Howard “Pete” M. Overton, 71, of Coello, IL passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

He was born on July 7, 1953 in Sesser, IL to Thomas and Betty (Cameron) Overton. Howard was an over the road truck driver with Thomason Express for many years.

Howard was married to and survived by his best friend Patricia (Chapman) Overton since March 25, 1988. Howard is also survived by his loyal companion, Sassy, and his six children, Stephanie, Vicki, William, Alex, Samantha, Brandy, his pride and joys, Anthony, Kaden, Alexis, Avery, Richard, Tristen, Christopher, Daelyn, Brendalyn, brothers and sisters, Elizabeth Bassett, Della Montgomery, Lydia Burst, Jean Keith, Ernest Overton, Curtis Overton, Mary Conley, Jim Overton, Douglas Overton and several nieces and nephews that he loved and thought the world of.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Michael, William “Giz”, Carl “Mule” and Tom “Puffy” Overton. Per Howard’s wishes he will be cremated with no service. Howard did state if you want to celebrate his life he said to go have a beer and if you do not drink to have a glass of iced tea for him. Howard is loved and missed by all who knew him.

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

Donald Ray Vancil, 78, of Marion formerly of Mulkeytown, passed away on Friday March 14, 2025.

He was born on June 21, 1946 in Herrin, IL to Carl Raymond and Geraldine (Morgan) Vancil. He married Frances (Murphy) Vancil on July 14, 1979 and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children David (Chrissy) Vancil of Marion and Deanna (Kurt) Cornell of Perryville, MO; grandchildren Trenton (Kaylee) Vancil, Kayla (Cori) Vancil, Joshua Vancil, Lindsey (Brian) Adams, Deanna (Chris) Shreder and Brian (Jule) Mosley; great grandchildren Kamden, Madi, Madi, Blayne, Gauge, Hunter, Ava, Jacob, Masen and Stella; special friend Jackie Middleton of Buckner and two sisters Linda McVey of Herrin and Connie Cox of Marion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one brother George David Vancil.

Donald was a United States Army Veteran and attended the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Frankfort.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday March 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Cundiff Cemetery with Rev. Alan Wendel Janneke officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Raymond Dean Rogers, 87, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Saturday March 15, 2025 at Stonbridge Nursing and Rehab.

He was born on November 27, 1937 in Mulkeytown, IL to Lloyd and Grace (Koenig) Rogers. He married JoAnn (McKinney) Rogers on May 18, 1957 and she preceded him in death on August 9, 2012.

He is survived by his children Sara (Steve) Matyi of DuQuoin, Gale (Shirley) Rogers of Mulkeytown and Garry Rogers of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Lindsi (Josh) Downs, Katie (Eric) Peradotto and Brenden Rogers; great grandchildren Jackson, Addison, Fisher and Lainey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one brother Everett Gail Rogers.

He worked at the post office and was Post Master for over 30 years.

Dean loved to go hunting, golfing, bowling and going to races, but most of all he loved being able to spend time with family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be on Sunday March 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Carmon Wuebbels officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Charlie Leon Eubanks, 88, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday March 16, 2025.

He was born on January 18, 1937 in Sesser IL to Cecil and Mary “Tincey” (Bishop) Eubanks. He married Judith “Judy” (Daigh) Eubanks on July 15, 1959 and she preceded him in death on January 16, 2013.

He is survived by his children Chuck (Debbie) Eubanks of New Iberia, LA, David Eubanks of Sesser and Janet (Robert) Robbins of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Anthony Eubanks, Nicole Downey, Abby Jones, Ryan Eubanks, Maggie Purcell and Emma Robbins; 11 great grandchildren; one brother Cecil “Butch” Eubanks of Sesser and two sisters Carol Seiler of Sesser and Mary Morefield of Sesser and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother Curtis Eubanks and one brother-in-law Freddie Seiler.

Charlie was a member of the Sesser First Baptist Church and was a Deacon. He was also a huge Kentucky Wildcat basketball fan.

Funeral services will be on Monday March 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser First Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Doyle Philips Galloway, 95, of Sesser, passed away on Friday March 14, 2025 at Franklin Hospital.

He was born on August 20, 1929 in Sesser, IL to Gilbert and Nancy (Phillips) Galloway. He married Earlene (Spann) Galloway on June 4, 1949 and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his children Gayla (Ron) Marlo of Sesser, Randall (Tammy) Galloway of Sesser, Darin (Christa) Galloway of Buckner and Theresa Miller of Hurst; grandchildren Derek (Donna) Marlo, Tara (Tim) Marlo-Eyelens, Ronnelle (Angelo) Muscarella, Randie Marie (Marty) Skorch, Brandy (Louie) Harland, Bethany (Aaron) Galloway, Devin (Victoria) Galloway, Loghan (Christian) Pyles and Olivia (Alex) Sweetin; great grandchildren Anthony, Ashlynn, Joshua, Elijah, Addyson, Martina, Miranda, Michaela, Lennon, Bridger and Bram; one great great grandchild Kaia; siblings Delbert (Phyllis) Galloway of Carterville, LaDonna (Jim) Kalish of Belleville, Brenda Bradley and Dean (Mary Lou) Galloway of Sesser and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Mona Lou Williams and one brother Donald Lee Galloway.

