FLOYD B. TAYLOR
Marion
Floyd B. Taylor, 73, died in his home at 9:05 p.m. on June 3, 1999. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 6, in the Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, Marion, at 800 North Market St. The Rev. Max Samples will officiate. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton. Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Mr. Taylor was born in Benton on March 16, 1925, the son of Elmer and Edna (Jackson) Taylor. He was married on Oct. 2, 1948, to Virginia (Galloway) Taylor. She died Aug. 18, 1991. He served during World War II in the Army. He enjoyed and loved being with his family. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church, VFW Post #1301. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Ruth Ann Taylor of Marion; three daughters and sons-in-law, Patty and Glen Wittnam of Marion, Mary Jo and Jerry Odum of Marion, Sheri Lynne and Brian Metzger of Marion; six grandsons, Joseph Bryant Taylor, , Matthew Ryan Wittnam, Mark Bryant Taylor, Joshua Taylor Odum, Hunter O'Neal Odum, all of Marion; a granddaughter, Amanda Rae Wittnam of Marion; two brothers, Richard Taylor, Decatur, Jimmy Taylor of Benton; three sisters, Dorothy Monterastelli of Ottawa, Phyllis McGlasson of Decatur, Ruth Ann Siliven of Decatur. Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by is parents, wife, one brother, Harley Taylor and one sister, Milded Anthony. Memorials may be given to the Southern Illinois Hospice.
MARY M. TEMPORITI
Gilbertsville, Kentucky
Mary M. Temporiti, 90, a former Benton resident, died at 4:56 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16, 1999 in the Marshall County Hospital in Benton, Ky.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a..m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Father Donald Lenzini officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Saturday until time of service to the funeral home.
Mrs. Temporiti was born in Thurber, Texas on Aug. 10, 1909 to John and Louise (Dellomia) Reginato.
She was married to Ceasar Temporiti, who died on Aug. 22, 1988.
Mary was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton.
She is survived by one son, Charles R. Temporiti and wife Sue of Gilbertsville, Ky.; one granddaughter, Barbara Temporiti of Calvert City, Ky.; one grandson, Mark Temporiti of Murray, Ky.; one great-granddaughter, Kimberly Reed and husband Kevin of Gilbertsville; two great-grandchildren, Lauren and Blake Reed; one sister, Cecelia Anderson of Benton; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers and two sisters.
CLYDE N. TENNISON
Benton
Clyde N. Tennison, 84, of 8658 State Highway 148, died at 9:35 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1999, in the Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin. Arrangements are pending at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home.
BARBARA THOMAS
Christopher
Barbara Thomas, 66, died Thursday morning Sept. 9, 1999, in her home in Christopher.
Arrangements are pending at the Poulson Funeral Home, Benton.
LUCILLE E. THOMPSON
West Frankfort
Lucille E. Thompson, 81, of 305 W. Poplar St., died at her home at 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, in the Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, with the Rev. Bob Shook officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton. Friends may call after 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Mrs. Thompson was born on July 6, 1918, in Buckner, the daughter of Omer B. and Ola (Flatt) Overturf. She was married to Phillip E. Thompson who survives. She was a housewife and of the Church of Christ faith. In addition to her husband, Phillip, she is survived by four daughters, Judy Curry of Buckner, Susan Shook of Norris City, Leitha Walker of Christopher, Peggy Page of Macomb; a special sister, Faye Buckner of Buckner; eight grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren.
NINA E. THOMPSON
West Frankfort
Nina E. Thompson, 84, died Tuesday afternoon, June 22, 1999, in Belleville Memorial Hospital.
Services will be held at 11 a..m. Friday, June 25, in the Johnston Funeral Home, Whittington, with the Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Mitchell Cemetery, Sesser. Friends may call from 6 to 8 this evening at the funeral home.
Mrs. Thompson was born on Feb. 16, 1915, in Mt. Vernon, the daughter of Van and Martha (Rightnowar) Beckham. She was married to Claude Thompson, who died Feb. 22, 1979.
She was a retired nurse and served in World War II as an Army nurse.
She was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include two daughters, Jackie Britt and husband Tim, Granite City, Darlene Davis and husband James of Garden Prairie ; a close friend, Charles Barnard of West Frankfort; three grandchildren; one sister, Nellie Clark of Mt. Vernon.
