EDWARDS, BERNICE LORETTA   
Born July 14, 1938 - Died April 20, 1997 
Bernice Loretta Edwards, 58, of McLeansboro, died at 5:18 a.m. on April 20, 1997,
at Hamilton Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Edwards was founder and president of New You 
Weight Loss Clinic. She was born on July 14, 1938, in Mulkeytown, a daughter of 
Marie Cook. On February 14, 1957, in Sesser, she married Beverly Edwards, who survives. 
Services were held at 11:00 on April 23, 1997 at Brayfield Funeral Home in Sesser 
with the Rev. Joe Wallace officiating. Burial followed in Maple Hill Cemetery, Sesser. 
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Edwards is survived by three sons, Kevin Edwards
of Benton, Blake Edwards of McLeansboro and Craig Edwards of Wilmington, North 
Carolina; four grandchildren; and two brothers, Harvey and Rick of Christopher. 
Mrs. Edwards was a member of the First Baptist Church in McLeansboro. 
She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace Cook, and one sister, Ethel Loreen.


EDWARDS, JESSIE R.  
Mulkeytown 
Jessie R. Edwards, 74, of 5205 Gannett Rd., died at 7:48 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29, 
1999 at the Shawnee Christian Nursing Home in Herrin. Services will be held Saturday, 
at 10 a.m. in the Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher. Burial will be in the Zeigler 
Cemetery. Friends may call after 6 p.m. Friday to the funeral home. Mrs. Edwards 
was born on Nov. 4, 1924, in Gorham, the daughter of Harry and Matilda Armstrong. 
She was a homemaker. Survivors include four daughters, Rosalyn Edwards and Judy 
Edwards, both of Zeigler, Mary Davis of Wichita, Kan., Donna Rae Edwards of Utah; 
six sons, Stewart Edwards of Benton, Lloyd Edwards of Zeigler, Donald Lee Edwards, 
Royalton, Pete Edwards of Mulkeytown, Dennis Edwards of Mulkeytown, A.J. Osterdock, 
Seattle, Wash.; 24 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in 
death by two sons, Ronnie and Jerry.


EICKELMAN, Charles C.
1-5-1922
Charles C. EICKELMAN was born near Shiloh Hill, IL, on August 20, 1854 and died 
Dec. 26, 1921 at the age of 67 years, 4 mos and 8 days.  He spent his early life 
in Randolph Co IL. On Sept 25, 1879 he married Ann M. Dennis, who died Oct. 7, 1918.  
He had seven children; Vernon, Fred, Ben, Cora, Van, Lee and Mary.  He joined 
Hickory Grove church in Feb 1895.  He spent 35 years on the farm where he died.


EICKELMAN, OLGA AMELIA  
Christopher 
Olga Amelia Eickelman, 83, died in the Fountain Nursing Home in Crystal Lake at 
10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1999. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, in St. 
Andrew Catholic Church, Christopher, with Father Walter Barr officiating. Burial 
will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call after 9 a.m. Monday until time 
of service at the church. The Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
Mrs. Eickelman was born on Dec. 17, 1915, in Christopher, the daughter of Leopold 
and Sophia (Maras) Kauzlarich. She married Eugene S. Eickelman, who died on Jan. 
19, 1987. She was a school teacher and a homemaker. She was a member of St. Andrew 
Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughter of America, Girl Scout volunteer, Croatian 
Fraternal Union, Altar Society, Christopher Senior Citizens, Herrin Senior Citizens. 
Survivors include three daughters and sons -in-law, Christine (Tina) and Patrick 
Kivland of Barrington, Donna and John Wingey of Westminster, Colo., Mary Ann and 
Doug Caldwell of Columbia City, Ind.; six grandchildren.


