Christopher, IL

Damien A. Edwards, age 35, of Christopher, IL died Sunday, December 20, 2015 at his home.

Cremation services will be accorded. A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Damien Arwel Edwards, was born on March 3, 1980 in Rotherham South Yorkshire, England, the son of Arwel Edwards and June (Leigh) Edwards. He married Callie Huffine on October 10, 2010 and she survives.

Until his health prevented him from working, Damien was employed with the Coello Fire Department. He also formerly worked as an electrical engineer, worked for Auto Credit of Southern Illinois, and AllTel Communications.

While growing up in England, he attended the Church of England.

Surviving is his wife Callie Edwards of Thompsonville; his two sons: Alexander Lee Edwards and Liam Anderson Edwards, both of Thompsonville; his parents: Arwel and June Edwards of the United Kingdom; a brother Kevin Charlesworth of the United Kingdom; a sister: Sharon Charlesworth Squires of the United Kingdom; his in-laws: William and Mary Huffine of Thompsonville; and several nieces and nephews.

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

West Frankfort, IL — Charles Jens Clark, age 91, of West Frankfort, passed away at 4:46 a.m. Christmas Day at his home with his family and friends at his bedside.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Thompsonville Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor John Lomacang officiating. Burial with military rites are to follow.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mr. Clark was born on May 10, 1924 in Erina, NE, the son of Charles Egbert Clark and Hansina (Mortensen) Clark. He married the former Frances Muriel Williams of rural Mansfield, MO on December 7, 1947, together they shared 68 years of marriage.

Charlie was a dairy farmer, rancher and carpenter.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Medical Corps. Charlie volunteered at 3 Angels Broadcasting for over 15 years.

He was a faithful Christian and member of the Thompsonville Seventh Day Adventist Church. He lived believing in the nearness of the second coming of the Lord, and died believing he will sleep in the grave until the sound of the trumpet when Jesus Christ will come and wake the dead in Christ.

Charlie enjoyed playing and working with his children and spending time with his cattle, driving tractors and watching his corn grow. His work was his pleasure.

He is survived by his wife Frances Clark of West Frankfort, his ten children: Ross Clark and wife Debbie of Mansfield, MO, Rodney Clark and wife Cynthia of Bartlett, NE, Pam Turner and husband David of Thompsonville, Barbara Clark-Laird of Mansfield, MO, Tammy Larson and husband Clarence of Thompsonville, Melissa Martin and husband Steve of Higdon, AL, David Clark of Fayetteville, AR, Kim Anderson and husband Ken of Ooltewah, TN, Jonathan Clark of Bangalore, India, Jody Immanuel and husband Thomas of Bangalore, India; twenty grandchildren: Kelley Fowler, Andy Clark, Brent Coffman, Tracy Collins, Nathan Clark, Amanda Bauler, Jefferson Clark, Jason Clark, Sunshine Story, Crystal Arriola, Azure Guzman, Summer Boyd, Lucas Boyd, Keith Downs, Matthew Downs, Melanie Pierce, Monica Dunne, Jacob Martin, Abigail Martin, Jennifer Immanuel; thirty great-grandchildren; and numerous foster children.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Dorothy Clark; and two grandsons: Eric Cordell Downs and John Damon Clark.

Memorial contributions may be made to 3ABN P.O. Box 220 West Frankfort, IL 62896.

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

BENTON — Larry D. Page, 78, passed away Sunday evening, Dec. 27, 2015, in Benton.

Larry was born July 10, 1937, in Ewing, the son of Colvar “Bill” and Lola (Cole) Page.

He married Mary Ann (Taylor) on Aug. 10, 1957, at Nazarene Church in Benton, and she survives.

