"B" Obituaries

Alexander County/Illinois Genealogy Trails

AUGUSTA, GA--MR. PERRY WILLIAM BADGER JR., 59, of Route 2, Box 186, died Friday, April 22, 1994.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Thomas L. King Funeral home, Martinez, with the Rev. Ted Dennis officiating. Burial will be in West View Cemetery.
Mr. Badger, a native of Olive Branch, Ill., was a farmer and a Baptist. He had lived in Blackville for 12 years and was an Army veteran of the Korean War.
Survivors include three sons, Perry W. Badger III and Rick Badger, both of Martinez, and Robert Badger, LaGrange, Ga.; three daughters, Alice Muller, Augusta, Darlene Staten, Barnwell, and Mary Ann Parker, Paducah, Ky.; his mother, Rose Lee Williams, Blackville; two brothers, Tommy Badger, Barnwell and William (Billy) Badger, McBean; three sisters, Rose Mary Reese, Pasadena, Texas, and Roselee Sumner and Dorothy Ellen Spivey, both of Augusta; and 15 grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Robert Sumner, Charles Vaught, Grady (Skeet) Fussell, Larry (Blue) Feldbusch, Mike McKenzie and Norman Boland.
Friends may call at the residence of Perry Badger III, 3898 Almon Drive, Martinez.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
--Augusta Chronicle, The (GA) - April 24, 1994

Cache, IL and Aurora, IL--FRANCES L. BAILEY, age 67, of Aurora, IL, formerly of Plano, IL, passed away on Friday, September 14, 2007 at The Aurora Rehab Living Center in Aurora, IL. She was born on November 17, 1939 in Cache, IL, the only child of Virgil and Nellie (Taylor) Benefiel. Frances was united in marriage on June 7, 1958 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Plano, IL to Mr. Sidney D. Bailey, Jr. and they spent the next 49 happy years of their lives together. Mrs. Bailey was for many years a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Plano, IL. She enjoyed several hobbies including reading and playing Bingo with her family and friends. Frances was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed by all that knew her. She is survived by her husband, Sid Bailey, of Aurora, IL; her children, Sean (Sasha) Bailey of Dallas, TX, Kimberly (David) Parry of Sugar Grove, IL, and Kyle Bailey of Plano, IL; as well as her three grandchildren that she loved to spoil, Jacob, Ethan and Logan Parry. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Nellie Benefiel, and her son, Brian Thomas Bailey, on December 16, 1992. Friends may visit from 4:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Monday, September 17, 2007 at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 1010 W. South St. in Plano, IL. Funeral Services for Mrs. Bailey will be at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at the Funeral Home in Plano, IL with Father Jerome Zalonis, M.I.C. officiating. Interment will take place at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 20, 2007 in the St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Bristol, IL. Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home.  --Beacon News, The (Aurora, IL) - September 17, 2007

Cairo, IL.--NELLIE JONES BAILEY (MRS. GILBERT)--Funeral services for Mrs. Gilbert Bailey, formerly Miss Nellie Jones, who died in Arizona, were held in Cairo today at the home of her sister, Mrs. James McCormick, 526 Thirtieth Street, conducted by Dr. William P. Pearce, pastor of the Cairo Baptist church.  A special interurban train conveyed the cortege to Beech Grove cemetery where interment was made.  Many beautiful floral offerings were sent by sympathetic friends, and the services were largely attended. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, Monday, April 9, 1923, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Cairo, IL.--FUNERAL OF MRS. BAIN TO BE HELD TUESDAY--Funeral services of MRS. SARAH BAIN, of 618 Thirty-sixth, who died Saturday evening, will be held tomorrow morning at the family residence. The funeral cortege will leave the residence at 10:20 over a special interurban train for Shiloh Cemetery, Mounds.  There will be services at the grave. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, Monday, Sept. 2, 1918, contributed by Anna Shelton.

