Wayne Franklin Hall, age 85, of Benton passed away at 8:02 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon. Mr. Hall’s wishes were to be cremated. There will be public services. Arrangements are through the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton. Mr. Hall was born on February 4, 1929 in Bloomingdale, Indiana, the son of Dan and Mabel Hall. He would marry the former Monnie Joyce Vaughn on December 30, 1950 and she survives. Wayne served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II as a cook. He was a member of the American Legion Post#1961 in Orient, Illinois. He worked for Warner Brothers in production of the “View Master” toy. He later would work as a security guard with Humana Hospital in Hoffman Estates, IL. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. He was of the Baptist faith. Surviving is his wife of 64 years Monnie Joyce Hall of Benton; a daughter Kathy Ulber of Hanover Park, IL; a son-in-law Mark Busse of Mt. Vernon; four granddaughters: Shanna Busse, Tammy Ulber, Tabitha Ulber and Tara Ulber; a grandson Martin A. Busse; seven great-grandchildren: Randy, Isamarie, Chyanne, Devin, Keekee, Kashten and Dale; three dear friends whom he considered family: Carmalee Carr, Christy Calonne, and Donnie Fitzpatrick all of Benton; and a step-sister: Ann Lawson of Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Dale Hall, a daughter Linda Busse, a grandson Frankie Busse, a brother, and his best friend Dino Devoto. Memorial contributions may be made "In Memory of Wayne Hall" payable to Monnie Hall C/O Leffler - Poulson Funeral Home 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812. To leave online condolences or to share stories about Wayne, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

I have his name as Leroy Howard Brown in my Brown file. I have him connected to my Brown family through his mothers line and not through his paternal Brown line. The Southern Illinoisan, April 16, 2009 Howard Brown HURST - Howard "Lee" Brown , 62, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Lee was born July 17, 1946, to Roy Howard Brown and Daphne Marie Hamilton (Black). He married Sandra Presley in 1971. She survives. Lee was a member of First Christian Church in Hurst. He graduated from Mount Vernon Township High School in 1963. He received a Master of Science degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Lee retired from SIUC in 2006. Lee was proudest of his family and his service to his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. Survivors include his wife, Sandra; daughter, Leanne Cornell and husband, Chris, of Herrin; son, Chris Brown and his fiancé, Debi Mincey, of Belleville; brother, Clay Hamilton and wife, Bernice, of Galesburg; sister, Susan Jansen and husband, John, of Washington, Ind.; two stepbrothers, Danny and Dale Hamilton; stepsister, Toni White; and five grandchildren, Tucker, Marshall, Mariah, Kaylin and Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and mother-in-law. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2009, in Walker Funeral Home in Hurst. Interment is in Blairsville Cemetery in Blairsville. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2009, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Marine Corps League Toys for Tots.

Daphne Marie Black is part of my Brown family through her mother Inda C. Cockrum. Her father is Paul Franklin Black. Daphne was first married to Roy Howard Brown December 28, 1943 Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, MO. She later married Robert Hamilton. The grandmother mentioned is Flora Harland Black, wife of Benjamin A Black. The Southern Illinoisan, Friday, July 16, 1971 HAMILTON RITES SET IN SESSER Funeral services for Mrs. Daphne Black Hamilton, 46, of Centralia, will be at 2 p. m. Saturday at the Brayfield Funeral Home, Sesser. The Rev. Charles Owen will officiate. Burial will be in Maplehill Cemetery, Sesser. Friends may call at the funeral home after 6 p.m. today. Mrs. Hamilton died at 2 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Hospital, Centralia, after a brief illness. She was born Oct. 30, 1925, in Scheller, the daughter of Paul and Inda Cockrum Black. She is survived by her husband, Robert; parents of rural Benton; two sons, Howard Brown of Mt. Vernon and Clay Hamilton at home; a daughter, Susan, at home; two stepsons, Danny Hamilton of Lincoln and Sgt. Robert Hamilton of Camp Pendleton, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Tonie White of Centralia; a sister, Mrs. Frances Scroggins of Granite City; a grandmother, Mrs. Flora Black, Sesser; and a grandchild.