Mr. Page retired as water superintendent for the city of Benton. He loved going to his grandkids’ ballgames and activities and was an avid Cardinals Fan. He attended Whittington Church.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Page of Benton; four children, Julie and Bill Sentel of Macedonia, Scott and Lisa Page and Jill and Pat Sanders, all of Benton, and Jennifer Page of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandchildren, Marcie and Adam Clark of Macedonia, Sarah and Donnie Millenbine of Dahlgren, Alison and Jason Woodrow of Springerton, Heather and Ryan Stock of Marion, Ashley Page of Valmeyer and Carston Sanders of Benton; and great-grandchildren, Calynn, Morgan and Camryn Clark, Mallorie and Trevor Millenbine, Grace, Annabell, Caroline, John and Elizabeth Woodrow and Connor Dutton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Robert Leon “Leroy” Page.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, in Whittington Church with the Rev. Mark Minor and the Rev. Greg Shelton officiating. Burial will be in Elder S.M. Williams Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton and 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Whittington Church and will be accepted at the funeral home at any time.

For more information or to sign the online guest register, visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.

Benton, IL

Kenny Munday, age 78, of Benton, passed away at 3:50 p.m. Christmas Day.

Private family services will be held.

Kenny was born on October 11, 1937 in Benton the son of Morgan C. Munday and Iva (Hays) Munday. He married the former Sandy Henley on June 5, 1964, and together they shared 51 years in marriage.

Kenny worked as an auto body mechanic with BM Motors in Benton. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Benton.

Kenny is survived by his wife Sandy Munday of Benton; two daughters: Tara Diebling of Union, MO, Makala Munday of Benton; two grandsons: Matthew Morgan Sabal and Hudson Harley Sabal; a brother Tom Munday and wife Lonny of Orlando, FL; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tom and Connie Henley of Thompsonville.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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

Benton, IL

Nola Maxine Walker, age 88, of Benton, passed away at 8:35 p.m. Christmas Day at the Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon, IL.

A memorial service with burial will be at a future date.

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Nola Maxine Walker was born on March 26, 1927 in Benton, the daughter of Everett Rea and Nellie (Miller) Rea.   She was first married to Warren Lewis and he preceded her in death. She later married William J. Walker and he preceded her in death on July 22, 2015.

Mrs. Walker was a retired auditor having last worked with Gold Blatts Department Store.

She was a member of the Logan Street Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon. Before her health failed her, she enjoyed singing with the church choir at Logan Street Baptist Church.

She was most happy when spending time with her family. She also enjoyed dancing, and watching Dancing With The Stars and doing crossword puzzles.

Nola Maxine Walker is survived by her daughter Dina Lewis of St. Louis, MO; a step-daughter Patricia A. Walker and husband Ralph Jocke of Medina, Ohio; a daughter-in-law Mary Lewis of Richcrest, CA; seven grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a brother Ivan Cremeens of Mesa, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; son: Ivan Lewis; and two infant daughter Jayma and Cynthia.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry.

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

 

https://www.franklincounty-news.com/2015/12/28/8390/

Joyce Elaine Gunter of Sesser, IL passed away December 25, 2015.  Joyce was born July 27, 1950 in Christopher, Illinois the daughter of Andrew Earl and Clara Aline (Crocker) Brown.  Joyce was united in marriage to Hershel Lee Gunter the son of Albert Murphy and Leona (VanHoye) Gunter on June 19, 1971 at the Methodist Chruch in Sesser.

She graduated from Sesser-Valier Class of 1968.  She worked as General Assistance Job Project Coordinator for Goode Township Supervisor from April 1, 1986 to June 30, 2010 and worked part-time for the City of Sesser as Maple Hill Cemetery Secretary from January 4, 1999 to April 30, 2014 when she retired.  She also worked at Decca Records in Pinckneyville before her marriage and shortly after her marriage, and she also worked at Sesser Garment Factory during mine layoffs.

She was community minded and actively involved for many years in Sesser junior Woman’s Club, Sesser Junior Baseball-Softball Youth Organization, Sesser Opera House Restoration, Sesser Area Chamber of Commerce, Sesser American Legion Auxiliary, Southern Illinois Arthritis Foundation, Goode-Barren Historical-Genealogical Society, her mother and she cataloged the Maple Hill Cemetery and put in book form in 1996 which was sold by the historical society.