COLUMBIA, MO–ALONZO BAKER, 77, of Columbia died Friday, Dec. 11, 1998, at his home. Services are 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at the funeral home.
Mr. Baker was born May 6, 1921, in Peoria, Ill., to Freeman and Goldie Mae Murphy Baker. On Feb. 14, 1941, he married Virgie Irene Carter in Cape Girardeau, and she preceded him in death on Sept. 1, 1994.
He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the International Order of Odd Fellows, the Twilight Lodge and the Tiger Shrine Club. He retired from employment with the Norfolk & Western Railroad, and later retired as a boiler room engineer at Ellis Fischel Cancer Hospital. He then worked with the IOOF and as a custodian at Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church.
Survivors include a fiancee, Doris Barnhart of Columbia; two sons, Jerry Dean Baker of Tamms, Ill., and Richard Wayne Baker of Columbia; three daughters, Phillis Irene Jones, Patricia Ann Prentice and Georgia Mae Packard, all of Columbia; an aunt; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 30638, Columbia, Mo., 65205.
--Columbia Daily Tribune (MO) - December 12, 1998

Carrollton, IL--MRS. EDNA FERNE BAKER, 61, of Carrollton, died at Boyd Memorial Hospital at 9:35 a.m. Wednesday.  Surviving are her husband, Arthur, whom she married in March of 1938; two daughters, Mrs. Lois Schmidt of Carrollton and Mrs. Artricia Simpson of Phoeniz, Ariz; a son, Jon Baker of Carrollton; nine grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Thelma Reitemeier of Bethalto and Mrs. Marian King of Cottage Hills.  Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at Mehl Funeral Home in Carrollton, where funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday.  The Rev. Richard Steinbach will officiate.  Burial will be in Carrollton City Cemetery.  (Contributed by Donna Dailey Knight.  Note:  Edna Ferne was born July 9, 1912; d. April 17, 1974; daughter of G. and Estella Dailey Betz, probably born in Tamms.)

MC CLURE, IL–SR. MASTER SGT. JIMMIE W. “JIM” BAKER, USAF Ret, 76, of McClure, died suddenly at 4:10 PM Friday, May 29, 2009 at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.
He was born April 18, 1933 at Thebes, Ill., the son of Eugene and Elsie Waddell Baker.  He and Patty Powless were married on Oct. 4, 1952.
Jim was a retired Master Sgt. in the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1952-1975 in Korea, Phillipines, Vietnam, and North Africa. He was a Bronze Star recipient for his Vietnam service.
After retirement from the Air Force, he worked for 18 years as port coordinator for Luhr Brothers in Cape Girardeau.
He was a member of Sandy Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Patty, of McClure; 1 son Jimmie H. Baker of McClure; 1 daughter, Cathi (Mike) Burnham of Bossier City, LA; 4 grandchildren, Bradley Neal Anderson, Brittany Sue Anderson, Jimmie Howard Baker, Jr., and Brent Burnham; 3 great grandchildren, Payton, Josh, and Ashley; 1 brother, A. G. (Gladys) Baker of Scott City, MO; 1 sister, Thelma “Sis” (Lloyd) Phillips of McClure; brother-in-law Bill Powless of Tamms; daughter-in-law Viola Baker of Cape Girardeau; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral services for Sr. Master Sgt. Jimmie W. “Jim” Baker were conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms with Rev. Mark Kirk and Rev. Clint Nale officiating. Military honors followed at the funeral home. Interment was in McCrite Cemetery.
Visitation was held from 5-7 Tuesday and 11-1 Wednesday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms. 
Crain Funeral Home in Tamms in charge of arrangements.
–Cairo Citizen, Published: Thursday, June 4, 2009.

McClure, IL--DOYLE EUGENE BALDWIN, 75, of McClure, died at 12:13 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2006 in Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born July 4, 1930 in Elco, the son of the late Amos Leroy and Nellie Eva (Poole) Baldwin. He attended the House of Prayer Church in McClure and was a lifelong farmer. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn (Keller) Baldwin; his second wife, Mary (Winch) Baldwin; sisters, Eula Baldwin Lingle and Florence Baldwin Cauble; a brother, Walter Baldwin; and a son, Gene Doyle Baldwin. Survivors include four stepdaughters, Linda Hall of McClure, Charlotte Beasley of Olive Branch, Patricia Pennington of Thebes and Barbara Mendenhall of St. Genevieve; three stepsons, Mike Foeste of East Cape, Mark Foeste of McClure, and Bill Foeste of Olive Branch; daughter-in-law, Pat Baldwin of McClure; close companion, Carol Annable of McClure; nieces, Helen R. Lingle Head of Anna and Margaret Lingle Poole of Cobden; nephews, Carlos Lingle of Lena, Bobby Lingle of Vienna, Ben Cauble of Munfurd, Tenn., Bob Baldwin of Rockford and Glenn Baldwin of Dixon; and many other relatives and friends. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2006 in the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms, with Bro. Leon Wilkins officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery in rural Dongola. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. --Courtesy The Southern Illinoisan, Apr. 25, 2006.