William Isaac Smith 1 William Isaac SMITH b: September 25, 1867 in Bledsoe Co., TN d: January 21, 1919 in Bledsoe Co., TN .. +Margaret Florence AGEE b: January 10, 1867 in Ninemile, Bledsoe Co., TN m: Abt. 1889 in Bledsoe Co., TN d: June 9, 1907 in Bells, Grayson Co., TX *2nd Wife of William Isaac SMITH: .. +Esther L. JOHNSON b: 1871 in White Co., TN m: June 3, 1917 in White Co., TN d: 1934 in White Co., TN William Isaac is is a grandson of Thomas and Mildred ATKINS SMITH. William Isaac's father is Thomas F. SMITH. William Isaac SMITH can be found on Find a Grave.

  James Carl “Jimmy Carl” Ragan, 77, of Buckner, IL, died at 10:26 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2015 at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Mr. Ragan was born on November 18, 1937 in West Frankfort, IL the son of James Carl Ragan, Sr. and Ollie Frances (Carpenter) Ragan. He married the former Joyce Schram on June 13, 1959 and she survives. Jim was a master mechanic/machinist and a former Yamaha motorcycle dealer. He specialized in Jaguar motor racing engines. Surviving relatives include two daughters, Kathy Ragan and fiancé Richard Schafer, Bluford, IL, Pam Hansen and husband Darren, Buckner, IL, four grandsons, Marcus Miller, Collinsville, IL, Christopher Ragan, Mulkeytown, IL, Gwayne Williams, Benton, IL, David Ragan, Mulkeytown, IL, one great-grandson, Braxton Ragan, Mulkeytown, IL, a daughter-in-law, Debbie Ragan, Mulkeytown, IL, a brother-in-law, Jack and wife Margaret, Macon, IL, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mr. Ragan was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Jeff and Mike Ragan and step-father, Larry Whittington. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2015 at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Benton. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Jane Arbelle McClintock Birkhimer is the second wife of Roy B. Birkhimer The Mt. Vernon Register-News, Monday, July 29, 1974 Jane Birkhimer Bonnie Mrs. Jane Birkhimer, 82, of Bonnie, died early this morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Martha Wiggins, Route 4, Mt. Vernon. Funeral services will be held a t 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Ina Funeral Home, with the Rev. Melvin Chambliss officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 6 p. m. today. Mrs. Birkhimer was born near West Frankfort on Aug. 31, 1891, the daughter of Robert R. and Mary Matilda (Hartkopf) McClintock. She was married to Roy Birkhimer, who preceded her in death on April 20, 1969. Mrs. Birkhimer was a member of the Bonnie Baptist church. She is survived by a son, Norman, of Bonnie; two daughters, Mrs. Helen Dulaney of St. Louis, and Mrs. Martha Wiggins of Mt. Vernon; a brother, Roscoe McClintock, of Alton; 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Daughter of George W. Taylor and Julia Odle. married first Charles Severns. Married second Frederick Elmer Durkee. The Mt. Vernon Register-News, Monday, July 29, 1974 Nellie Mae Durkee Mt. Vernon Nellie Mae Durkee, 85, 2013 Perkins, died at 7:15 p.m. Saturday at Nature Trail Nursing Home. Graveside services were to be held at 1:30 p.m. today at Oakwood cemetery, with the Rev. Howard Kraps officiating. Mrs. Durkee was born in Ewing on March 30, 1889, the daughter of George and Julie Taylor. In 1953 she was married to Fred Durkee, who died in 1960. She was previously married to Charles Severns who died in 1941. She is survived by a foster daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ellen Taylor, of Clyria, Ohio; and two step-daughters, Mrs. Inez Hicks and Mrs. Helen Van Horn, both of Mt. Vernon.