Mrs. Thompson was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers and three sisters.
SHIRLEY PARKER
Mulkeytown
Shirley Parker, 71, of 4114 Park St. Road, died on Friday, Dec. 24, 1999, in Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.
Services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m., Dec. 29, 1999, in the Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, with the Rev. Jerry Aken officiating. Burial will be in the Mulkeytown Cemetery. Friends may call after 6 p.m. Tuesday to the funeral home.
Mrs. Parker was born on Oct. 10, 1928, in Christopher, the daughter of Gaylord W. and Ruth (Stone) Fox.
She was a retired bookeeper who worked in Chicago.
She was of the Methodist faith.
Survivors include three brothers, Gaylord L. Fox of Liberty, Mo., Robert G. Fox of Tillamok, Ore. Vern R. Fox of Orlando, Fla.; one sister, Ruth Ann Szymanski of Douglasville, Ga.
HARRY THRELKELD
Benton
Harry Threlkeld, 78, died at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 1999 as a result of an automobile accident.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 16, in the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, with the Rev. Roger Ellsworth officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday to the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Mr. Threlkeld was born in Benton, on Sept. 16, 1920, the son of Oscar and Beulah (Schram) Threlkeld. He married Wanda Epps on Dec. 14, 1940. She survives. He had worked in the CC Camps; as a farmer; a welder in the Evansville Ind. Shipyards; at Peyton's block plant, as a construction laborer, and as a custodian at Benton Grade schools. He was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church, the Rend Lake Ramblers and Shawnee Sam's Camping club. Survivors include his wife, Wanda Threlkeld of Benton; daughter Rita Doty and husband Kenneth of Benton; a son, Richard Threlkeld and wife Marlene of Carbondale; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Callie Russell and husband Jerry of Benton and Nadine Neal of Decatur. He was preceded in death by his parents and by three brothers, Bert, Charles and Milford. Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton or the Murdale Baptist Church in Carbondale.
HELEN HARTMAN TISDALE
Boise, Idaho
Helen Hartman Tisdale, 87, a former BAenton resident, died Friday, Sept. 24, 1999, in Boise, Idaho.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, with Lyman Benns officiating.
VELMA I .(Jean) TOMS
Benton
Velma I. Toms, 63, of 407 Grand, died at 12:45 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, 1999 at the Centralia/Good Samaritan Regional Health Center, Mt. Vernon. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Mrs. Toms was born March 12, 1936, in Benton, the daughter of George Thorpe and Ada (Harrison) Thorpe. She married Lamont Toms on Sept. 14, 1956, and he survives. She was a housewife. Survivors include her husband, Lamont Toms, Benton; a nephew, Leonard Wininger, Benton; a sister Elsie Broughton, Benton, and a brother, Bob Thorpe, Benton. She was preceded in death by her mother.
GLENDON C. TURNER
Christopher
Glendon C. Turner, 84, of 314 State St., died on Tuessday, June 29, 1999, in the Herrin Hospital.
Services will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. on July 1, in the Gilbert Funeral Home, with the Rev. Gene Fox officiating. Burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery, Buckner. Friends may call after 6 p.m. Wednesday to the funeral home. Masonic service will be at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. Turner was born in Christopher on Nov. 15, 1914, the son of Edward and Nora (Griffith) Turner. He married Lorita M. (Bacon) Turner on Dec. 24, 1935. She survives.
A retired coal miner, he last worked at Old Ben 21. He was a member of the UMWA, the Painters Union, Masonic Lodge 1016, Christopher.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Gwen Risch of St. Louis, and Jane Fiorenzi of Herrin; one son, Jim Turner of Christopher; five nieces and nephews; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Hazel Coleman, Margaret Turner.
Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or the 1st Christian Church of Herrin building fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.