Joyce leaves a long legacy of a large family that she hope they will be forever grateful for having her in their lives, survivors include her three sons and their families, Brian Lee Gunter and his wife Angela Lynn (Murphy) of Sesser, Brent Andrew Murphy Gunter and his wife Melissa Ann (Donoho) of Sesser, Brice Taylor Gunter and his wife Karla Marie (Nipper) of Ewing, Illinois.  She has nine grandchildren:  Lukas Brian Gunter, Elijah “Eli” Eugene Gunter, Garrett Lee Gunter, Gabe Edward Gunter, and Annabelle “Belle” Lynn Gunter children of Brian and Angie, Brayden Andrew Murphy Gunter and Cody Raymond J. Gunter children of Brent and Melissa, Bryla Marie Gunter and Stella Elaine Gunter children of Brice and Karla.

Her extended family including her sisters and brother and their families:  Ruth Ann Brown Hicks of Sesser, Glenna Jean Brown and her husband Ronald Ray Roberson of Sesser, David Earl and his wife Sharon Kay (Kern) Brown of Creston, IL.

Nieces and nephews:  William “Billy” Gale Hicks Sesser, Vicki Lynn (Hicks) and her husband Bruce Alan Lewis of Valier, Alan Dale and his wife Kelley Leann (Loucks) Hicks of Sesser, Patrisha “Tish” Ann (Hicks) and her husband Robert “Bob” Edward Pinegar of Dixon, IL, Roger Earl and Wife Sandra Dianne (Pitchford) Hicks of Sesser,Richard Ray Roberson of Effingham, IL, Randall Rex Roberson Sesser, Edward Dean Rithie of Owasso, Oklahoma, Crystal Gail (Brown) and her husband David Scott Dunseth of Stillman Valley, IL, Dustin Earl and wife Noelle Shelby (Shultz) Brown of Creston, IL.

Special great nephews and nieces:  Ryan Gale Hicks Valier, Christin Michelle Hicks of Sesser, Jordan Lee Hicks of Sesser, William Andrew “Andy” and wife Anna Kathaleen “Katie” (House) Lewis of Benton, Wade Alan Lewis of Benton, Alyn Beth (Hicks) and husband Timothy James Newbury of Sesser, Tiffany Chanelle (Hicks) and husband William Eris Powell of Sesser, Sarah Elizabeth (Hicks) Alexander of Sesser, Mahaylah Claire (Hicks) and husband Timothy Lee Mabrey of Fort Leonardwood, MO, Robert Ethan Hicks, Dustin Lee Hicks, Alyana Brooke Hicks all of Sesser, Michael Edward and Jeanna Ann Louise Pinegar both of Dixon, IL, Timothy John Hicks of Sesser and fiancé Kelsey Whitecotton of Buckner, and Grace Abigail (Hicks) and husband Michael Phelps of Valier, Jonathon Michael Ritchie of Creston, IL, Owen Nathanial and Amelia Paige Dunseth both of Stillman Valley, IL, Collin Andrew Brown, Lauren Elizabeth Brown of Creston, IL.

Special Great Great Nephews and Nieces:  Halle Nicole Meiner and Waylon Lee Hicks both of Benton, Cadean Ryan Hicks of Sesser, Skyler Lynn Lewis of Benton, Layla Belle Newbury, and Alba James Newbury of Sesser, London Rhyan Powell of Sesser, Talan Andrew Alexander of Sesser, Brooklyn Grace Nevaeh and Ashlee Nicole Hicks both of Sesser, Torie Aline Pinegar of Dixon, IL, Jacob “Jake” Aaron Hicks, Joshua “josh” Thomas Hicks and Joseph ‘Joey” Robert Hicks, Gauge Ray Phillips, Karlie Mae Phillips and Della Grace Phillips all of Sesser, Noa Grace Phelps of Valier.

Gunter Brother-in-laws and Sister-in-laws:  Donald Ray and wife Sharlyn Kay (Offerman) Gunter of Valier, Allen Dakle and wife Diane (Rector,Tanner) Gunter of Orient, Brenda Lou Gunter of Christopher, Garry Wayne and wife Dori Sue (Cowsert) Gunter of Zeigler, Dennis James and wife Lori Dawn (Bearden) Gunter of Christopher, Linda Sue (Gunter) and husband Samuel ‘Sam” Wink of Mulkeytown.