  RONALD “BULL” LAWRENCE ERWIN Johnston City–Ronald “Bull” Lawrence Erwin of Johnston City, 73 passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 8:30 P.M. at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Ronald was born June 14, 1941 in Herrin the son of Lawrence and Mary (Lam) Erwin. He married Barbara Ann Gurley on December 12, 1964 in Johnston City. Together they shared 3 years of engagement and 45 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on April 29, 2010. Ronald graduated from Johnston City High School in 1959 and Southern Illinois University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology and Industrial Arts. He also attended West Virginia University for courses in coal preparation. He was employed by Bell and Zoller Coal Company as Chief Mechanical Engineer of Preparation and later by Old Ben Coal Company, a subsidiary of Houston Natural Gas as a manager of quality control at the Zeigler Coal Company Central office. He retired from the management division of coal mines in 1997 after thirty one years of service. He then preformed occasional consulting jobs for different coal related companies. Ron was a member of the Knights of Pythias Monitor Lodge #236, where he was a past Chancellor Commander and Secretary for fifteen years. He was also a past member of the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan. He was a member of the Illinois Mining Institute, the Coal Preparation Society of Illinois, and served on advisory committee for the Cooperative Vocational Education Department of Johnston City Unity #1. In 1989 he was elected to the “Who’s Who of American Executives”. Ron was a member of the Southern Illinois University Alumni Association and the Buccaneer’s Club of Johnston City. Ronnie is survived by a daughter, Chandra Jennings and husband Tim; grandchildren, Dakota and Savannah all of Johnston City; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald “Frenchie” Erwin and wife Brenda of Johnston City, and James Erwin and wife Debbie of Flower Mound, TX; nephews, Carl Sandstrom of Johnston City, Quint Erwin of Flower Mound, TX, Ryan Erwin of League City, TX; nieces, Andrea Erwin of Arlington, TX, Michelle Erwin of Anna, and Christi Jones and husband Justin of Fairview Heights; aunts, Betty Stroud of Gainsville, FL, and Helen Harris of Johnston City; several cousins; and special companion, Sherry E. Mix of West City. Ron loved mowing his big yard and being on his computer. His favorite time was spent with his grandchildren and attending their activities. They were his pride and joy. Memorials may be made to the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital or to Knights of Pythias. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday January 15, 2015, at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City with Pastor Larry Stevens officiating. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM. to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home with Knights of Pythias Rites conducted at 7:00 P.M.

  Nina Pearl Lewis, age 82, of Mt. Vernon went to be with her Lord and Savior 2:20 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2015. She was born in Waltonville February 3, 1932. She was the fifth child of Oscar and Edna (Shurtz) Newell. She married Leslie Dean Lewis, Jr. on August 6, 1949 in Mount Vernon and he preceded her in death on October 17, 1990.Nina is survived by her sons, Dale Lewis and wife Kim of Mt. Vernon, James Dean Lewis of Waltonville and Steven Gale Lewis and wife Gina of Mt. Vernon; seven grandchildren, Crista Birtcher and husband Jeff, Aaron Lewis and wife Amy, Chrystal Schaefer and husband Leo, Chad Lewis and wife Hillary, Leslie Lewis and friend Case Gentry, Rachel White and friend Randy Johnson, and Lindsay Mick and friend Chad Baltzell; eighteen great-grandchildren, Cameron, Kennedy, Teagan, Autumn, Madison, Charley Pearl, Dustin, Andrew, Jared, Savanah, Maddox, Carson, Anistyn, Cassidy, Kieran, Zadie, Jaydon, and Jaxson; sisters-in-law, Doris Newell and Bernida Newell ; special niece, Sue Simmons; and also many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband Leslie Lewis; parents; brothers, Glen I. Newell, Fred Marvin (Lois) Newell and Arthur Ray Newell; sister, Sadie Mae Dare. She was a member of the Southwest Christian Church.Funeral services for Nina Lewis will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at Southwest Christian Church (901 South 34th street Mt. Vernon, IL) with Minister Randy Steele officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens Cemetery Woodlawn, Illinois. Visitation will be at the Newell Funeral Home in Waltonville from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday. The family receive friends at the church on Wednesday from 12 p.m. until service time.For those who wish memorials may be made to the Southwest Christian Church Benevolence Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home. Psalm 27: 4-5 "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. To gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep them safe in his dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. "For more information you may call Newell Funeral Home in Waltonville at 618-279-7272

