Ronald Dwight Huie, 87, of Christopher, passed away on April 6, 2022 at his home.

He was born on January 13, 1935 in Sesser, IL to Meredith and Mary (Jolley) Huie. He married Elaine (Slaviero) Huie on August 4, 1957.

He is survived by his wife Elaine Huie of Christopher; his children John (Jean) Huie of Benton and Ronnell (Mike) Karoski of West Frankfort; grandchildren Garrett Karoski of Chicago, Courtney (Bryan) Thomas of Mulkeytown and Tyler (Haley Ing) Huie of Christopher; great grandchildren Tripp Tyler Thomas and Teagan Grace Thomas; one sister Jean (Vic) Kretz of Christopher; sister-in-law Mary Ann Huie of Christopher and one brother-in-law Ronald (Vicki) Slaviero and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters Ilah Winn, Mable Page and Metzie Ward, two brothers James Huie and Charles Huie and his Father-in-law and Mother-in-law John and Olga Slaviero.

Funeral services will be on Monday April 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday April 10, 2022 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the donor’s choice. Envelopes will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Garey Dysart McKee, age 84, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 3:36 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2022.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 11,2022 at the First Baptist Church of Benton, with Rev. Jim Jenkel officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church of Benton, Illinois.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Garey was born on April 27, 1937, in Columbia, Missouri; the son of Albert F. McKee and Helen (Shackleford) McKee. He first married the former Anita Cecilia Dickson on February 2, 1957, together they shared 34 years of marriage until she preceded him in death on March 13, 1991. He would later marry Dora McCalla in 1993 and she preceded him in death in 2001. On May 25, 2002, he married the former Sharon (West) Parkhill; together they were married for 18 years until her death on February 18, 2020.

Garey served his country in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1963, stationed in Baltimore, Maryland.
He completed his college education and received a master’s degree in history from the University of Delaware.
He retired from General Motors Company where he last worked as a purchasing agent in the Northeast United States. Garey was also a former Archeologist.

He was an active member, Deacon, and Sunday School Teacher at the First Baptist Church of Benton. He loved his church and church family.
Garey also enjoyed archeology, geology, genealogy, history, carpentry work, gardening and doing anything outdoors pertaining to yard work. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with family.

Surviving are his four children: Heathir McKee of Enumclaw, Washington, Dierdre McKee of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jason McKee of Townsend, Delaware, and Garey McKee of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Sherry’s two children: Danny Parkhill and wife Tammy of Benton, Jennifer Keener and husband Jeff of Benton; grandchildren: Jeffrey Donahe, Anita Donahe, Sean Moran, Nathan Davis, Dustin Parkhill, Brandy Trogolo, Andy Johnson; great-grandchildren: Serenity Parkhill, Adrien Parkhill, Kennedy Parkhill, Brecken Johnson, Forrest Johnson, Hattie Parkhill, Brooklyn Parkhill, Avey Parkhill, Carley Schmidt, Megan Davis and Tobias Davis; a step-brother Donald Cunningham of Booneville, Missouri.

Mr. McKee was preceded in death by his parents; three wives; and a sister Dorothy Tracy.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Benton, 201 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812; and will be accepted at the services, or can be mailed to Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Garey, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Frank H. Wehmeyer, 78, of Thompsonville, passed away at 9:25 p.m., on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Liberty Village of Marion, in Marion, IL, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 6, 1943, to Frank and Elanor (Boschert) Wehmeyer in St Charles, MO. Frank worked as a Coal Miner for Old Ben Coal Company, and he retirement from Arch Coal Company. He married Joan Ryan and she preceded him in death on July 25, 2018.