ELSTUN, WILLIAM
Death of a Jurist
EMPOBIA, Kan., March 29-JudgeWilliam ELSTUN died very suddenly here Sunday
night from an attack of paralysis. Judge ELSTUN was a native of Frankfort,
Franklin County, Illinois, where he practiced law and was probate judge for
many years. He was also a resident of DuQuoin, Ill, where he held the office
of state's attorney for some time. A few years ago, he came to Emporia for
the purpose of benefiting his wife's health.
The Daily Citizen, Iowa City, Iowa, 23 March 1893 issue


ELKO, MICHAEL       
Buckner 
Michael Elko, 79, of 204 S. McDyby St., died at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 1999 
in his home. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 31, at The Holy 
Nativity Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Buckner, with Father John Peck and Father 
Tom Succarate officiating. Burial will be in the Russian Orthodox Cemetery, Buckner.
The Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will 
be Friday, July 30, after 6 p.m. at the funeral home. A Requiem Perostas will be 
held Friday at the funeral home at 7 p.m. Mr. Elko was born May 8, 1920 in 
Pennsylvania, the son of John and Theresa (Hagadus) Elko. He was married on June 3, 
1950 to Mary Elko. She died Jan. 22, 1992. He was the retired owner of Elko Vending 
in Buckner. Survivors include two sons, Richard Elko, Rodney and wife Kandi Elko, 
a daughter, Nadine Elko, all of Buckner; step-son Arnold and wife Pat Kondoudis 
of Schaumburg; grandchildren Shawn Michael Elko, Travis Allen Elko; step-
grandchildren Chris and Michael Kondoudis; one brother, John Elko of Aurora; two 
sisters, Mary Hill of Benton and Sophie Swigonski also of Benton.


ENGLISH, LUCIAN J.
ENGLISH, Lucian J., 66, died March 1973 at his home, 209 South Stotler
Street in Benton. Mr. English was a school teacher and coach for 41
years before retiring. (Popularly known for his 15mm movies shown in
Macedonia and area towns for many years.) He was a member of the Akin
Baptist Church and secretary of A. M. F. Bowling Association. He is
survived by his wife, Helen LOGSDON ENGLISH; two sons, Major Delmar
ENGLISH, Merced, CA., and Norman ENGLISH, Payson, and two daughters,
Mrs. Norma POUTRE, Mesa, AZ., and Mrs. Nadine BOWERS, Ottawa. He also
leaves four grandchildren, Robin and Kevin ENGLISH and Ricky and Tag
BOWERS, and a brother, Thomas ENGLISH, McLeansboro. He was preceded in
death by a grandson and three brothers. Funeral services at Johnston
Funeral Home, Whittington. Interment in Masonic-Odd Fellows Cemetery.


ERWIN, W.A.
W.A. Erwin, 64, Duquoin theatre manager who formerly lived in Marion and in Benton, 
died Sunday. 
[Johnston City Progress,Friday January 4, 1946]


ESTES, LABAN
REV. LABAN ESTES ANSWERS LAST CALL
(Benton newspaper - no date)
Died at His Home in Mt Vernon Nov 14; Burial Here Last Saturday
The death of Rev Laban Estes at Mt Vernon last Thursday, November 14, 1918 came 
as a surprise to his relatives and friends here although he had been in poor health 
for some time, his last regular charge being at Galatia three years ago. Rev Estes 
was the son of Laban and Elizabeth Estes and is survived by two sisters and two half 
sisters, namely, Mrs. Lizzie Dillon of Parrish, Mrs. Martha Boyer of Johnston City, 
Mrs. Mary Swofford of near Parrish and Mrs. Jemima Hicks of this city.  Two half 
brothers, McKade and Henry, died after reaching maturity.  He is also survived by 
wife and one daughter, Mrs. Florence Johnson of Mt Vernon; another daughter, Mrs. 
Myrtle Wells of Sparta and two sons, Charlie of Frankfort Heights and Harry of this 
city.  His wife was Miss Susan Riddle, a daughter of Mr and Mrs Richard Riddle of 
Creal Springs.
The cause of Rev Estes  death was Bright disease from which he had suffered intensely 
for the past year but bore it with patience and a Christian spirit that was 
beautifully manifested to all who saw him in his last illness. The day of his death 
his son-in-law, being touched by his pathetic intreaties to help him up, assisted 
him to dress so he could sit in a large easy chair.  While sitting there he delivered 
for thirty minutes a most beautiful and fervent prayer and died a few moments later 
after being again assisted to his bed. He had reached the age of 73 years, 9 months 
and 4 days. Thus ended a long, useful, Christian life, his first sermon being preached 
40 years ago at the old Hays school house near East Fork.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev A L Smith of Mt Vernon and interment took place 
at the Masonic and Odd Fellows cemetery here on Saturday, November 16 his pallbearers 
being six ministers of the gospel.
Rev Estes and family were for many years; residents of this city and assisted in many 
ways the upbuilding of our city and the establishment of institutions of good.
He was a veteran of the Civil War.