MICHAEL W. VAN ACKER
Sesser
Michael W. "Mic" Van Acker, 51, formerly of Silvis and Little Rock, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999 in Sesser. Services will be held Monday, at 11 a.m. in the Schroder Mortuary, 701 1st Ave., Silvis, Ill. Burial with Military honors by Viet Nam Veteran's of America Post #229 in the Rock Island National Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. in the mortuary. Memorials may be made to any of Shriner's Hospitals. Mr. Acker was born on June 8, 1948, in Moline, the son of Joseph and June Ralston Van Acker. He was married to the former Penny Trobaugh and later to Christi Bunker Hilton on May 5, 1984 in Byron. He was a journeyman electrician and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 295 in Little Rock. He served in the Navy during the Viet Nam war. Survivors include hiw wife, daughters Sherryl Mooneyham of Clayton, NC, Catherine Hilton Blaylock and husband Terry of Harrison, Ark.; sons, Daniel Van Acker of Kave City, Ky. and James Hilton of Tybee Island, Ga.; grandchildren, Shelbie, Harley, Michael, Tiffany, Jamie and Robin; parents of Silvis; sister Marla Angelo of East Moline,; brother Kevin of Arkadelphia, Ark. and grandmother, Hazel Van Acker of Michigan.
MARY T. VANZANDT
Decatur
Mary T. Vanzandt, 88, formerly of Christopher, died on Friday, July 16, 1999 on the Decatur Memorial Hospital. There was a private graveside service at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 20, in the Mulkeytown Cemetery with the Rev. Mark Slatte officiating. The Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher was in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Vanzandt was born in Wheatcroft, Ky. on June 18, 1911, the daughter of Mary Martin. She was married to Russell E. Vanzandt, who died April 27, 1988. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Christopher. She is suvived by one son, Ronald Vanzandt of Decatur. One sister and two brothers also preceded her in death.
FRANK VEATCH
Sadieville, Ky.
Frank Veatch, a former Sesser resident, died on Saturday, Oct. 16, 1999, at Georgetown Hospital in Georgetown, Ky. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, 1999, in the Christian Church in Sadieville. Arrangements are by the Tucker Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife, Margie (Winemiller) Veatch; one daughter, Judy Sinkhorn and husband Norman of Georgetown, Ky.; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; one sister-in-law, Kathlene Kays of Benton. Mr. Veatch was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, one great-granddaughter and one brother.
GENEVA ELLEN VETETO
Thompsonville
Geneva Ellen Veteto, 59, died Friday May 11, 1999, in the Carbondale Memorial Hospital.
Services will be held Monday, June 14, at 8 p.m. in the Poulson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Webb Pearce officiating. Visitation is Monday from 5 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside sevices will be in the Pilcher Cemetery in Bownstown, at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Arrangements are by the Poulson Funeral Home.
Mrs. Veteto was born on August 18, 1939, in Assumption, the daughter of Frank and Gladys (Starnes) Williams. She was married to George G. Veteto who survives in Thompsonville.
She was a homemaker, collected angels and loved lisening to gospel music. She attended the Glory Bound Tabernacle in Freeman Spur.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, G. Gordon Veteto and wife Cheryl of Thompsonville, Gino G. Veteto and wife Robin of Benton; two daughters, Gail Swan and husband Karl of Zeigler, Gina Williams and husband Jack of Zeigler; twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She lived to be with her grandchildren. Also surviving are four sisters, Anna B. Whalen of Zepher Hills, Fla., Betty Leigh of Ramsey, Clara Thomas of Duncan, Ok., Martha Veteto of Latham.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, April D. Veteto, five brothers and five sisters.
HARRY W. WALKER
Ewing
Harry W. Walker, 83, died at 4:25 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, 1999, in the St. Mary's/ Good Samaritan Regional Health Care Center, Mt. Vernon.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Johnston Funeral Home in Whittington, with the Rev. Russell Monroe officiating. Burial was in Williams Chapel Cemetery.
Mr. Walker was born on Oct. 14, 1915, in Detroit, Michigan.
He was married on June 4, 1943 to Verla Walker. She died March 29, 1992.
He was a member of the Machinist Union, worked at the Naval Weapons Center in China Lake, Calif. from 1947 to 1981,and was a retired Civil Service employee.
Mr. Walker was a member of the Ewing Baptist Church.
Survivors include one sister, Helen Whittico of Detroit; several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.
Bobby Gene Waller
Thompsonville
Bobby Gean Waller, 70, died at 7:47 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26, 1999, in Franklin Hospital. Arrangements are pending at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, Benton.