Frank is survived by his two sons, Frank D. Wehmeyer and Aaron Wehmeyer; two step-daughters, Michelle Manalang- Kahler and Karen Stark; two step-sons, Patrick Manalang and Kevin Manalang; four grandchildren, Cody Martin, Dylan Wehmeyer, Wyatt Martin and Samuel Wehmeyer; five step-grandchildren, Hayden Richardson, Landon Richardson, Remington Kahler, Wednesday Manalang and Case Manalang; three sisters, Marilyn Perkins, Christine Wehmeyer and Michelle Kaspari ; and one brother, Roger Wehmeyer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank F. and Elanor Wehmeyer, wife, Joan Wehmeyer and two sisters, Joanne McCarthy and Barbara Garde.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 30, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, West Frankfort, IL., with Father Rev. Eusebius Mbidoaka, Ph.D., S.T.D., officiating services.

Burial will follow Services at St. John Catholic Cemetery, West Frankfort, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, West Frankfort, IL.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

James “Burly” Louis Burlison, 68 of Benton, born March 9, 1954, passed away on the morning of Monday, March 28, 2022, at his residence with his loved ones at his side.

Jim loved to work and make money. He coal mined for 19 years with Old Ben Coal, where he and his fellow workers received recognition in 1983 for a production record at Old Ben 26. Jim earned his Mine Examiners papers in 1992. He worked through IBEW Local 702 Starting in 1995 on line clearance. He became a Journey Man Trimmer, and a Forman. Jim enjoyed tree work and excelled at it.

He was a life time member of the “Good Old Boy’s Club”. Jim liked to buy, sell and trade. He enjoyed fishing and four-wheeler drives, meeting new people and conversing with friends and family over a cold beer. In recent years Jim was often accompanied by his loyal “Partner in Crime” Sweet Pea. Jim greeted everyone with a warm smile and a strong hand shake and plenty of laughs! His passion for the simple life will endure. Jim will be greatly missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Audie and Nettie Burlison; brother Audie Burlison; sister-in-law, “Judy” Burlison; brother-in-law, Sam Meadows; a step-son, Wayne Walker; and many friends.

He is survived by his wife Jill Burlison; two daughters, Angela Burlison and Alyssa Burlison; two sisters, Janet Meadows and Linda (David) Robinson; three grandchildren, Bobby Plumlee, Dalton Roberts and Aiden Andrews; nephews and nieces, Stephen Burlison, Karen (Jim) Greeney, Diane Mandrell, Sam Meadows, Jr., Timothy Meadows, Andrea (Kevin) Gibbs, David Robinson and Barbie Mace.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

A celebration of life will be held at his home in the coming weeks.

Per the family’s request in Lieu of floral arrangements and other gifts, memorial contribution may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Condolences may be given at www.patefh.com

Dale Edward Wingo, age 72, of Benton, passed away at 3:20 a.m. Thursday, March 31, 2022, at his home.

His wishes are to be cremated. Private Family Celebration of Life services will be held at a future date.

Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Dale was born on December 2, 1949, in Christopher, Illinois; the son of Harry Wingo and Ethel (Eckels) Wingo. He married the former Ethel Diania (Ison) Braden on June 10, 2007, and she survives.

He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he received a Bronze Star Medal and 2 Army Commendation Medals.
He was a retired coal miner having last worked at Old Ben #24. He was a proud member of the U.M.W.A.
Dale loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He also enjoyed fishing, playing guitar, and riding horses.
He is survived by his loving wife Diania Wingo of Benton; two sons: Jeff Wingo and wife Melissa of Bonnie, IL, John Wingo and wife Trisha of Johnston City, IL; three step-children: Adam Braden and wife Kimberly of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Lori Braden of Knoxville, TN, Christopher Braden of Houma, LA; twelve grandchildren: Dala Wingo, Breana Wingo, Kassi Ing, Kelsi Wingo, Kali Wagers, Allison Baker, Alec Wingo, Daniel Braden, Shai Austin, Michaela Austin, Tressa McCosker, Asher Braden; twelve great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren: David Wingo and Jennifer Braden; three brothers: Harry Donald Wingo, Arnold Wingo, Nolan Wingo; a sister Arlene Michelletto.

Memorial contributions in memory of Dale Edward Wingo, may be made to the American Cancer Society, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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

Mark Angelo Basolo, 48, passed away on March 21, 2022.

He was born on May 30, 1973 in Benton, IL to Martin and Polly (Hicks) Basolo.