   Rex Lang Harper, 71, owner operator of Lang Furniture, a family business, passed away on Jan. 10, 2015, in Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mount Vernon.He was born in Mount Vernon on May 16, 1943, to Murel Lang Harper and R.A. "Rack" Harper of Bonnie, who predeceased him.Rex is survived by his devoted wife of over 51 years, Joyce Harper (nee) Wangler of Bonnie; two sons, Scott Lang Harper and wife, Christine of St. Louis and Kip Bradley Harper and wife, Annette of Nashville; two grandchildren and the apples of his eyes, Anthony Harper and Emily Harper; brother, Ronald Harper and wife, Dicy of Mount Vernon; sisters-in-law, Linda Harper of Mount Vernon and Georgia Wangler of Belle Rive; brother-in-law, Neal Wangler and wife, Gloria of Australia; and nephews and nieces, Chad Harper and wife, Natalie, Shelly Mulchrone and husband, Tom, Jill Harper, Nikki Strain and husband, Jimmie Lee, Gary Wangler and wife, Kay, Loran Wangler and wife, Vanessa, Frank Wangler and wife, Janette, Jeanie Hamson and husband, Steve, James Wangler and wife, Janie, Corey Wangler, Virginia Cox and husband, Randy and Tammy Phillips and husband, Barry.Rex was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Rodney Harper; his grandparents, C.G. and Grace Lang and Nettie Hale; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sebren and Opal Wangler; and his brother-in-law, Harold Wangler.He worked his entire life at the family business, Lang Furniture and Lang General Merchandise. Rex was dedicated to the family business and his many customers and co-workers. Rex loved Cardinal baseball and NASCAR racing and attended the Bonnie Methodist Church.Services will be at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, Jan, 13 in Johnston Funeral Home in Ina, with the Revs. Steve Hamson and Karol Brown officiating. Burial will be in Bethel Memorial Cemetery in Mount Vernon. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 P.M. today at the funeral home.Memorials may be made to the Bonnie Methodist Church in Mr. Harper's Memory.

  Mary Ann Bushong, age 64, of Waltonville, Illinois passed away 5:22 a.m. Sunday, January 11, 2015, at her home in Waltonville.Mary Ann was born October 6, 1950 in Herrin, Illinois a daughter of Attilio "Skip" and Pauline (Rimkus) Carnago. She married Ray Bushong on January 4, 1969 in Sesser and he survives in Waltonville.Mary Ann was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sesser. She loved gardening, fishing and being outside.Mrs. Bushong is survived by her husband, Ray Bushong of Waltonville; son, Joseph Bushong and wife Tammy of Waltonville; four grandchildren, Tyler, Wes, Brooke and Ryder; two brothers, Charles Carnago and wife Georgia of Arnold, Missouri and John Carnago and wife Judy of Kalamazoo, Michigan; sister-in-law, Jeanne Hale and husband Terry of Waltonville; also several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, Virgil and Geraldine Bushong; brother-in-law, Jerry Bushong; nephew, Ron Hale; and one great niece, Shelby Hale. A memorial reception will be held on Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Newell Funeral Home in Waltonville. Interment will be held at Knob Prairie Cemetery in Waltonville at a later date.Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Newell Funeral Home in Waltonville where you may call 618-279-7272 for further information.