Samuel T. Webster
Prescott, Arizona.
Samuel T. Webster, 88, a resident of Prescott, Az. for 4 years, died at his home on Tuesday, July 13, 1999. Mr. Webster lived in Poway, Calif. from 1959 to 1995 where he was involved in real estate. He is a former resident of Benton, and owned Webster Wholesale on Railroad Street prior to 1959. He is survived by his wife Virginia, to whom he was married for 65 years; daughters, Marilyn Beckett of Jacksonville, Fla., and Carol Smith of Prescott; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and one great-great- grandson. Services were held in Prescott on Thursday, July 15, and the body was sent to San Diego, Calif. for burial.
TRAVIS WADE WEST
Benton
Travis Wade West, 19, died at 6:10 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 1999, at the Franklin Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with Pastor John Neace officiating. Burial will be in the in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.
Travis was born in Carbondale on Oct. 10, 1979, to Garry W. and Anne (Brantley) West.
He was a member of the Faith Church of God in Benton, a 1998 graduate of BCHS and was currently attending Rend Lake College.
Travis is survived by his father, Garry W. West of Benton; his mother, Anne Mason and husband John of Muscle Shoals, Ala.; paternal grandmother, Imogene West of Benton; maternal grandmother, Pamela James of Tuscumbia, Ala., maternal grandfather, Frederick Brantley of Huntsville, Ala.; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and by many friends. (He was loved by all.)
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Charles West.
We, Travis's parents, know our son has gone home to be with the Lord, and we look foward to the day when we can meet him again.
KENNETH D. WHALEY
Benton
Kenneth D. Whaley, 67, of 1306 N. Main St., died at 8:22 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 27, 1999 at the Franklin Hospital.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, with the Rev. Carroll Toler officiating. Burial, with military rites by the Benton American Legion and V.F.W. Posts will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Whaley was born March 25, 1932 in Rend City, the son of Felix Elmer Whaley and Clara Lea (Oglesby) Whaley. He married the former Colleen Edna Mortimer on July 11, 1959. She survives.
He was a retired road repairman with the Franklin County Highway Department. Previously he had worked as a meat cutter with Petroff Packing. After retirement, he worked as a personal assistant with Hunter Realty, Benton. He was an Army veteran of the Korean conflict. He was a member of the American Legion Post 280 and the V.F. W. Post 2671, both of Benton.
Survivors include his wife, Coleen E. Whaley, Benton; two daughters, Lynnette Hunter and husband Fred, Benton, Sherry Sullivan, Michigan; six grandchildren, Jessica, Benjamin, and Aubrey Hunter, all of Benton, Mike David, and Adrienne Lund, all of Michigan; three brothers, Raymond Whaley, Sidell, Ill. Donald and Max Whaley, both of Benton; two sisters, Anna Mae Dillon, Benton, Shirley Winter, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Howad, Charles, Duane Whaley, a half brother, Jim Dillingham and a sister, Grace Parkerson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Baptist Children's Home of the Illinois Baptist State Association, 949 County Road 1300 North, Carmi, 62821, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
MARY WHITE
Sesser
Mary White, 81, died at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, June 6, 1999, in Carbondale Memorial Hospital. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 9, in Maple Hill Cemetery with Father Louis Koehr officiating. Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. The Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home of Sesser is in charge of arrangements.
WILLIAM L. "TOD" WHITE
Sesser
William L. "Tod" White, 86, of 906 S. Cockrum, died on Friday, Sept. 17, 1999, at Frankfort Care Center in West Frankfort.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 19 at the Church of Christ in Sesser. Military service will be conducted by the Sesser VFW and American Legion. Burial will be in the Old Baptist Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. on Sunday until the time of service at the church.
Mr. White was born on Sept. 24, 1912, in Sesser, the son of William Edward and Ozella West White. He married Judith Silkwood White who died on March 9, 1995.
Mr. White was a retired carpenter. He was a Navy veteran of WWII.
He was a member of the Church of Christ in Sesser.
