Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
Deloris (Gulley) Humerickhouse, 77, of Valier, passed away at 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 11, 2013 at the Westside Care Center, in West Frankfort.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.
Tona O. (Struble) German, 93, passed away Saturday afternoon, January 5, 2013 at Southview Acres in St. Paul, MN.
Mrs. German was born on February 5, 1919, in Macedonia, IL, a daughter of Harry and Iva (Wilson) Struble. At the age of 13 she professed faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized in a pond in January. She married Henry E. German, Sr. on April 7, 1935 and he preceded her in death on January 29, 1956. God blessed their union with eight children, two preceded her in death in infancy, Thomas Roland and Donald Gale. The oldest son, Henry German Jr. also preceded his mother in death on April 18, 2005.
Her surviving family includes four daughters, Joyce J. (John) Conner, Watseka, IL, T. Roberta Vietti, St. Paul, MN, Maureen E. Rice, Benton, IL, Sandra L. Zippe, Rockford, IL, one son, David A. German, Rockford, IL, one daughter-in-law Carol German, Watseka, IL, one sister Faye (Sam) Kraft, Benton, IL, one borther Charles (Bette) Struble, Watseka, IL, 14 grandchildren who dearly loved her, Tim German, Patrick (Monique) German, Michael German, Joelle (Paul) Nelson, Jonica (Wade) Suver, Janessa Conner, Tony (Brenda) Vietti, Peter (Rosana) Vietti, Joy (Glen) Langenberg, Elisabeth (Pete) Fung, Daniel (Rosslind) Rice, Shante’ King, Mathew Zippe, David German II, and 26 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and some very good friends.
Mrs. German was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sons, one son-in-law Douglas Rice, two sisters, Idalia (Cecil) Briley, Rachel (Roscoe) Smith, one brother Raleigh (Velta) Struble and her grandparents Thomas and Cora Wilson, with whom she spent many happy summers growing up. No doubt she will be greeted in Heaven by these and an abundance of precious friends who have gone on before. What a happy reunion.
Tona was a longtime member of North Benton Baptist Church and taught Sunday School there for more than 20 years. She was owner and operator of Tona’s Beauty Shop in Benton for 37 years. Besides studying the Bible, Tona enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, puzzles, the Chicago Cubs, and spending happy times with her children, grandchildren and great-grandbabies. She was adored by children and known for her sweet, gentle spirit and sacrificial love for her beloved family and friends.
Visitation will be at Immanuel Baptist Church, 516 North Main Street, Benton, IL, on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 12 noon until 1 p.m. Memorial services will be held immediately following the visitation at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery, Benton, IL. Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton, IL is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Carmi Baptist Children’s Home, 949 County Road 1300 N, Carmi, IL 62812 or to North Benton Baptist Church.
As a final word, the precious Christian lady would want to sing these words from the old hymn, “God will take care of you, through everyday, ore all the way; He will take care of you, God will take care of you.” And He will! And God Bless You.
Mary Bymaster, 79, of Valier, died January 6, 2013 at Herrin Hospital.
Mary was born October 25, 1933 in Sesser to Pete Gobtop and Laura Opal (Vanlandingham) Gobtop. She married George William Bymaster and he preceded her in death on Jan. 25, 2006.
Mary worked as a homemaker.
She is survived by her children, Cheryl and Tom Hodge, of Austin, Texas, Pamela and Stephen Miller, of Valier, Illinois, Jeffrey and Tina Bymaster, of West Frankfort, Illinois and by a daughter-in-law Kathy Bymaster of Altamont, Illinois.
Also surviving are grandchildren Chris, Christy, Kelly, Kayla, Kevin, Jennifer, Mary, Brian, Jimmy, Chris, Amanda, Ashley, Amy, Alison and Jeffrey. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren.