  Rena Jackson, 92, died at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, in Parkway Manor in Marion. Rena was born April 23, 1922, in West Frankfort, to Andrew and Margaret (Russell) Johnson.She was a member of St. Marks Episcopal Church in West Frankfort.Rena enjoyed her "grandkids" and travelling. She loved to travel to England to see her family and she also went to Hawaii to see her grandson.She worked at Smoler Brothers Sewing Factory where she had a lot of friends but she loved being a homemaker most of all.Survivors include her son, Lloyd Eugene Jackson of West Frankfort; two daughters, Doris Gore of West Frankfort, and Brenda (John) Calcaterra of West Frankfort; three sisters, Margaret Aimone of Christopher, Chloe (Bill) Boyd of Johnston City, Tennessee, and Linda (Royce) White of West Frankfort; seven grandchildren, William Gore, Kevin Gore, Pam Hall, Kathie Turner, John Calcaterra Jr., Jena Yadro and Jarrod Calcaterra; 18 great- grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Lavern Jackson; parents; and three brothers, Alex, Charles and Russell Johnson.Services will be at noon Tuesday, Jan. 13, in Union Funeral Home, with Brother James Kerley officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the funeral home.

  James Emil Bixler, Jr., age 77, of Christopher passed away at 1:20 a.m. Sunday, January 11, 2015 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2015 at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton with Rev. Rod Joplin and Rev. Arthur Joplin officiating. Burial with military honors by the United States Air Force and the Benton American Legion Post #280 and V.F.W. Post #2671 will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon Thursday until the funeral hour at 2:00 p.m. at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton. Mr. Bixler was born August 13, 1937 in Eldorado, the son of James Emil Bixler and Mildred Marie (Joplin) Bixler. James served his country for 21 years in the U.S. Air Force. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post # 9233 in Mount Vernon, IL. After retiring from the Air Force he worked on top as a coal miner, and later sold insurance. He was a “die hard” Cubs fan and was excited and hopeful about the upcoming baseball season. He enjoyed playing and competing at golf on the computer, and he loved to fish. He was of the Church of God faith. Most of all he loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Surviving are his six children: Roger and Kathy Bixler of Mt. Vernon, Jim and Penny Bixler of West Frankfort, Debbie and Mike Joslin of Christopher, Victor Bixler of Mt. Vernon, Carl and Carol Bixler of Springfield, Lyn McKay of Irvington; his significant other Deanna Casagrande of Christopher; eight grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; one brother Donnie Bixler of Benton, two sisters: Pat and Curt Pinion of Herrin and Judy and John Ramage of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Ronnie Bixler, and a great-grandson. Memorial contributions can be made in honor of James Emil Bixler, Jr. to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road – Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256; and will be accepted at the funeral home. To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of James, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Thanks Betty, I remember her from school. She was a nice girl. Bob -----Original Message----- From: elvis500@frontier.com via <ilfrankl@rootsweb.com> To: Franklin Co. <ilfrankl@rootsweb.com>; Jefferson Co. Il. <iljeffer@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sun, Jan 11, 2015 4:58 pm Subject: [ILFRANKL] BUSHONG, Mary Ann (OBIT) Mary Ann Bushong, age 64, of Waltonville, Illinois passed away 5:22 a.m. Sunday, January 11, 2015, at her home in Waltonville.Mary Ann was born October 6, 1950 in Herrin, Illinois a daughter of Attilio "Skip" and Pauline (Rimkus) Carnago. She married Ray Bushong on January 4, 1969 in Sesser and he survives in Waltonville.Mary Ann was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sesser. She loved gardening, fishing and being outside.Mrs. Bushong is survived by her husband, Ray Bushong of Waltonville; son, Joseph Bushong and wife Tammy of Waltonville; four grandchildren, Tyler, Wes, Brooke and Ryder; two brothers, Charles Carnago and wife Georgia of Arnold, Missouri and John Carnago and wife Judy of Kalamazoo, Michigan; sister-in-law, Jeanne Hale and husband Terry of Waltonville; also several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, Virgil and Geraldine Bushong; brother-in-law, Jerry Bushong; nephew, Ron Hale; and one great niece, Shelby Hale. A memorial reception will be held on Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Newell Funeral Home in Waltonville. Interment will be held at Knob Prairie Cemetery in Waltonville at a later date.Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Newell Funeral Home in Waltonville where you may call 618-279-7272 for further information. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILFRANKL-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