Mr. White is survived by his children Judy and Jim Laur, Sesser, Mima and Jim Giesey, Cleveland, Ohio, I. Maureen Williams, Omaha, Neb., Mary and David Smith, Carterville, William R. White, Mt. Vernon, Robert and Donna White, Sesser, Bradley and Cristy White, Aurora and Loyd and Karen, Sesser; sister Violet Harris, Sesser; several grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, four brothers and two sisters.
Memorials may be made to the Old Baptist Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were arranged by the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.
LULA ANN WHITCHURCH
Centralia
Lula Ann Whitchurch, 100, died at the Franklin County Skilled Care Benton, on Saturday, June 12, 1999. Services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Zion Hill Baptist Church, Centralia, with the Revs. Gene Auxier and Floyd Pyle officiating. Burial will be in Zion Hill Cemetery, Centralia. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday to the Garnier and Sons Funeral Home, Centralia. Memorials in her honor may be made to the Carmi Childrens Home, Zion Hill Cemetery, or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be received at the funeral home. Mrs. Whitchurch was born on Dec. 12, 1898, in Marion County, the daughter of Joseph J. and Dora Ann (Burge) King. She was the oldest member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, the church organist for many years, a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School secretary, and a 4-H Club Leader. Survivors include two sons, Jerrold Whitchurch and wife Pat, Centralia, David L. Whitchurch and wife Raydell, Troy; two daughters, Joan Hester and husband Wilfred "Cotton" of Collinsville; Shirley Martin, wife of the late Bob Martin of Benton; two stepgrandchildren; 7 step great-grandchildren, and special niece, Pauline Miller. She was also preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.
NADINE JEANETTE WHITTINGTON
Gastonia, N.C.
Nadine Jeanette Whittington, 79, of Gastonia, N.C., formerly of Benton, died on Dec. 5, 1999, at Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia. Funeral arrangements will be announced. She was cremated. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Poulson Funeral Home. Miss Whittington was born on March 25, 1920, in Benton, the daughter of Arlie Whittington and Ruth Burke Whittington Coolock. She was a member of the West City Baptist Church. She is survived by her nephew James C. Whittington, Ellwyn, Ill.; two nieces, Martha Whittington, Charolette, N.C. and Nancy Coleson, Gastonia, N.C. and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother and sister-in-law, James M. and Martha C. Whittington.
TAYLOR WHITTINGTON
Benton
Taylor Whittington, 91, of the Friendship Nursing Care, Herrin, died at 2 a.m. today, Nov. 29, 1999. Arrangements are pending at Poulson's Funeral Home, Benton.
BILL "BILLY BOB" WILKERSON
Benton
Bill (Billy Bob) Wilkerson, age 65, died a 4:35 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 1999 at the Franklin Hospital in Benton.
Funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 20, at 3 p.m. at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Tom Edwards officiating. Burial, with Military Rites by the Benton American Legion and VFW Posts was in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Mr. Wilkerson was born in Franklin County on Feb. 24, 1934, the son of Orville and Letha (Fiveash) Wilkerson.
On Dec. 2, 1950, in Benton, he married Joanne (Walker) Wilkerson. She survives.
Bill was a former Business Agent for Roofers Local #255. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War serving from Oct. 1954 to Oct. 1956.
He was a devoted husband, and a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne Wilkerson of Benton; three sons, Gary Wilkerson and wife Betty of Eldorado; Larry Wilkerson and wife Carol of Rehoboth, Mass., Dennis Wilkerson of Benton; three daughters, Terry Toms and husband Larry of Benton, Joni Hampton of Benton, Tammy Adams and husband Bob of Benton; 12 grandchildren, Jamie Wilkerson and wife Cathy, Joseph Wilkerson, Jennifer Wilkerson, David Wilkerson, Clinton Walker Wilkerson, Stacey Tessone and husband Craig, Valerie Stark and husband William; Joey Toms, Brandy Wilkerson, Billie Jo Corn and husband Rick, Justin Wilkerson and Jenna Wilkerson; three great-grandchildren, Ricky Corn, Aaron Stark and Jordan Garbo; three brothers, Eugene Wilkerson and wife Shirley of West Frankfort, Charles Wilkerson and wife Evelyn (Poochie) of Washington, Ill., Jim Wilkerson and wife Deanne of Benton; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Wilkerson was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Kathleen Sanders and one brother, Raymond Wilkerson.