Mary is also survived by three brothers, William Gobtop, of Missouri, Randall Gobtop and Cliff Gobtop, both of Macedonia, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one son, George Bymaster; one grandson Kenneth; brother and sister-in-law Ron and Brenda Gobtop and one sister Dolores Razor.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 11, 2013 at 1 p.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with the Rev. Harl Ray Lewis officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m until the time of the service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, in Sesser, Illinois.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, Illinois.
For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
ROYALTON – James “Luke” Robinson, 88, of Royalton died on Sunday, January 6, 2013 at his grandson’s home in Mulkeytown, Illinois.
Mr. Robinson was born on November 13, 1924 in Royalton to Luther Whitley Robinson and Willie Claire (Carr) Robinson. He served in the Navy during World War II and was of the Baptist faith.
Mr. Robinson worked at Menard Correctional Center for 15 years and also worked as a police officer in Royalton, Hurst and Bush and as worked as a coal miner.
He married Peggy (Sterns) Robinson and she proceeded him in death.
Mr. Robinson is survived by his daughter, Peggy Walker of Mulkeytown, and grandchildren Taffi Robinson Simone, Jason and wife Krystie Walker and Keith Walker. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Addison Claire Walker, Evan Lucas Walker, Autumn Rose and Savannah Rose. He is also survived by a sister, Sara Loeh, of Zeigler.
Mr. Robinson was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three children, Cheryl Robinson, Frank Robinson and Raymond “Buster” Robinson and one brother, Raymond Robinson.
A memorial service will be held at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 at 6 p.m. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. Sister Linda Godfrey will officiate with interment at a later date at Hallidayboro Cemetery.
There will be a dinner at the home of Jason & Khrystie Walker on Highway 148 after the memorial service.
Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of the services.
For more information visit our web site at gilbertfuneralhomes.com
SESSER – Anthony “Tony” Gerdgen Jr., 95, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, in Mount Vernon Health Care.
Tony was born in Yukon, Penn., to Anthony Gerdgen and Barbara (Ivanovick) Gergden. He was a factory worker and member of Sesser VFW and St. Mary Catholic Church in Sesser. He was also an Army veteran of World War II and of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
He is survived by two nephews, Ron and Donna Perjenski of Mount Vernon, and Tom and Shirley Perjenski of Waltonville.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Perjenski and Barbara Comazzi. Also preceding him in death was two brothers, George Gerdgen and an infant brother.
Funeral services will be at 12 noon Wednesday, Jan. 9, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser, with Father Peter Balili officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the church.
Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is in charge of arrangements.
For more information visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
Ted Lawrence, 86, of Thompsonville; died Thursday, December 27, 2012 at his home.
He was born on November 26, 1926 in West Frankfort, IL to David and Genevieve (Horrell) Lawrence.
He married the former Shirley V. Johnson on June 6, 1948. They were married for 59 years until Shirley’s death on June 7, 2007.
Ted is survived by his daughter Sherri Lawrence of Thompsonville; his son John Lawrence and wife Kathryn of Thompsonville, his grandchildren Danielle and husband Charles Gallo, Genevieve Lawrence and husband Tucker Freismuth, Lucas Lawrence, Derek Bronner, Spencer and Domenica Lawrence; his great-grandchildren Julian, Ione, Mirabella and Genevieve; and a brother Robert Lawrence and wife Betty of Moline, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two sons, Don Scott Lawrence in 1983, Larry Robert Lawrence on Dec. 4, 2012; sisters Ada Jane and husband Don Sanders, Daisy and husband John Kynion.
Mr. Lawrence served his country in the Naval Aviation Division in World War II.
He graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1950 with his BA Degree, where he was a four year letter winner in football and a two year letter winner in both basketball and baseball. He held MA Degrees in science and education administration from Southern Illinois University.
Lawrence coached high school football for 16 years, including stints at Wilton Junction, Anamosa, and Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School in Iowa, and four years at Geneseo, Illinois. At Jefferson, Lawrence led his team to the state champion level in 1964 and 1965 as an undefeated team, as well as securing three Mississippi Valley Championships. His overall coaching record was (101-33-6).
