Clinton Ray Woodfin passed away peacefully at his home Thursday morning, April 6, 2017, surrounded by his children.

Clinton was born on October 29, 1927 in St. Louis, Missouri to John and Nellie (Shell) Woodfin.

On November 1, 1947, he was married to Monzelle Harkey in Piggott, Arkansas. They spent almost 69 wonderful years together until her death in August of 2016.

To this union was born 4 children. One son, Steven and wife Sue of Benton, Illinois, three daughters, Lynne Edwards of Benton, Illinois, Karen Reinhold and husband Don of Tampa, Florida, and Kris McClard and husband Steve of Bolivar, Missouri.

He was so very proud of his grandchildren, Marci Woodfin Glover and husband, Daniel of Benton, Illinois, Mica Woodfin Roundcount and husband Matt of Bethalto, Illinois, Brent Edwards of Largo, Florida, Ben Edwards of St. Louis, Missouri, Jonathan Edwards and wife Natalie of Benton, Illinois, Joshua Reinhold and wife Kristina of Austin, Texas, Daniel Reinhold of Los Angeles, California, Andrew and Parker McClard of Bolivar, Missouri.

His 5 great grandchildren, that he lovingly referred to as his little scoundrels are Keegan and Kinley Glover of Benton, Illinois, Evan and Madelyn Roundcount of Bethalto, Illinois, and Kane Edwards of Benton, Illinois.

Before going into the ministry, Clinton supported his young family by working at Wagner Electric in St. Louis,Missouri. During his 30+ years in the ministry, he served churches in Meadowbrook and Benton, Illinois and Advance, Missouri.

Upon retirement, he accepted a position as Associate Pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, Illinois. He then went on to do interim pastoral work in churches at Royalton and Zeigler, Illinois. His genuine love of people and quick wit endeared him to many.

Clinton is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by sister-in-law, Helen Woodfin of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. two brothers-in-law, Walter Harkey and wife Peggy of Meadowbrook, Illinois and Howard Harkey and wife Dorothy of Shipman, Illinois, sister-in-law June Becraft and husband Barney of Keyesport, Illinois and sister-in-law Donna Harkey of Moro, Illinois; He was also an uncle to many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law, Ivan and Gavada Woodfin, brother Leonard Woodfin, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruth and Gerald Retherford, brother-in-law Jack Harkey, his special father and mother-in-law Elmer and Ruby Harkey and special nieces and nephew, JoAnn Rice, Joyce Jarman and David Harkey.

The family will receive visitors Sunday, April 9th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life Service will be Monday, April 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, Illinois, with visitation at 10:00. The service will be officiated by Rev. Gene Ellis, Pastor Sammy Simmons and Music Minister John Odle.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or CMH Hospice in Bolivar, Missouri.

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

William “Bill” Smothers, 59, of Benton IL, passed away at 12:28 a.m., Wednesday,  March 29, 2017, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, IL, surrounded by his family and friends.

He was born on September 25, 1957, to Clarence “Doc” and Mildred (Scrutchfield) Smothers in Benton, IL. Bill lived in Benton for most of his life. He loved his family and friends to fullest and always enjoyed spending his days with them. Especially his grandson Brendon.

His generosity, love for others and playful nature is what will always be remembered by his family and friends. He was a loving father, grandfather and brother and will be dearly missed. A mark of a truly great man is one that touches the life of others and leaves them better for knowing him. Bill most definitely did that.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman and an exceptional pool player.

William is survived by his daughter, Lacey Smothers of Benton, IL; one grandson, Brendon Jones; two sisters, Sandi (Tom) Schmidt, Debra (Lenny) Holthaus; and one brother, Randy (Linda) Smothers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence “Doc” and Mildred Smothers, two brothers, Gary  Smothers and Jim Smothers and one sister, Susan Wilson.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 31, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Roger Webb, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Jones Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Pate Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.