Anna, IL--MARTHA BALDWIN, 92, passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, in Union County Hospital in Anna. She was born April 15, 1914, in Elco, daughter of John and Lucy (Sharp) Sims. She married Rollie Baldwin on May 7, 1936, and he preceded her in death July 5, 1979. She worked at the state hospital in Menteno for many years. She is survived by one daughter, Shelby Young of Anna; two granddaughters, Ceceillia Young of Chicago and A. Michelle Young of Southern Pines, N.C.; three sisters, Erma Shelton of Jonesboro, Cleta Poole of Mill Creek and Esther Read of Fordyce, Ark.; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, in the chapel of Hileman Funeral Home, with Brother Jay Franklin officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. --Courtesy The Southern Illinoisan from 1/22/2007 - 1/24/2007.

Tamms, IL.--WALTER BALDWIN--Funeral services for Walter Baldwin of Tamms will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Crain Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Lou Barton will officiate with burial in St. John's Cemetery near Dongola, IL. Friends may call at the funeral home after 5 p.m. Tuesday. Baldwin died Saturday, Aug. 12, 1989 at Southeast Missouri Hospital at the age of 77. He was born Oct. 3, 1911 in Union County, son of Amos and Nellie Catherine Poole Baldwin. He first married Connie Crider, who died in 1953. He later married Thelma Groves February 27, 1954. Baldwin was a retired farmer. Survivors include his wife; three sons, Glenn Baldwin of Walnut Creek, CA; Robert Baldwin of Rockford and Howard Baldwin of Rochelle; a daughter, Debra Black of Kenosha, WI; two stepsons, Larry Bartlett of Jackson, MO and Kenneth Darnell of Rockwood, TN; three stepdaughters, Mary Burchyett of Murray, KY, Ruby Theis of Millstadt and Vickie Mayberry of Jonesboro; two sisters, Florence Cauble of Tamms and Eula Lingle of Anna; a brother, Doyle Baldwin of McClure; 42 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rosena Phillips in 1974 and a stepson, William Darnell in 1985.

Cairo, IL.--DEATH CLAIMS OLD RESIDENT OF CAIRO--MR. P. W. BARCLAY Passed Away This Afternoon After Brief Illness--  FUNERAL HAS NOT YET BEEN ARRANGED--Remains Will Be Buried in Chicago, Beside His Wife in Rose Hill Cemetery--Mr. P. W. Barclay passed away at 1:40 o'clock this afternoon. After an illness, with which he was stricken on June 25th, and which did not cause his family any alarm until several days later, he passed away this afternoon, surrounded by his family, his son, Mr. P. C. Barclay with whom he makes his home in Cairo, and his daughter, Mrs. J. A. Nangle, who arrived from Mexico City, Mexico, only yesterday morning to spend the last moments with him.
Mr. Barclay was born in Russellville, Ky., on Dec. 30, 1832.  He was one of a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters.
Surviving him are three brothers, John F. of Atlanta, Ga., J. C. and W. F. of Louisville, Ky., and two sisters, Mrs. J. W. Caldwell of Wake Forrest, N. C., and Mrs. W. G. Hines of Trinidad, Colo.
Learning the drug business in Philadelphia he followed that calling in Bowling Green, Ky., during the war, coming to Cairo in 1867. Mr. Barclay was one of the old and respected citizens of Cairo and a number of years ago was one of the most active business men.  Coming to Cairo with his brother, Mr. James S. Barclay, at the close of the Civil war they engaged in the drug business on a large scale.  They conducted a wholesale business on Ohio levee, which was under the management of Mr. P. W. Barclay, while Mr. J. S. Barclay conducted the retail store where Mr. H. C. Schuh's drug store now is located, at Eighth and Washington avenue.  The name Barclay Brothers was linked with all that made up the commercial history of Cairo for a long period of years. When they retired from the drug business, Mr. P. W. Barclay became general Agent in this territory for the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance company, and he has continued that business, in company with his son, Mr. P. C. Barclay until the present time.
Mr. Barclay was prominent in Masonic circles of Illinois.  He was a member of the Blue Lodge of the Chapter and the Commandery, and was a Thirty-third degree Mason.  He was Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Illinois, Knights Templar, and Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Illinois.  Funeral services will be held at the
Methodist church, after a short prayer at the residence on Seventh street, and the body will be taken to Chicago to be laid to rest beside his wife who died in May 1896 and his son Hugh in Rose Hill Cemetery. The time of the funeral had not been decided upon this afternoon. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, Saturday, July 6, 1907, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Oklahoma City, OK--BLANCHE DELL BARHAM, passed away Thurs. Sept. 29 at Mercy Health Center. She was born Oct. 20, 1903 in Elco IL. She and her late husband, Cecil moved to OKC in 1972. She was a member of the Church of New Life. Survived by her sister, Minnie Buford of IL; daughter-in-law, Ellen S. Hardy of Bethany; 4 grandsons, William Smith of CO, Roger Bowen of Bethany, Kenneth Hardy of Edmond, and Ernest Hardy stationed in Germany with the US Army; 4 granddaughters, Mrs. Diane Jennings and Mrs. Donna Casper, both of OKC, Mrs. Patricia Diehl of Arcadia and Mrs. Debra Staneart of Purcell; 15 great-grandchildren. Friends may call at the Guardian West Funeral Home until 12 noon Monday. Services 2 pm Mon. Church of New Life, 7501 N Brookline, interment in Resurrection Cemetery. --Daily Oklahoman, The (Oklahoma City, OK) - October 2, 1983.