In 1964 Lawrence served as the first president of the Iowa Football Coaches Association, after playing a prominent role in founding the organization and was also inducted into the Iowa Wesleyan College Athletic Hall of Fame.
After being named High School Football Coach of the Year in 1965, Lawrence accepted a position as an assistant football coach at the University of Iowa. In 1969, Lawrence left coaching to work for Westinghouse Learning Corporation and in 1982 formed Productive Products Graphics and Sign Company with his wife.
A memorial gathering celebrating the lives of Ted Lawrence and Larry Lawrence will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2013 at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home located at 401 East Main Street in Benton, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers or contributions, donate to your favorite charity.
To sign the online memorial guest register book, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
Mickey Maxine Webb, 93, of Ewing; died at 3:35 p.m. Monday, December 31, 2012 at the Stonebridge Senior Living Center in Benton.
Funeral services are pending at this time with the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton.
SESSER – John Robert Franklin, 56, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, in Franklin Hospital in Benton.
John was born Sept. 5, 1956, in Warner Robbins, Ga., to Frank and Shirley (Prater) Beskidniak. He worked for Sprint as a computer engineer.
John is survived by special friend, Vicky Wilcox and one sister, Cindy Wilson of Sesser. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Shawn Parker, Aaron Parker and Kristen (Clint) Mason; great nephew, Connor Mason; and grandmother, Mollie Atchison of Sesser.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and grand-parents, Julia and Max Beskidniak and Roy Prater
John’s wishes were to be cremated and there will be a memorial service at a later date.
The family also added, “So long, ‘Uncle Dude.’ You were loved and will be sadly missed.”
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cindy Wilson and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.
For more information, visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
Donald Junior Lance, 78, of Valier Patch area, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, in Carbondale Rehab and Nursing Home in Carbondale.
Donald was born Sept. 27, 1934, in Franklin County, to Charles and mother, Cleo (Stewart) Lance. He married Cleona Mae (Joiner) Lance and she preceded him in death.
Donald worked for Browning Township.
Donald is survived by his children, Diane and Ronald Hampton of Thompsonville, Lana and Russell Carrel of Des Plains; grandchildren, Tera Hale of Thompsonville, Ronald “Digger” Hampton of Sesser, Michelle Mann of Mount Prospect; great-grandchildren, Brianna Renee Worley; surviving sisters, Brenda, Dolores and Frankie Jean; brother-in-law, Ronald and Jo Joiner; sisters-in-law, Carolyn and Dave Pedigo and Brenda Joiner; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
Funeral ervices will be at 12 noon Monday, Dec. 31, at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, with the Rev. Richard Lance officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, at the funeral home with burial will be in Hammond Cemetery in Sesser.
For more information, visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
Ruby (Silkwood) King, 89, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, in Helia Healthcare of Energy.
Ruby was born May 5, 1923, in Christopher, to Walter and Effie (Furlow) Copeland. She married Herbert Silkwood and he preceded in death. She then married John King and he also preceded her in death.
Ruby worked as a seamstress in Du Quoin, Herrin and Sesser until her retirement.
She is survived by her children, Darla and Jim Rogers of Mulkeytown; stepchildren, Darrell and Carolyn King of Armington, and Jerry King of Ocala, Fla.; grandchildren, Lisa DeMunbrun of Chesterfield, Mo., Gina and Joe Balding of Springfield, and Ross Silkwood of Tennessee; two stepgrandchildren; great-grandchildren, Giana Hostettler, Brandon Hostettler, Eve Silkwood, Sofia Silkwood and Jessica DeMunbrun; five great- stepgrandchildren; very special friend, Janice Noel of Christopher; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, 13 brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, in Gilbert Funeral at 12:30 p.m. with Brother George Marshall officiating. Interment will be in Mulkeytown Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at the funeral home.
For more information, visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