VELMA B. WHITTINGTON
Benton
Velma B. Whittington, 99, died at 7:40 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, 1999 at her home in Benton.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Oscar Shepherd officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, to the funeral home.
For those who wish Memorials may be made to the Church of the Nazarene-Building Fund in Du Quoin. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Mrs. Whittington was born on Oct. 18, 1900, in Ina, the daughter of Clement Lee and Mary (Taylor) Cockrum.
On Oct. 18, 1919, she married Arthur B. Whittington. He died Feb. 4, 1972.
She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Du Quoin.
Survivors include three sons, John Whittington and wife Earlene of Mulkeytown, Noel Whittington and wife Irene of Whittington, Jerry Whittington and wife Rosalie of Tamaroa; three daughters, Mary Lou Bradley of Benton, Ila Gibbons of Winthrop Harbor, Roberta Channell of Winthrop Harbor; two daughters-in-law, Lorene Whittington of Holiday Island, Ark., Diane Whittington of Elkville; one son-in-law, William Hill of Whittington; one sister, Vangia Woodard and husband Carroll of Ewing; 31 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Whittington was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons, Kenneth and Charles Whittington; one daughter, Mildred Hill and by one brother, Franklin Cockrum.
MARY ELLEN (TODD) WILLIAMS
West Frankfort
Mary Ellen (Todd) Williams, 42, of 402 E. 8th St., died at 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 1999, in her home in West Frankfort.
Funeral services were held Friday, June 4, at 1 p.m. in the Parker-Reedy Funeral Home, with Father Brian Barker officiating. Burial was in St. John's Catholic Cemetery in West Frankfort.
Mrs. Williams was born May 15, 1957 in Benton, the daughter of Charlie and Joyce (Filkins) Todd.
She was graduated from St. John's School in 1973.
Survivors include a son, David Williams, at home; two daughers, Kristina Williams at home, Rachel and husband Joseph Glidewell of Royalton; her parents, Charlie and Joyce Todd of West Frankfort; two brothers, Bill Todd and son Jeremy of Johnston City, Les Todd and family of Urbana; several aunts and uncles.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
JOSEPH R. WILLIS
Thompsonville
Joseph R. Willis, 67, of 6423 Bolen Store Rd., died at 8:55 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 25, 1999, at the Good Samaritan Regional Health Center, Mt. Vernon. Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton with the Rev. Eddie Paul Davie and Bro. Paul Austin officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetary, Benton. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Mr. Willis was born Aug. 15, 1932 in Franklin County, the son of William Thomas and Alice (Parks) Willis. He married the former Christine Polzin on Jan. 9, 1982 and she survives. He was a retired truck driver. He was an owner and operator of a quarter horse ranch. He was a member of the A.Q.H.A. and N.B.H.A. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was of the Pentecostal faith. Survivors include his wife, Christine Willis, Thompsonville, a daughter, Becky Sofolo and husband Phil, Mt. Morris, IL.; a son, Rodney Wayne Willis, on active duty in the U.S. Navy, Virginia Beach, VA.; one granddaughter, Danyelle Sofolo, two grandsons, Rodney Wayne Wilis, Jr. and Charles Joseph Willis; one sister, Frieda Proctor, Spring Hill, FL., several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, twenty-eight brothers and sisters, one son, Joseph Roy Willis, Jr. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all our relatives and friends who have helped us during the illness and death of our loved one.
EDWARD LEON WILSON
Thompsonville
Edward Leon Wilson, 79, died at 5:47 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, 1999, in the Franklin Hospital. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 26, in the Parrish Missionary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Don King officiating. Burial will be in Jones Cemetery. Friends may call to the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home after 6 p.m. Friday and after 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Mr. Wilson was born in Franklin County, on Nov. 28, 1919, the son of Charles Edward and Ella (Duncan) Wilson. He was married on April 23, 1938, in Morganfield, Ky., to Fay Marie (Dillon) Wilson. She preceded him in death. He was a mechanic for several area auto dealerships and also served as shop foreman. He was a member of the Parrish Missionary Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School superintendent for many years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Marvin Wilson and wife Carol, John Wilson and wife, Terri, all of Thompsonville; one daughter, Lela Hengert of Atlanta, Ga.; eight grandchildren, Lee Ann Nelson, Michael Wilson, Scott Hengert, Stacey Russell, Jamie Wilson, Jennifer Wilson, Jessica Wilson, Jonathon Wilson; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Lela Rose of Benton. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Fay M. Wilson who died Sept. 6, 1988; one brother and three sisters. Memorials may be made to the Parrish Missionary Baptist Church.