Funeral services for Doyle will be on Saturday March 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church in Sesser with Pastor Curtis Smith and Pastor Bill Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the church. Burial will be at Hammonds Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Wilma Jean Ogilvie, 89, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Friday March 14, 2025 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

She was born on March 26, 1935 in Mulkeytown to Dock Benjamin and Thelma Blanch (Long) Hammonds.

She is survived by her son Mark (Rhonda) Harp of Benton, IL and one sister Debbie Manion of Christopher.

She was preceded by her parents, one son Randall Harp, siblings Francis Hammonds, Jess Hammonds, Lee Hammonds, Leroy Hammonds, Shirley Kirchner, Jerry Hammonds, Sharon Sue Majdich and Rita Branson.

Funeral services will be on Thursday March 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Beloved business owner of DuQuoin Furniture and Mattress Company, previously known as House of Furniture, for the past 26 years, Mavis Ann Alecci, age 76, passed away on Sunday evening, March 9, 2025, in the care of Marshall Browning Hospital with her loving daughter, Tammy Young, by her side.

Mavis had a fun and energetic life, enjoying every moment of it. Mavis enjoyed touching the lives of many others throughout her entire lifetime. She was always
the spark of light in the room. She enjoyed shopping, spending holidays, and unexpected road trips with her family.

Mavis was of Baptist faith and was born on July 10, 1948, to Walter Burzynski and Juanita (Sullivan) Burzynski of Valier, IL, who preceded her in death. Her sister Maureen (Burzynski) Goessman, wife of Larry Goessman, also has preceded her in death.

Survived by: daughter, Tammy (Alecci) Young and son-in-law Kebin Young; granddaughter, Alicia Young and her significant other, Joshua Roberts; sister Ava (Burzynski) Gerdes and brother-in-law Mike Gerdes; Nephews Christopher Gerdes and Tripp Goessman. Mavis Ann Alecci will be missed and remembered by her community as the vibrant person she has always been. She asked for there not to be any services held.
This obituary was written by Mavis’ granddaughter Alicia Young.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

Anthony Dean Young, 52, of Christopher, passed away on Friday March 7, 2025 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on July 8, 1972 in Carbondale to James Judd and Pamela Hiller.

He is survived by his mother Pamela Hiller; his children Autumn Young of Richmond, VA, Eric Young of Anna, Cheyenne Frazier of Jacksonville, FL, Justice Young of Jacksonville, FL, Bradley Young of Christopher, Phoenix Young of Christopher and Serenity Young of Christopher; 8 Grandchildren; siblings Tina Ross of DuQuoin, Eric Overton of DuQuoin, Nicole Raysby of Carbondale and Brandy Raysby of DuQuoin.

He was preceded in death by his father.

His wishes were to be cremated with a memorial service at a later date.

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

Mrs. Betty Ruth Christensen took her Heavenly Journey to be reunited with her loving husband Bob Christensen, at 5:35 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, from her residence at the Fifth Season Residential Assisted Living of Benton.

Betty was born on May 1, 1935, in Franklin County, Illinois; the daughter of James Marion Harris and Olive Pearl (Richardson) Harris. She married the love of her life Earl Robert Christensen on December 17, 1955. Bob would precede her in death on May 4, 1996.

She was a former Avon sales lady, and a former teller with Bank of Benton and Boatmen’s Bank.

Betty was a faithful member of the Mt. Etna United Methodist Church near Akin, until its closing. She would later become a member and worship with her fellow congregation at the Antioch United Methodist Church of West Frankfort.

Betty enjoyed reading, playing dominoes, caring for her cats, and attending church. Most of all, she loved her time spent with her family.
Surviving is her loving children: Robin Freed and husband Mike of Thompsonville, IL, Dale Robert Christensen and wife Teresa of North Charleston, SC, Daniel James Christensen and wife Diane of Saratoga Springs, NY; grandchildren including: Virginia Pearl Christensen, Dale Robert Christensen, Jr., John Christensen, James Christensen and wife Liz, Danielle Christensen and husband Craig, Nicholas Michael Freed and fiancée Stacey; two great-grandchildren Celes Domings and Troy Christensen; her cat Olivia; special extended family Bobby Freed, Mollie and Melissa Freed, Gabby, Zac and August Howard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers: James Oliver Harris and Lloyd Dale Harris.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Pastor Lin Mahan officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Etna Cemetery of Thompsonville, IL. Visitation services will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin County Animal Control Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Betty, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.