawn Annette Lorenz, age 52, of West Frankfort, IL, passed away at 7:00 a.m. Thursday, December 5, 2024, at her friend’s home in Thompsonville, after a five-month battle with lung cancer.

Fawn was born on September 19, 1972, in Kankakee, IL; the daughter of Jo Anne (Herzog) Marcotte.
She was a bartender having worked for several area bars. She was also a member of the Benton Eagles Aerie 2898.
Fawn enjoyed crafting, her annual trip to the Covered Bridge Festival, traveling, back road cruising. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially with her granddaughter Olivia.

Survivors include two sons: Dylan Lorenz of West Frankfort, IL, Dalton Thompson of Benton, IL; a granddaughter Olivia Jean Annette Lorenz; a brother Thomas Engleman of Markleville, IN; her boyfriend Monty Reiger of Benton, IL; three nieces Jill Alfrey and husband Greg, Susie Engleman, Heather Albright all of Indiana; her close friends: Jean Harbour of Thompsonville, IL, Becky Conley of Benton, IL, Janice Poteete of Benton, IL, Michelle Ing of Akin, IL, Deserae Mohr of Benton, IL, and Melissa Reiger of Benton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her loving mother.
Fawn’s wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Benton Eagles.
Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in memory of Fawn, may be made to the State Bank of Whittington Go Fund Me Account, to assist with the cremation expenses.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Fawn, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com