Gunter Nieces and Nephews:  Heather Kay (Gunter) and husband Joshua Lee Raymond and daughter Piper Ann of Gobles, MI, Sherri Dawn Gunter and daughter Shayna Ranae Sloan of Christopher, Jason Ray and wife Shawna Diane (Wingo) Gunter and children Gavin Ray and Jaslyn Nicole of Sesser, Cory Don Gunter of Evansville, IN and children Jordan Scott and Joshua Ray Gunter of Valier, Jaxson Michael Gunter of Evansville, IN, Marty Allen and wife Vicki Leigh (Garmane) Gunter of Christopher and daughter Michelle Leigh (Gunter) and husband Craig Allen Helma and daughter Jazmine Nichole of Milnot, North Dakota, Wendy Sue (Gunter) Anderson and children Alex Lee and Mollie Sue Anderson of West Frankfort, Kyle Wayne and wife Cara Lynn (Frey) Gunter and son Ryan Gunter of Belleville, IL, Kara Charlene Gunter and daughter’s Valerie Marie Gunter and Ariel Michelle Gunter of Belleville, Samuel Blake and wife Misty Kay (Baker) Wink of Christopher, and daughter Makenne Faye Newell, Nekko Lee Wink and fience Mikala Chamness and son Jaden Murphy Kellerman of DuQuoin.

Joyce was preceded in death by husband: Hershel Lee Gunter died November 18, 2008, her father Andrew Earl Brown, paternal grandparents Asia Nat and Lettie Belle (Miller) Brown, Maternal grandparents Raymond J. and Mary Della (McBride) Crocker, father and mother –in-Law Albert Murphy and Leona (Van Hoye) Gunter, brother and sister in law Francis Albert and Judith “Judy” Ann (Pomroy) Gunter and their son Keith Allen Gunter.

Visitation will be on Tuesday December 29, 2015 from 5;00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.  Funeral Service will be on Wednesday December 30, 2015 at 11;00 A.M. at the funeral home with burial to follow at the Maple Hill Cemetery.  Joyce’s Celebration of Life will be officiated by the Former Mayor of the City of Sesser Ned Mitchell and Brother Larry Cook of the Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church.

The Gunter Family requests that you would consider a donation to The Sesser Valier Early Intervention Program (Make cchecks payable to S-V Community Unit 196) in Lieu of flowers in memory of their mother Joyce, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Edgar “Eddie” Wilson Roberts went to be with his Lord on December 21, 2015 in his home, after a brief struggle with cancer and a life of adversity. However, now he is greeted with open arms from the Lord and his family that has awaited him, and now for the first time in 73 years he is able to hear and yell with joy.

Eddie was born April 11, 1942 in Sesser to Claude and Viola (Loker) Roberts.

Eddie lived his life without the ability to hear or speak, but that never stopped him from being known to ever have a frown on his face, but always greeted all that he met with a smile.

Eddie was retired, and was known to many as a carpenter around town. There are many homes and businesses around Sesser that contain a piece of his handiwork. He worked as custodian at the Sesser Post Office before working for the City of Sesser for 25 years as a custodian.

In his earlier years, he was a member of the Sesser Police Department as an auxiliary officer, and spent many years on the Sesser Fire Department and helped transition it into a Fire District. He was also a life time member of the Coal Belt Association.

He was an avid train enthusiast watching and reading about trains, he loved his Cardinals baseball, and enjoyed NASCAR.

Eddie is survived by his nephew Justin Roberts of Sesser, his niece Amber Maree of DuQuoin, and his great nephew Elijah Wise of Sesser. He is also survived by many special and dear friends.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Viola (Loker) Roberts, and his brother Hubert Lyle Roberts.