EUBANKS, CLETUS
1919 - April 13 1936
Tow Men killed.
Sesser,Ill., april 13 1936-Cletus Eubanks,17,and Micheal Ymberick,25 were killed
today when the auto in which they were riding crashed into the side of a train 
at the crossing. Eubanks was driving.


EUBANKS, PATSY CHARLENE
SESSER - Patsy C. Eubanks "Ms. Patsy," 65, passed away peacefully at her  
home on Thursday, June 19, 2008, surrounded by her family, after a courageous  
10-year battle with breast cancer. Services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 22,  
2008, in Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, with Gene Morgan and Harl 
Ray  Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill in Sesser. Visitation will 
be at  the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008. Memorials 
may be made  to the Pinckneyville Oncology Department and Susan G. Komen 
foundations and may  be mailed to P.O. Box 624, Sesser, IL 62884 Patsy enjoyed 
numerous hobbies such  as quilting, crafting, sewing, camping, decorating, 
gardening and spending time  with her grandchildren. She was born Sept. 7, 1942, in 
Scheller, to Leida Bates  Downen. She married Cecil "Butch" Eubanks and he 
survives. She is also survived  by her children, Kim and Scott Styve of Palm 
Springs, Calif., Kent Eubanks of  Sesser and Craig and Angie Eubanks of Chester; 
grandchildren, Elizabeth, Dalton  and Blake; and brothers and sisters, Jimmy and 
Glenna Downen of Ina, Ernie and  Vickie Downen of Scheller, Susie Miller of 
Murphysboro and Steve Downen of  Sesser. She was preceded in death by one 
brother, Freddie Downen. The family  would like to thank Pinckneyville Oncology and 
TIP Hospice for all they have  done for Patsy. For more information go to 
ww.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
[The Southern Illinoisan on 6/20/2008]

 
EUBANKS, WILLIAM SMITH
William Smith EUBANKS was born in Crawford's Prarire of Franklin Co on April 13, 
1838 and died at his home near Valier on Feb 16, 1922 at the age of 83 yrs 10 days 
and 3 mos, He was the son of John and Mary EUBANKS.  He married Matilda EUBANKS on 
Oct. 27, 1850 and they had 14 children.  Two died in infancy and 12 are still living. 
John C., Franklin L., Thomas M., James Robert, Herman F. all living in Franklin Co, 
Charles J. in California, Almira wife of Jasper Ray of Sesser, Laura Benidict, widow 
of Thomas lived with her parents, Mattie the wife of Jordan Smith of Christopher, 
Nancy wife of Samuel Hill of Marion, Nina wife of Toney Koeing of Mulkeytown, Callie 
wife of Wm Sammons of Valier, .  Mrs. Eubanks was 79 on Feb 11, 1922 and survives 
along with 48 grandchiidlren and 21 great grandchildren.  This is the first death 
in immediate family in 47 years, since the last child died.  16 Grandchildren and 3 
great grandchildren preceded him in death.  He also is survived by a brother Thomas 
Eubanks of Sesser and sister; Nancy Rea of Charity, Missouri.  He joined 100th Inf. 
In March 1864.  He had lived all his life in Franklin county and farmer near Valier 
for 57 years.  Funeral with Rev. J. C. Kinnson officiating held at the home on Feb 17th 
at 2 p.m.  Burial was in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery near Valier.


EVERSOLE, KATHRYN I.
BENTON
Kathryn I. EVERSOLE, 86, died Sunday evening May 11, 2003, at the Franklin
Hospital in Benton. Graveside Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m.
Thursday, May 15, at the Brady Cemetery in Akin, with the Rev. Keith NEAL
officiating. Those attending the service are asked to go directly to the
cemetery. Morton & Johnston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. She
was born in Ewing, on Aug. 20, 1916, the daughter of Sidney Knox and Clara
(BEATY) MIDYETT. Survivors include one sister, Beulah OWENSBY and husband
Ray of Mountain Home, Ark; son-in-law, William E. WOLF and wife Mary of
Benton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Adrian
EVERSOLE, and by one brother, Jim.
Benton Evening News, Benton, IL, Tues 13 May 2003 issue