He is survived by his children Ava Basolo and Keaton Basolo of Cambria; his parents Martin and Polly Basolo of Christopher; two sisters Angie (Larry) Bond of Christopher and Anita (Sam) Brockett of Benton; four nephews Dalton and Ryan Bond and Bo and Blake Brockett; three uncles Fred (Loretta) Basolo of Mulkeytown, Carl (Glenda) Hicks of Texas and Ray (Linda) Hicks of Arizona; one aunt Katherine (Leonard) Gallagher of Colorado and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and one aunt.

Mark was a retired correctional officer.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 9, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Friday April 8, 2022 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher and also on Saturday April 9, 2022 from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the St Andrews Catholic Church. The family invites everyone back to the St Andrews Parish Hall for a meal that will be provided after the memorial service.

The family also request no flowers and that donations be given to Mark’s children Ava and Keaton for a scholarship fund. Checks can be made payable to Anita Brockett.

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

Sue Battaglia, 81, of Royalton, passed away on Friday April 1, 2022 at her home.

She was born on April 28, 1940 in Plumfield, IL to Arley and Lucile (Rowland) Davis. She married Sam Battaglia JR on May 11, 1963 and he survives of Royalton.

She is also survived by her children Stacy (Toni) Battaglia of Royalton and Deanna (Tim Wells) Battaglia of Marion; grandchildren Brittney (Eric) McElroy of Zeigler and Marrisa (Brandon) Gamble of Royalton; great grandchildren Cadence and Bryar; one brother Rodney (Annie) Davis of Dyer, IN; two nephews Nathan (Olivia) Davis of Denver, Co, Aaron (Leah) Davis of Denver, Co and one niece Amy McCarty of Dyer, IN.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday April 7, 2022 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon.

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

John Douglas Shukites, 75, of Christopher, passed away on March 31, 2022 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on December 20, 1946 in Herrin, IL to John Charles and Juanita Rose (Higginson) Shukites. He married Judith (Yadloski) Shukites on December 16, 1978 and she preceded him in death on November 14, 2016.

He is survived by his two sons Phillip Shukites of Christopher and John Michael Shukites of Carbondale; two grandsons Zane Shukites and Xander Shukites; one sister Marilyn Clements of Arnold, MO; one special niece Holley Smith and several other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two sisters Helen Carter and Charlene Moore.

He was very proud of his service in the United States Navy, he served during the Vietnam era and was on a spy ship of the coast of Cuba. He attended the rank of MM3. He was a truck driver and was a very talented welder.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday April 7, 2022 at 7:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Denny Bush officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM until the time of the service at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and will be acted at the funeral home.

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

Linda S. Williams, 70, of Benton passed away on Tuesday morning, March 29, 2022 at the St. Louis University Hospital.

She was born in Welch, West Virginia on January 2, 1952 the daughter of William McKinley & Edna Margaret (Trump) Harmon.

She married Sidney E. Williams on October 4, 1980 in Thompsonville, IL.

Mrs. Williams worked for Addus HealthCare for Seniors working in the Health Care field for 26 years. She was a member of Freeman Chapel.
Mrs. Williams is survived by her:
2 Daughters:
Angie Dunning of Benton
Melinda Upchurch & husband Tim of Mascoutah
6 Grandchildren
2 Great-Grandchildren
4 Step-Children:
Vevia Ann Tindall & husband Greg of Benton
Keith Williams & wife Jennifer of Benton
Randy Williams of Benton
Robin Musgrave & husband Marvin of Benton
16 Step-Grandchildren
9 Step-Great-Grandchildren and 2 on the way
1 Brother: Sam Rose of Orient
3 Sisters:
Marie Vincelette of West Frankfort
Donna Hooker & husband Mike of Dallas, TX
Rita Jeter & husband Mike of West Frankfort

Linda was preceded in death by her Father-William McKinley Harmon, Mother-Edna Rose, 1 Sister-Tammy Rose and Brother-Terry Rose.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 3rd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Rick McClintock officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home.

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