Funeral services will be held on Monday December 28, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Monday December 28, 2015 from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

Special thanks to Hospice of Southern Illinois and Regional Home Care for their assistance through this time. Along with Addus home maker services.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

 

BENTON — Mary Louise (Summers) McClerren, 91, joined loved ones in heaven Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015.

She was born May 11, 1924, the daughter of Joseph Guy and Grace Ethel (Harris) Summers in Cave Township.

Mrs. McClerren attended Thomsonville schools and after graduation worked in West Frankfort.

She met young William “Billy” Silas McClerren in Mount Zion Church in Thompsonville where a young Mary Lou and sister, Wilma, were singing in front of the congregation. Story was that she called him “pie-face” on the school grounds and him saying quietly he was going to marry her some day. They were married on May 23, 1943.

During World War II she worked in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Department of Treasury where her responsibilities included contacting royalty members in asylum.

She was the song leader at East Benton Baptist Church where she was very active in the 1950s.

She was a very efficient homemaker, an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed quilting and baking. She also loved Christmas and thanked those that helped her “keep Christmas.”

The joys of her life were close and extended family — she was the hub of their lives keeping all informed of family blessings and ills.

Preceding her in death were her loving parents; all seven siblings; husband in March 1994; son, William Richard in July 2015; granddaughter, Kelly Jo Robertson in February 2015; grandson, Matthew Todd Emerson in 1974; great-grandson, Dalton Wayne Russell in 1995; and son-in-law, Dale Leroy Emerson in March 2015.

Keeping the family traditions alive are daughters, Marilyn Candace (Stephen) Hall of Boone, North Carolina, and Margaret Alison Emerson of Waverly; son, Samuel Silas of Springfield; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many treasured nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 2 p.m Sunday, Dec. 27 in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Thompsonville. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home at 410 S. Main St., in Benton.

The family requests donations be directed to Mount Zion Cemetery in Thompsonville or a favorite charity.

Condolences may be sent online to www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.

Randy Edwards, age 61, of Ewing passed away at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at his home in Ewing.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2015 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Friends wishing to accompany Randy on his “last ride” are asked to meet at the Benton American Legion at 12:00 noon on Sunday, December 20, 2015 to drive in route to Kevin Tucker’s home for committal services.

Randy was born on June 25, 1954 in Christopher, Illinois, the son of Hampton Ben Edwards and Mary Gladys (Stevens) Edwards. He married Renee Johnston-Casey on July 2, 2013 and she survives.

Randy was a welder, working out of the Union Labor Hall 773.

He was a member of the Whittington Baptist Church.

Randy enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing, rock hunting, exploring, camping and anything outdoors. He also enjoyed designing and building things out of rock.

Randy is survived by his wife Renee Johnston-Casey of Ewing; a son Cody Edwards of Pinckneyville, IL; other family members and his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Cory Edwards, a sister Patricia Purcell, and a brother Kenneth Edwards.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses, and will be accepted on Friday at the funeral home.

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

Ronald Terry Sr., 75, of Valier, IL, passed away Dec. 14, 2015.

Ron was born Dec. 14, 1940, the son of John Terry and Thelma (Wolze) Terry.

He was a coal miner and a member of the UMWA. Ron was a member of the Valier First Baptist Church.

Ron was married to Gladys (Evilsizer) Terry and she preceded him in death on June 26, 2008.

He is survived by his children, Ronald Terry, Jr. and fiance Amy Ison, of Valier, IL and Sandra and Jim “Bo” Shortland, of Thompsonville, IL; a special friend, Doris Leek, of Coello, IL; grandchildren Katie Alexis Terry, Christine Elizabeth Terry, Travis and Megan Shortland, Emily Shortland and Dawn Shortland; one brother, Mike Terry, West Frankfort, IL and one sister Joyce Eubanks, of Branson, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one son Kevin Warren and two sisters, Nedra Pankie and Marilyn Eubanks.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2015 at Valier First Baptist Church with the Rev. Harl Ray Lewis and the Rev. Steve Livingston officiating. Visitation will be from 11 am. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, in Sesser, IL.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Valier and will be accepted at the church.

Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, IL, is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.