Obituaries

IN MEMORY OF: Carl Winn Carl G. Winn, 75, of Energy passed away at 4:48 p.m., Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at Friendship Care Center in Herrin. Carl was born April 14, 1935 near Sikeston, Missouri to Virginia (Cleveland) Diamond. He married Joy (Vaughn) Howell on September 2, 1983 in Bush. They have shared nearly 27 years of marriage together. Carl was a laborer and was always very helpful. He was of the Christian faith, having attended the Nazarene church while growing up. He loved watching old westerns on television. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and he enjoyed collecting pocket knives. Carl had a good sense of humor and enjoyed making folks laugh. Survivors include his wife, Joy Winn of Energy, step-daughter, Donna (Howell) McPheron of Johnston City; step-son, Marvin Howell and wife Alice of Herrin; five step-grandchildren, DeShona Loyd and husband Tony of Marion, Lesley, Danielle, Aaron, Hannah and Charity Howell of Herrin; nine step-great grandchildren; mother, Virginia Diamond of Hillsboro, MO.; two step-sisters, Carlon Motsinger of Hillsboro, MO., Patsy Keasler of Oran, MO.; also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Fount Winn; grandson Denver McPheron and a niece. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, 12, 2010 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Rev. Ivan Ryan officiating. Interment will follow at Blairsville Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home. Arrangements are entrusted to Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Carl G. Winn by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Stella Monett Bone Stella Monett Bone, 88 of Johnston City, went home to be with her Lord at 11:45 a.m, Thursday, May 6, 2010 at Westside Care Center in West Frankfort. Stella was born March 30, 1922 in West Frankfort to Oce Ashburn & Effie May (Upchurch) Stokes. She was united in marriage to Basil Lee Bone on April 4, 1945 in West Frankfort. Together they shared 37 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on November 19th, 1982. Stella began her working career while living in Detroit. She sang with Ozzie and Harriet Nelson’s Band, while baby sitting David and Ricky Nelson. Stella was very patriotic. During WWII, she wrote to 22 GI’s every week, she also hosted the GI’s Entertainment Hall at the Atomic Plant in Oak Ridge, Teneessee. Stella returned to Southern Illinois and worked 20 years at Norge in Herrin. She retired from Freeman #4 Coal Mine east of Johnston City where she worked in the office for many years. She was a member of the German Church northeast of Johnston City for many years before it was razed by fire and has recently attended the First Free Will Baptist Church in Johnston City.  She enjoyed working on her family farm, gardening and taking care of her animals. Survivors include, daughter and son-in-law, Gaytha Lynn and Larry Joe Pritchett of Johnston City; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry Bruce and Carol Ann (Wooton) Smith of DuQuoin; eight grandchildren, Angie Coffman of Madison, WI., Donna Ellis and husband Kenny of Marion, Paige Reed  and husband Dan of Madison, WI., Cord Smith of Montreal, Canada, Jeff Pritchett and wife Lunda of Houston, TX., Todd  Pritchett and wife Michelle of Dallas, TX., Angie Myers of  Harrisburg, Brent Pritchett and wife Robin  of Marion; fourteen great grandchildren, Matt Reed of Carbondale, Stella Smith, Sadie Coffman,  Morgan, Payton and Ashton Reed of Madison, WI.,  Dylan and Dalton Ellis of Marion, Rachael and Cody Myers of Harrisburg, Tyler and Lindsey Pritchett of Houston, Scotty Pritchett of Corpus Christi, TX. and Matthew Pritchett of Marion; special friend, Creed Pope of Marion. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Vernon and Ray Stokes; two sisters, Claudia Gundolf and Ruby Webb. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m, Monday, May 10, 2010 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Rev. Keith Fletcher officiating. Interment will follow in Denning Cemetery in West Frankfort. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday at Pyle Funeral Home. Memorials contributions may be made to the Williamson County Humane Society. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. Pyle Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Stella Monett Bone by posting your tributes and memories. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: William Eugene "Bill" Hopper William “Bill” E. Hopper, 61 of Benton, went home to be with his Lord & Savior and his loving wife Charlotte at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at his residence. Bill was born December 14, 1948 in Herrin to J. W. (Corky) and Joyce Jeannine  (Collard) Hopper. He married Charlotte Lynn Eubanks on September 9, 1972 in Christopher.Together they shared 37 years of marriage. Bill is survived by his two step son’s he raised as his own Dale Ray Houseworth of Benton, Greg Houseworth and wife Mary Ann of Herrin; two grandsons, Tristan Noah and Morgan Wesley Houseworth of Herrin; his father, J.W. (Corky) Hopper of Herrin; two brothers, Miles Hopper and wife Brenda of Herrin, Phillip Hopper and wife Beth of Herrin; son, William L. Hopper of Marion. He is also survived by a very special grand niece, Ashley Dawn Cash of Christopher, four nieces, Sarah Coulter of Herrin, Ramona Weiland and husband Brett of Herrin, Alma Fay Cash and husband Lester of Mulkeytown, Crystal Lynn Douglas of Sesser; four nephews, Hans Hopper of Harrisburg, Miles Adam Hopper and wife Melanie of Herrin; Jarrot Hopper of Herrin, Jonathan Hopper of Herrin; special grand nephews, Matthew and Walter Douglas of Sesser; special friends of the family, Kevin and Alice Loucks of Benton, Max and Paula Conner of Benton, Ray and Linda Ward of Thompsonville, Dude and Judy Woods of West Frankfort, Gladys Mitchell of Johnston City, Doris “Granny” Beasley of Pittsburg, Aleta Houseworth of Christopher and Jack Barwick of Johnston City. He was preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life, Charlotte Lynn (Eubanks) Hopper on October 3, 2009, mother, Joyce Jeannine Hopper, brother-in-law, Gary Raymond Eubanks, niece, Jennifer Eubanks, grandparents, William and Hepsa (Wingett) Hopper and Gene and Fay (Bush) Collard. Bill was retired from Continental Tire in Mt. Vernon with 32 years of loyal service. He later was employed by Southside Lumber in Herrin. He was a member of Ezra Church of God in West Frankfort. Funeral services for Bill Hopper will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 23, 2010 at Ezra Church of God in West Frankfort with Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Butler Cemetery in Buckner.  Visitation will be 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Thursday at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City and from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church. Pyle Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Ezra Church of God or to the Coach Kill Cancer Fund. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home or at the church the day of the service.  Please join the family in honoring the memory of Bill Hopper by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Lavern "Pud" Brotherton Lavern “Pud” Brotherton, 81, of West Frankfort passed away at 6:05 a.m., Monday, April 19, 2010 at Herrin Hospital. Pud was born July 13, 1928 in West Frankfort to Vernon and Lulu (Ashworth) Brotherton. He married Jeanette Bolen on December 22, 1951 in West Frankfort. Together they have shared 58 years of marriage. Pud began working at an early age when he was just 8 years old when his father died in 1936 and his mother was left with seven children to raise. He started delivering newspapers and caring coal ashes from the basement of  Dr. Lane’s home everyday. He would give his newspaper money to his mother to help out with the family. Pud later worked at Bonnifield Brothers Trucking in West Frankfort for 23 years. He retired as a coal miner having worked at Brushy Creek Coal Mine near Harco for many years. He was a veteran of the Unites States Air Force having served during WW II. Pud was a member of Harmony Freewill Baptist Church in West Frankfort. He was also a member of the U.M.W.A. Survivors include his wife Jeanette of West Frankfort; two daughters, Marilyn Watkins and husband Jeff of West Frankfort, Jean McPheron and husband Kevin of Johnston City; two sons, Vern Brotherton and wife Cindy of West Frankfort and Scot Brotherton and wife Cheri of West Frankfort; eleven grandchildren, Andrea Pike and fiancé, A.J. Willmore of West Frankfort, Adriene Dyer and Husband Steve of Whitwell, TN., Josh Brotherton and wife Ali of Marion, Amanda Baker and husband Travis of West Frankfort, Zachary Brotherton of Whitwell, TN., Ashley Karnes of West Frankfort, Michael Mitchell of Chicago, Ashley Brotherton and fiancé Alex of Herrin, Jessie Brotherton of West Frankfort, Alicia Brotherton of West Frankfort, Seth McPheron of Johnston City; fourteen great grandchildren; mother-in-law, Marjorie Bolen of Benton; two sisters-in-law, Sandra Bolen of Edwardsville and Peg Brotherton of West Frankfort; brother-in-law, Walter Raymond Darnell of West Frankfort; also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Toni Elaine Brotherton; great grandson, Matthew Edwin Brotherton; four sisters, Dorothy Brotherton, Vernette Kolar, Joda Mae Jones and Peggy Lou Darnell; two brothers, Bill Elliott and Jim Brotherton; father-in-law, Ernest Bolen. Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 22, 2010 at Harmony Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth McClerren and Rev. Gene Blades officiating.  Interment will follow at Harmony Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by V.F.W. Post #1301 and American Legion Post #147 of Marion and members of the Illinois National Guard. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City and from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at Harmony Freewill Baptist Church. Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Pud Brotherton by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Chris Puttmann Chris Puttmann-19, of Johnston City passed away 1:17 A.M., Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at St. Louis Children’s Hospital with his loving family by his side. Chris was born November 4, 1990 in Watertown, New York to Mark Puttmann and Lisa Sanders.  Chris was a 2009 graduate of Johnston City High School. He was employed at P& S Grain in Marion.  Chris was a true country boy and enjoyed being outdoors riding his four wheeler with his family and friends. He loved horseback riding and won several trophies and blue ribbons. He enjoyed fishing, listening to country music, playing video games and watching comedies on television. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Chris was a member of Gaskin City Baptist Church in Harrisburg where he gave his heart to the Lord. Survivors include his mother and step-father, Lisa and Dale Wren of Johnston City; father and step-mother, Mark and Toni Puttmann of West Frankfort; step sister, Tara Cottom of West Frankfort; paternal grandfather, Marc Sanders of Johnston City; paternal grandmother, Doris Puttmann of Herrin; step grandparents, Franklin and Judy Wren of Harrisburg; several aunts and uncles, Sherri Hill and husband Bryan of Corinth, Alan Sanders of Johnston City, Ray Puttmann and wife Sherri of Royalton, David Puttmann of Little Rock, AR, Mark Wren & wife Kelly of Harrisburg; two great aunts, Shirley Varner of Paducah, Sue Blackwell and husband Bill of Tilden; several cousins; Kevin Hill and wife Keri of Corinth and Megan and McKayla Wren of Harrisburg; special friends, Amy Meneese ( ) ( ) of Marion, his work family at P & S Grain and his dog Lucy and horse Rusty. He was preceded by his maternal grandmother, Carol Sanders; and his paternal grandfather, Henry Puttmann. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 27, 2010 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Rev. Kendall Jones and Jason Ishmael officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Visitation will be 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Coach Kill Cancer Fund or Ronald McDonald House. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Chris’s family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers and support during his long and courageous battle. They would also like to thank the staff of St. Louis Children’s Hospital  Please join the family in honoring the memory of Chris Puttmann by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Evangeline Hubbs Evangeline “Vangie” Hubbs, 44, of Johnston City, passed away at 4:05 a.m., Friday, March 12, 2010 at her home with her husband and family by her side. Vangie was born June 3, 1965 in Manila, Philippines to Danny and Mila (Isone) Reyes. She married Thomas W. Hubbs on June 6, 1994 in Morganfield, Kentucky. Together they have shared 15 years of marriage. Vangie was employed at Nutrition Headquarters in Carbondale. She enjoyed going to work everyday and working with her fellow employees. She attended the Thompsonville Church of God. She loved to go fishing and spending time with her family. Survivors include her husband, Tom of Johnston City; step-son, Kyle Hubbs of Desoto; step-granddaughter, Megan McNeil of Carterville; three sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Mataya of Marion, Sandra Kenyon and husband Kenneth of Marion, Cynthia Hanks and husband Gilbert of Marion; two brothers-in-law, Paul Hubbs and wife Ramona of Garden Grove, CA., Robert Hubbs and wife Janet of Danville. She is also, survived her parents; eight brothers and two sisters who live in the Philippines and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Herman and Hilda Rector; brother-in-law, Albert Mataya and a nephew, Brian Taylor. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 15, 2010 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Rev. Brian Mixon officiating. Interment will follow in Herrin City Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Tip Hospice. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Evangeline Hubbs by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Charles L. “Charlie” Berra Charles L. “Charlie” Berra, 63, of Johnston City passed away at 12:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. Charlie was born September 22, 1946 in Herrin. The son of Louis “Beak” Berra. He married Ellen Smith on July 31, 1986 in Paducah, Kentucky. Together they have shared 23 years of marriage. Charlie was retired having owned and operated Berra Excavating in Johnston City for more than 30 years. Charlie always loved playing in the dirt. He attended Second Baptist Church in Marion. He also loved his boat and enjoyed going fishing at every opportunity. He adored his two dogs, Maui and Molly. Charlie could fix anything and enjoyed passing along his knowledge. “He will be missed by many life long friends whose lives he touched”. Survivors include his wife Ellen Berra of Johnston City; son, David Thompson and wife Kristen of Hattiesburg, MS.; granddaughter and sugerbooger, Mackenzie Thompson; nephew, Chris Hacker of Valdosta, GA. and his children, Brenden and Jasmine; brother-in-law, Bill Smith and wife Edie of Troutman, NC. and their daughter Stephanie; Chuck Smith and wife Glenda of Myrtle Beach, NC. and their daughter Kim Wade; sister-in-law, Julie Killion of Valdosta, GA. and her daughter Chelsea; sister, Lisa Huff and husband Warren of St. Louis and their children Kirk and Abbey; brother, Monty Berra of Johnston City; aunt, Mary Ronsi of Herrin; step children, Robin Fox of Ferges, Kevin Brunk of Marion, David Brunk and wife Chandra of Carterville, Julie Hayden and husband Matthew of Vienna He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents, Ambrose and Leena Berra;  brother, Martin Berra; brother-in-law, Kevin Killion and his mother-in-law, Barbara Manning. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 5, 2010 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Dr. Bob Wagner officiating. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Charlie Berra by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Sharon King Sharon King, 59, of Johnston City, passed away 11:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at Parklane Care and Rehabilitation Facility in Wentzville, Missouri. Sharon was born January 16, 1951 in Anna, Illinois to Richard Edward Lawrence and Lillian Jeanette Davis. She married Virgil King on September 7, 1974 in Carbondale. He preceded her in death on December 29, 2002. Together they shared 28 years of marriage. Sharon was a member of Community Chapel Church in Marion. She was a homemaker. She loved and adored her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed sewing and collecting angels and bells. Survivors include, her daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Brian Driemeyer of Lake St. Louis, MO.; her son, Steven King of Marion; two grandchildren, Madison and Kyle Driemeyer of Lake St. Louis, MO.; mother, Lillian Gurley of Cambria; three sisters, Shirley Kent and husband Charlie of Mt. Vernon, Paula Denham and husband Gordon of Cambria, Marylyn Myers and husband Leon of Pittsburg; two brothers, Clifton Lawrence of Carterville and Dale Gurley of Mayfield, KY.; Also survived by several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father; husband; and a brother, Raymond Lawrence. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Rev. Donnie Colson officiating. Interment will follow at Herrin City Cemetery.   Visitation will be 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Monday at the funeral home. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Sharon King by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Richard M. "Dick" Thompson Richard M. “Dick” Thompson, 77, of Johnston City, passed away 10:40 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, 2010 in the Community Life Center at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion with his loving family by his side. Dick was born October 11, 1932 in Rockford, Illinois to Fred Thompson and Melba (Abbott) Swartz. He married Lola Faye Layne on July 17, 1954. She preceded him in death on September 8, 1976.  