  Neil “Bob” Donovan, 84, died at 12:10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015 at his residence. Bob was born Oct. 22, 1930, in Schenectady, New York, to Cornelius and Carrie (Baird) Donovan.He was a loving father and grandfather, and great-grandfather and loved racing.Survivors include five sons, Kelly (Tammy) Donovan of Orient, Steve (Angela) Donovan of Orient, John (Kay) Denfip of Corpus Christi, Texas, Mark (Mary) Laven of Fountain, Florida, and Carl (Earlene) Laven of Delanson, New York; three daughters, Kim Denfip of Orient, Connie (Mark) Lovell of Wingo, Kentucky, and Toni (Tim) Fox of Orient; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great- grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Donovan; parents; brother, Virgil Donovan; and sisters, Jessie and Margaret.Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, in Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort, with Pastor Jason Ishmael officiating. Burial will be in Denning Cemetery on the Orient Road. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at the funeral home.Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Foundation. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the funeral home.

In Journal Star of Peoria, Ill. on Jan. 10, 2015 (photo is available) PEORIA - Peggy J. Lair, 72, of Peoria, Ill., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Ill. She was born Oct. 25, 1942, in Bluford, Ill., to Charles and Edna Richardson Martin. She married Carl E. Lair on Nov. 29, 1959, in Fairfield, Ill. He preceded her in death on June 21, 2014. She also was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Delores and Midge; and brothers, Robert and Melvin. She is survived by her children, Rebecca A. (Dean) Lair Bergman of Braidwood, Ill., Charles L. (Sharadawn) Lair of Creve Coeur, Ill., Laurie J. Lair of Peoria Heights, Ill., Michael E. Lair of Peoria, Ill., and Scott A. (Angie) Lair of Peoria, Ill.; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers, Charles (Liz) Martin of Braidwood, Ill., and James Martin of Mount Vernon, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews. Peggy loved her flowers and gardens. Cremation has been accorded and private family services will be held. Memorials may be made to the,American Cancer Society,for breast cancer research in her name. The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com

  Lawrence Eldon “Larry” Tooley, age 68, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 3:35 P.M. on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mount Vernon, Illinois.  Mr. Tooley retired in 1996 as an electrician from Cambridge Industries in Centralia, Illinois after 2 years of service.  He was formerly employed with Hollywood Brand Candy in Centralia, Illinois as a maintenance supervisor for 10 years, National Mine Services Company for 2 years, Missouri Portland Cement in Joppa, Illinois as an electrician for 3 years and Shawnee College as an instructor for 1 year.    He has lived in Centralia, Illinois since 1980 and previously lived in Anna Illinois for 3 years and was raised in Marion, Illinois. Mr. Tooley was a member of the Frieden's United Church of Christ in Irvington, Illinois for 34 years, where he was a member of the church choir, taught Sunday School, member of the church cemetery board and served on the church council for many years.  Mr. Tooley was a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps who served his country during the Vietnam Conflict as a field radio operator from June 23, 1967 until February 19, 1970.  He graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a BS degree in Occupational Education and earlier attended the Rolla School of Mines in Rolla, Missouri. He was a ham radio operator since the age of 16 whose call number was first "WA9GUU" and then most recently "WA9G."   He earned his amateur ham radio license and then his extra class ticket radio license.  Mr. Tooley was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.  He was grateful to be a recovering alcoholic of 25 years and helping many others to achieve their goal.  He cherished the time he spent with his family and loved his wife, children and grandchildren.  Celebration of Life Services for Lawrence Eldon 'Larry' Tooley will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Monday, January 12, 2015 at the Frieden's United Church of Christ in Irvington, Illinois with Reverend Stacy Tate officiating.  Burial will follow in the Frieden's United Church of Christ Cemetery in Irvington, Illinois with military honors accorded by the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and V.F.W. Post 2055.  Friends may call from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois and from 12:30 P.M. until the time of services at 1:30 P.M. at the church.  Memorial Contributions may be made in Mr. Tooley's memory to the Frieden's United church of Christ and will be received at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  Online Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Mr. Tooley's family at www.moranfuneralhome.net  or on Facebook.  Mr. Tooley is survived by his wife of 40 years:  Sara Jane (Goad) Tooley; daughters: Laura Robinson and husband Jason of Salem, Illinois and Marianne Russell and husband Matthew of Centralia, Illinois, 4 grandchildren: Avery Robinson, Ella Robinson, Annisten Robinson and Parker Russell and 2 brothers: James William "Bill" Tooley and wife Patti of West Frankfort, Illinois and John Tooley and wife Belinda of Newburg, Indiana. Mr. Tooley was born on August 13, 1946 in Carbondale, Illinois, the son of James Estil and Esther Delores (Cox) Tooley.  He married Sara Jane Goad on July 6, 1974 at the Marion Third Baptist Church in Marion, Illinois and she survives in Centralia, Illinois.  Mr. Tooley is preceded in death by his parents.