Tamms, IL--LENA MAE PEPPERSACK BUTLER BARKER, 87, of Tamms died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004 at her home.  She was born Dec. 10, 1916 in Elco, IL, daughter of Samuel and Mary Meisenheimer Sharp.  She and Raymond L. Barker were married Nov. 16, 1979 in Cape Girardeau, Mo.  He died Dec. 18, 1996.
Survivors include three sons, Homer Butler of Hillsboro, MO, Ron Butler of St. Charles, MO, Ernest Butler of Tamms; three daughters, Shirley Dixon of Madison, IL, Carrie Hale of Tamms, Peggy Holtmann of Madison; a sister Ruth Schellingburg of Fairmont City, IL; 36 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three daughters, a son, a sister, a brother and two grandsons.
Friends may call at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna, IL from 11 a.m. until time of service today.  The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. today at the funeral home with the Revs. Darrell Faire and Carl Land officiating.  Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery in Dongola, IL.

Sandusky, IL.--MRS. MARY MCCLAN BARNETT, age 73, a former resident of Sandusky, Ill., died Wednesday at 5 a.m. in Brooklyn, N.Y. Survivors include one son; Burdis Barnett of Sandusky, Ill., five daughters, Mrs. Maggie Hampilton, Sandusky, Mrs. Hurtha Booth, Mrs. Dorothy Castle, Mrs. Goldie Barnett, Mrs. Burnice Barnett, all of Brooklyn; three brothers, Harvey McClan of St. Louis, Mo., Ernest McClan of Toledo, Ohio, and Ples McClan of Los Angeles, Calif.; one sister, Mrs. Millie Adams of Toledo, Ohio; 29 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 9 a.m. today in Brooklyn. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, January 24, 1964, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Olive Branch, IL.--ZOLAN DALE BARNETT, infant son of Jason and Brandi (Stokes) Barnett, was stillborn Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006 at Saint Francis Medical Center, Cape Girardeau, Mo. Graveside services were conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3 at Olive Branch Cemetery, with the Rev. Verlee Eaker officiating. Crain Funeral Home in Tamms in charge of arrangements. --Cairo Citizen, Feb. 8, 2006.

Cairo, IL.--EVARISTA BARRY --Funeral services for Miss Evarista Barry, who passed away Thursday evening after a short illness, were held at St. Joseph's church this morning at 10:30 o'clock with Rev. R. T. Jantzen officiating. Burial was made in Calvary cemetery at Villa Ridge.  Casket bearers were John Dougherty, E. J. O'Donnell, Herman Youch, Ray Metheney, Elmer Cowell and Russell O'Shea.  Karcher Brothers were in charge of arrangements. --From The Cairo Citizen, Saturday, April 4, 1942, contributed by Anna Shelton. (Miss Barry was born on April 23, 1894.)

Cairo, IL.--MISS NONA BARRY Dies This Afternoon--Miss Nona Barry, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Barry of 2803 Sycamore Street, passed away this afternoon shortly after 3 o'clock after an illness of about two months, following a severe attack of influenza, from which she never fully recovered.  Her mother died last July, her father preceding her in death six years ago. Surviving Miss Barry are four sisters, Misses Mayme, Kate, Rose and Rita Barry, all of whom lived at home.  Miss Barry was formerly a student at the old Loretta Academy, and was a devout member of St. Joseph's Catholic church. She was a young woman of beautiful disposition and had many close friends. Arrangements for the funeral have not been completed but will be announced later. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, Monday, May 10, 1926, contributed by Anna Shelton. (Miss Nona Barry is buried at the Calvary Cem. in Villa Ridge, IL.  Her birth year is listed on the stone as 1882.)