VIOLET WILSON
South Roxana Texas
Violet Wilson, 83, a former Franklin County resident, died at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 199, at her home after a lengthy illness.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 19, at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. R.E. George officiating. Burial was in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton.
Mrs. Wilson was born Sept. 1, 1915, in Franklin County, to Ernie and Ola Roberson. She married Warren Wilson on Sept. 2, 1944 in Morganfield, Ky. He survives.
In addition to her husband, Warren, of South Roxana, she is survived one son, Richard Wilson and wife Debbie of Royse City, Texas; three grandchildren, Richard, Tiffany and Jason Wilson, all of Royse City.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
MARLEA GRACE WIMBERLY
Valier
Marlea Grace Wimberly, 76, died Wednesday, at 8:30 a.m. July 14, 1999, in the Marshall Browning Hospital, Du Quoin.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, Sesser, with the Rev. Harl Ray Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Wimberly was born on April 6, 1923, in St. Louis, Mo., the daughter of Lester and Elvie Octavia (Blake) Lehman. She was married to Lloyd Wimberly. He preceded her in death.
She was a housewife and of the Lutheran faith.
Survivors include three sons, Charles and wife, Anna Montgomery, Valier, Wayne and wife, Joyce Montgomery, Sesser, Jerry and wife, Brenda Montgomery, Mulkeytown; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, William Lehman of California; one sister, Eva Mae Cockrum, South Chicago Heights; several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband and one daughter, preceded her in death.
BERNNIE MAE WINEMAN
Benton
Bernnie Mae Wineman, 87, died at 8:35 a.m. on Monday, June 14, 1999, at the St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 18, in the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, Benton, with the Rev. Bert Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Friends may call after 1:30 p.m. on Friday to the funeral home.
Mrs. Wineman was born in Flint, Michigan on Oct. 9, 1911.
She is survived by a close friend, Kim Followell and husband Dennis of Benton, and their children, Matthew and Allyson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Troy Wineman, and by two sons.
DAVID JEFFERSON WINGO
Bonnie
David Jefferson Wingo, born on Aug. 12, 1999, died three hours after his birth at the Carbondale Memorial Hospital.
He was the son of Jeffery Dale and Melissa Ellen (Sweetin) Wingo.
Graveside services were held Monday, Aug. 16, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Shannon Bopp officiating. There was no visitation. Burial was in the Kirk Cemetery in Bonnie. The Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon was in charge of arrangements.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Dala and Breanna Wingo, both of Bonnie; grandparents Dale and Kathy Wingo of Sesser, Megon Sweetin and Ray Sackman of Marion
David was preceded in death by one grandparent, Jack Sweetin.
LAIRD DEXTER WISELY
Mt. Vernon
Laird Dexter Wisely, 48, formerly of Benton, died at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1999, in Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis after a brief illness. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, with the Rev. Alan Rhein and Dr. Daniel Hoffman officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today and from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at the church. The Newell Funeral Home of Mt. Venon is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Wisely was born on Jan. 25, 1951, in Herrin to Carl Delbert and Dorothy Dean (Williams) Wisely. He married Cathy Norris on July 8, 1982. She survives. Laird was the founder of Physical Rehab Works and the regional vice president of HealthCare Innovations, and was on the board at HealthCare Innovations. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor's degree in physical therapy. He was a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and sat on various physical therapy advisory boards. He served as clinical director for several physical therapists and physical therapist assistants schools. In addition to his wife Cathy, he is survived by four daughters, Nikki Wisely of Chicago, Bria Wisely of Mt. Vernon, Mallorie and Brittany Wisely, both at home; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Allan and Jean Anne Wisely of Centralia and David and Penny Wisely of Benton; a sister, Carla Minier of Benton; his in-laws, Jim and Marge Norris of Newburgh, Ind.; and seven nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death. Memorials may be made to the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis.