He then married Susan Gualdoni on March 18, 1977. Together they have shared 33 of marriage. Dick was manager of Stuckey’s in Johnston City for 20 years. He retired in 1994 from Johnston City Unit 1 school district where he was employed as a custodian at Jefferson School for several years.  He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1953. He served and fought for his country during the Korean War. Survivors include his wife Sue of Johnston City; seven children, Rhonda Rowe and husband Des of Rockford, Janice Smith of Energy, Brenda Garrison and husband Brian of Delphi, IN., Randy Ferrel and wife Paula of Huntington, W.V., Kenny Thompson and wife Beverly of Herrin, David Thompson and fiance’ Bethany of Cannon Falls, MN; and his little sweet pea,  Diane Thompson of Johnston City, eleven grandchildren, Scott and Brandon Rowe, Billy Hansford, Philip Tuck, Ragan Sartan, Jennifer Lyell, Erin and Kyle Garrison, Coty and Heather Cole and Kaleb Thompson; several great grandchildren; son-in-law, Benji Hansford of Johnston City; sister, Jean Clausen of Florrisant, MO; in-laws, Jim and Diane Gualdoni of Johnston City; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Coleman and husband Kendall of O’Fallon, Chanda Hasselbach and husband Brian of Fairview Heights;  four brothers-in-law, Mike Gualdoni  and wife Denise of Edwardsville, Jim Gualdoni of Maryland Heights, MO., Andy Gualdoni and wife Dorice of Stiritz, Paul Gualdoni and wife Crystal of  Johnston City. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Lola, he was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jeannie Hansford; grandson, Joshua Thompson, and a niece Rebekah Coleman. Celebration of Life services will be at 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 5, 2010 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Msgr. Ken Schaefer officiating. Flag Presentation by members of the Illinois National Guard Military Honors Team will conclude the services. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help offset medical expenses. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. The family would like to express and thank everyone at Community Life Center for all their kindness during Dick’s stay. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Richard “Dick” Thompson by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Joseph Carl Lill, Sr. Joseph Carl Lill, Sr., 59, of Elizabethtown and formerly of Johnston City,  passed away 9:05 p.m., Monday, January 25, 2010 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville, Indiana. Joseph was born July 20, 1949 in Chicago to George Anthony and Genevieve (Truna) Lill. He was married to Karen Martin on July 23, 1983 in Mt. Vernon. Together they shared 26 years of marriage. Joseph was a truck driver for Star Transport of Morton, Illinois for several years before failing health forced him to retire. He also helped train other truck drivers for the company and he was awarded many times for his safe driving record. He was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rosiclare. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, camping and taking Sunday drives with his family. He always enjoyed a new adventure and was very spontaneous. He loved dressing up as Santa Claus each year for his grandchildren and other countless children. Survivors include, his wife Karen Lill of Elizabethtown;  eight children, Michelle Reed and husband Eddie of Elizabethtown, Carrie Childers and husband, Gary  of Rosiclare, Donna Duncan of Springfield, Michael Duncan of Marion, Joseph Lill, Jr. and wife Pauline of Chicago, Rhonda Bansley and husband Edward of Chicago, Jessica Garcia of Chicago, Barbara Evans and husband Chuck of Chicago; 18 grandchildren, Elissa Lill, Caryn Mayo, Kylee, Michaela, Joshua, Robert and Ashleigh Duncan, Pamela Bantle, Marissa Torres, Juliana and Robert Garcia, Frankie White, Marcus Lill, Joseph Reed, III, Jodi and Jennifer Reed,  Emma and Charlie Evans; three sisters, Patricia Payne of Dongola, Georgetta Kent and husband Ray of Chicago, Bette Reskey of Chicago; two brothers, Michael Lill and wife Terri of Barnsville, GA., Anthony Lill and wife Charmane of Lawrenceburg, TN.; several nieces and nephews and special friends, Robbie and Amber Bell and their children Charlie, Hunter and Julia of Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Joseph Duncan Williams. Services will be held 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rosiclare with Fr. Ignatius Okonkwo officiating. Inurnment will follow at a later date at the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Rosiclare. Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Rosiclare.  Please join the family in honoring the memory of Joseph Carl Lill, Sr. by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Elijah David Short Elijah David Short, infant son of Bradley and Ashley (Nelson) Short, was born quiet at 4:50 a.m., Friday, January 15, 2010 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Survivors include his parents, Bradley and Ashley Short of Marion; maternal grandparents, David and Beverly Nelson of Marion, paternal grandparents, Richard and Janet Palmer of Marion; great grandparents, Ira, Jr. “Buzz” and Margie Simmons of Marion, Jim and Margaret Gibbons of Harco, John and Anne Horne of Waco, TX., Elta Robertson of Tonganoxie, KS., JoAnn Gray of  McLeansboro; Also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Pamela Nelson; great grandparents, Orville and Ruby Short and an aunt, April Short. Private graveside services will be 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Mt. Pleasant Poordo Cemetery with Rev. David Nelson officiating.  Arrangements are entrusted to Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City.  Please join the family in honoring the memory of Elijah David Short by posting your tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Geraldine Harriett Cornille Geraldine Harriett Cornille, 86, of West Frankfort, passed away at 11:16 p.m., Tuesday, December 29, 2009 in Franklin Hospital in Benton. Geraldine was born August 24, 1923 in Johnston City to Augustve and Bertha (Decupper) Delvoy. She married Emil Thomas Cornille on June 17, 1941. He preceded her in death on April 29, 1975.  Geraldine was retired having been a LPN for 27 years at the Union Hospital in West Frankfort. She was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed reading. Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Christina Cornille of Orient; four grandchildren, Angela Marie Cornille of Norristown, GA., Rebeccah Sandusky of Herrin, Amil Thomas Cornille, II of West Frankfort and Bradley Cornille of Christopher; five great grandchildren, Anthony Sandusky, Elizabeth, Olivia, Lillian and Amil Thomas Cornille, III; sister, Ruby Berchall of Sherryville, IN. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Amil Thomas Cornille; sister, Lillian Ward. Private family graveside services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements. Please join the family in honoring Geraldine Harriett Cornille by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: William Robert “Bill” Cavaness William Robert “Bill” Cavaness, 58, of Buckner, passed away at 12:43 a.m., Monday, December 28, 2009 at John Cochran Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Bill was born July 29, 1951 in Christopher to James and Ruth (Little) Cavaness. He was united in marriage to Kathryn Ann (Land) on March 16, 1974 in West Frankfort. Together they have shared 35 years of marriage. Bill was a welder by trade. He worked for Alpha Services in Marion for several years before his health began to fail. He also worked in management in the boating industry for over 20 years. He was a US Army veteran having served his country honorably with the Green Beret unit during the Vietnam War. While he was serving his country he had the opportunity to teach demolitions to his fellow soldiers. He was of the Christian faith. He loved being with his family and friends in the great outdoors hunting, fishing and camping. Survivors include his wife, Kathy of Buckner; a brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Kris Cavaness of Thompsonville; two sisters, Mary Beth Kihs of Macedonia and Janie Cavaness of Benton; mother-in-law, Mary W. Land of Johnston City; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Timothy and Rosalee Land of Crainville; brother-in-law, Mark Filkins and wife Mary of West Frankfort. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Robert Mitchell Land and a sister-in-law, Jacqueline Filkins. Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Rev. Donnie Colson officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Military Rites will be accorded by the VFW Post 1301 and American Legion Post 147 of Marion. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Pyle Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Coach Kill Cancer fund. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Bill Cavaness by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!