EZELL, DONALD GENE
SESSER - Donald Gene EZELL, 78, passed away at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28,
2007, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, in Morton and Johnston
Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Dan Whitfield officiating. Burial,
with military rites conducted by Sesser VFW Post 4753, will be in Bethel
Cemetery, south of Benton. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept.
30, 2007, at the funeral home.
Donald was born Feb. 20, 1929, in Dog Prairie, south of Benton, to Frank and
Anise (GAYER) EZELL.
He graduated with the Frankfort Community High School Class of 1948 and
missed, for the first time, his 59th class reunion in September because of
his illness.
In 1949, Don joined the National Guard 44th Division.
Don married Bonnie Jean ROBERTS on Dc. 16, 1950. He was called to active
duty in the Korean Conflict in December of 1951 and served until 1953 as a
heavy artillery repairman. After his discharge, he returned to the family
farm, raising his beloved Black Angus cows and Hampshire dogs.
Don and Bonnie served as 4-H leaders for many years. The family then moved
to Indiana, where Don worked for a John Deere dealership and Western
Electric installing dial equipment for the first automatic dial phones. In
1957, moving back to Illinois, Don continued working for John Deere
Implements and Tomlinson Farms. He attended SIU under the GI Bill, studying
auto body repair and auto mechanics and began working for Taylor Motors. In
the late 1960s, he owned and operated the Phillips 66 Gas Station & Auto
Repair in Sesser. After retiring, he again worked for Taylor Motors as a
security guard and transporting cars to and from auction. He always loved
having a huge garden and going camping and fishing.
Don is a lifetime member of Sesser VFW Post 4753, having served in various
offices. In 1996, he was elected Jr. Vice Commander, in 1997 Sr. Vice
Commander and in 1998 as Commander for the 15th District of the State of
Illinois.
Don is survived by Bonnie, his wife of 57 years, and son, Michael Brian, at
home in Sesser; son, Donald Lee EZELL of Florida; daughters, Beverly SMITH
and husband, James, of Palos Hills and Cheryl Ann TINDALL and husband, Jeff,
of West Frankfort; grandchildren, Tim TINDALL and wife, Anna, Jennifer
SMOTHERS and husband, David, and Karissa TINDALL and friend, Justin
BOROWIEC; great-grandchildren, Kaley Jade SMOTHERS, Niccolette Anise,
Johnathan Eric, Jacob Alexander and new baby, Jeffrey David TINDALL expect
in October; sisters, Edna EZELL of Benton, Judith SUMMERS and husband, Fred,
of Fairhope, Ala., and Della Sue BLOOMQUIST and husband, Jon, of Western
Springs; sister-in-law, Lee HATCHER of Greenfield, Ind.; brother-in-law,
James ISOM of Sesser; and many nieces, nephews, great, great-great and
great-great-great-nieces and nephews who counted on Uncle Don to come fix
things throughout the years.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Ella Mae and Arlie
ROBERTS; granddaughter, Heather René LONG and the only reason he ever
cheered for the Benton Rangers, his beloved grandson, Brandon Lee TINDALL;
brother-in-law, Leon HATCHER; and sister-in-law, Floetta ISOM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Good Samaritan
in Mount Vernon or Bethel Cemetery Association and will be accepted at the
funeral home.
[The Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, Illinois, 1 Oct 2007]


EZELL, HANSEL
Hansel Ezell, Benton, Dies Today
Hansel F. Ezell, 63, of 714 East Burkett Street, Benton died early today at Franklin 
Hospital after a brief illness. A native of Benton, Mr. Ezell was a retired miner, 
formerly employed at Orient 2. He was a member of Local Union 1265, United Mine Workers. 
Surviving are his wife, Geneva Bruce Ezell, three children, Mrs. Gloria June Holloway, 
Irvington; Gordon Clark Ezell and Hansel F. Ezell, Jr., Granite City; a step-son Donald 
Jack Harben, Benton; seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and three sisters: Mrs. 
Lela Gunter, West Frankfort; Mrs. Marjorie Davis, Collinsville and Mrs. Madeline Uhles, 
Benton. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Mitchell Funeral Home 
in Benton, with the Reverend Floyd Aldrich and the Reverend Dwight Jones officiating. 
Interment will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. The body will lie in state at the funeral 
home after 4 p.m. Tuesday. (Ed. Note: Mr. Ezell was born July 7, 1908, per the Social 
Security Death Index) [The Benton Evening News Monday, August 30, 1971]