  Robert Travelstead, age 81 of Centralia, passed away on January 8th, 2015 at 3:45pm at the Carlyle Healthcare Center. He was a retired state trooper, Navy Veteran, and member of the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of Police. There will be private family services held at a later date. Burial will be at the Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin. In lieu of Flowers, memorials can be made to the donors choice and will be accepted at the Rogers-Atkins Funeral Home in Salem. Surviving are his wife, Bernadine Travelstead of Centralia; Daughter, Amanda J. Travelstead of Davenport, Florida; son, Robert F. Travelstead of Benton; Brothers Jim Travelstead and wife Jolivia of Texas; Michael Travelstead and wife Dixie of DuQuoin, as well as three grandchildren, Matthew, Katie, and Kelly, and a daughter in law, Brenda Travelstead of New Jersey, and 16 nieces and nephews. He was born on July 11th, 1933 in Marion, Illinois, the son of Fred Travelstead and Fern Doggett. He married Bernadine Mociun on June 2nd, 1954 in Oakland, California. His parents, a son, Jeffrey B. travelstead; and a daughter, Christy Brooks Travelstead, preceded him in death.

  57-year-old McLeansboro resident, Donna Kay Lager, died at 4 p.m. Thursday, January 8 at Good Samaritan Regional Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.  She was a factory worker and previously employed by Celebrity and Crownline Boat Factories.Surviving are her husband Phillip of McLeansboro; two brothers, Jay Garner of Marion, IL and Artie Garner of West Frankfort, IL; four sisters, Rosemary Joplin, Lynn Parrot, Betsy Winniger and Cathy Williams all of West Frankfort, IL; one sister-in-law, Jeanette Lager of Muddy, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.Graveside services for Donna Kay Lager will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 13 at Digby Hill Cemetery at Dale, IL.  There will be no visitation.Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro is in charge of the arrangements.

  Kevin Allsopp McCONNELLS Mr. Kevin J. Allsopp, 52, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. A memorial service will be 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2015, at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, S.C. Burial will be private. Born in Christopher, Ill., Mr. Allsopp was a son of the late Bennie Lee Allsopp Sr. and the late Alice Ann Mihelic Allsopp. He was employed with Acuren in Richburg, S.C. and enjoyed riding his Harley and hunting. Surviving are his wife, Christine Ruemmler Allsopp; his son, Dylan Joe Allsopp of Rock Hill; his daughter, Melissa Ann Hicks and her husband, Daniel of Aiken, S.C.; his brothers, Bennie Lee Allsopp Jr. and his wife, Carla of Whittington, Ill. and Lloyd and Mickey Allsopp, both of Rock Hill and his grandson, Conner Hicks. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mr. Allsopp's name to the Hospice or charity of one's choice. Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net. Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldonline/obituary.aspx?n=kevin-j-allsopp&pid=173799166&fhid=6358#storylink=cpy