THELMA "PARKS" WOODY
West Frankfort
Thelma "Parks" Woody, 80, died at 3:38 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 1999, at the Westside Care Center in West Frankfort. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29 at the the Parker-Reedy Funeral Home with the Rev. Alan Summers officiating. Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Marion. Friends may call to the funeral home after 6 p.m. on Thursday. Mrs. Woody was born on Sept. 10, 1919, in Pittsburg, Ill., the daughter of Herman and Ruth Jones Parks. She married Russel G. Woody in 1937. Mrs. Woody was of the Baptist faith. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Carlos and Peggy Woody, Benton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Darlos and the Rev. Charles Bowers and Vickie Wiehn and husband Brad, all of West Frankfort; seven grandchildren, Gary and wife Cay Bowers, Benton, Dennis and wife Melissa Bowers, Shirley and husband David Russell, Trevor Woody, Junior Sanders and Katie Caldwell, all of West Frankfort, Dana and husband Johnny Bob Moore, Johnston City, and three step-grandchildren, Stacie Parks, Shawn Parks and Matt Lee all of Centralia and 11 great-grandchildren and one brother Jesse Parks of California. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Russel who died in 1998 and one brother.
JAKE PAUL WYANT
Benton
Jake Paul Wyant, 83, of Taft St., Benton, died at 5:05 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, 1999, at the Franklin Hospital, Benton. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home , Benton with the Rev. Rod Joplin officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetary, Benton. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26 at the funeral home. Mr. Wyant was born Dec. 13, 1915 in Benton, IL., the son of Harmon and Pluma (Neunlist) Wyant. He married the former Gertrude E. Heisner on June 30, 1937 and she survives. He was a retired maintenance supervisor having worked for Gibbs Insurance Agency for 25 years. He was a member of the Benton Church of God. Survivors include his wife, Gertrude E. Wyant, Benton; three sons, Paul Wayne Wyant and his wife Linda, West Frankfort; Larry L. Wyant and wife Arlene, Los Lunas N.M., Michael J. Wyant and wife Nancy, Benton; seven grandchildren, Steven, Scott, Bradley, Tim, Darrly, Rhonda and Salina; three great-grandchildren, Amy, Matthew and Courtney. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, Clara Cleo, Jennie, Pauline and Lorene, and three brothers, Herman, Carl and Uel (Punch) Wyant. Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Church of God.
DONNIE EUGENE ZIMMERMAN
Sesser
Donnie Eugene Zimmerman, 43, of Sesser, departed this life at 5:37 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, at his parents home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 10, 1956 at Chicago Heights, Illinois to Donnie Lee and Darline (Spann) Zimmerman. Donnie attended school in Crete, Illinois. He worked at Thrall Car Mfg. in Chicago Heights, and was a miner at Old Ben #24. He is survived by two sons, Jeremy Lemons of Sesser and Daman Lee Woolridge Sink of Christopher; his parents, Donnie and Darline of Sesser; three sisters, Donetta Jo and Michail Gould of Energy and Anita Kay and Roger Craig of Sesser and Donna Sue and Darren Portell of Maryville. Also three special nieces and one nephew, Jessica and Rachael Craig, McKenna Kate Portell, Micheal Cole Gould; his grandmothers Juanitta Spann of Sesser; and a special friend Carla Minier of Benton. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Opal Spann and Donald Earl Zimmerman. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, the 27th of November, at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. The visitation will be from 11 a.m. till time of service. Upon request of the deceased, the body will be cremated.
DOROTHY L. ZWENGEL
Benton
Dorothy L. Zwengel, 79, a former Benton resident, died at the Jeffersonian Care Center, Mt. Vernon, on Monday, July 26, 1999.
Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, in the Poulson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Loyd Lasley officiating. Burial will be in the Baxter Cemetery, Benton. Friends may call on Wednesday from 1 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
Mrs. Zwengel was born on Jan. 12, 1920, in Benton, the daughter of Thomas E. and Bessie P. (Wright) Bailey. She was married to Adolph Zwengel who preceded her in death.
She was a homemaker and a member of the South Benton Baptist Church and Rebecca Lodge #238. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one infant son, Rodney Keith and one sister, Virginia Bailey.