Cairo, IL--STANLEY T. BASS, age 40, died at his home, 2914 Elm Street today at 6 a.m. after a short illness.  
Mr. Bass was born in Elco, Ill., on November 18, 1912 and came to Cairo in 1931.  He was employed as sales manager for Woodward Hardware Company and had worked with that company for 22 years.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian church and also the Cairo B. P. O. Elks.
Survivors include his wife, Claudena; three sons, Donald, Michael and Phillip Bass; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Bass of Tamms; one sister, Mrs. Betty Levy of St. Louis; one brother, Ralph Bass of Anaconda, Mont. and other relatives.
The body is at Karcher Brothers Funeral Home where friends may call after 10 a.m. Sunday.  Funeral services will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with the pastor, Rev. John S. Holladay officiating.
After services, funeral cortege will motor to Jonesboro where interment will be made in the family lot in the Jonesboro Cemetery.  Karcher Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  --Contributed by Donna Knight.

McClure, IL.--DONALD LEROY BAUGHER, 45, of Hickman, Ky., formerly of McClure, died March 9 at 1:30 a.m.  He is survived by his wife Helen McCullum Baugher, daughter, Donna and son, Donald Jr.  Other survivors are brothers Dorris of Butler, Ind., Edward of DeSoto, Mo., Raymond and Richard of McClure, Harold of Thebes, Darold of Franklin, Ky., and Billy of Texas.  He also leaves sisters, Mrs. Frances Devine of St. Louis, Mo., and Eulah Stevens of Marble Hill, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Edward and Ruth Backus Baugher, two brothers, Dallas and James, and two sisters, Edith Nelson and Ruby Cassidy. Services will be Friday, March 11, at White Ranson Funeral Home in Union City, Tenn., at 2:00 p.m.  Burial will be in the Freemont Cemetery.  Visitation will be at 6:00 to 9:00 today and before services tomorrow. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, March 10, 1983, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Tamms, IL.--MARJORIE J. BAUGHER, age 72, of Edwardsville, Ill., formerly of Tamms, died at 4:55 a.m. Friday, March 29, 2002 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Toni and Russ Lipe in Edwardsville, Ill. Marjorie was born Dec. 30, 1929 in Pontiac, Mich., daughter of the late John Miller and Nora Cooley Miller. She attended the St. Luke's Methodist Church in Maryville, Ill., was a former member of the Tamms United Methodist Church, prior to 1999, member of the Tamms United Methodist Church Women's Club, member of the Pulaski-Alexander County Home Extension. Marjorie was owner and operated Margie's Flower Shop in Tamms for 16 years, prior to moving to Edwardsville, Ill. in February 2000. Marjorie was preceded in death by her father, John Miller; mother, Nora Miller Aldridge; step-father, Robert Aldridge; brother Harold Miller; and sister, Patsy Cagle. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Toni and Russ Lipe of Edwardsville, Ill.; three sons and daughters-in-law, Tim Pappas of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Kerry and Jenny Baugher, Jr. of Edwardsville, Ill. and Jack and Shelly Baugher of Tamms; sister, Sandra Veavers of Wickliffe, Ky.; seven grandchildren. Friends called from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2002 at the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms. Funeral services for Marjorie Baugher were held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2002 at the Tamms United Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Bridges officiating.  Interment followed in the Green Lawn Memorial Gardens in Villa Ridge, Ill. At the request of the family, expressions of sympathy may take the form of memorials to the Gateway Regional Hospice Program, 2100 Madison Avenue, Granite City, IL, 62040 in memory of Marjorie Baugher. Jones Funeral Home in Tamms in charge of the arrangements. --From The Cairo Citizen, Thursday, April 4, 2002, contributed by Anna Shelton.

McClure, IL--RAYMOND EUGENE BAUGHER, 66, of McClure died Sunday, May 16, 1999 at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.  He was born April 30, 1933 in McClure, son of James E. and Ruth Backus Baugher.  Baugher had been city marshal, fire chief, and water plant supervisor.  He worked at Procter & Gamble 13 years, retiring in 1981 because of ill health.  He was a veteran of the Korean War.  Survivors include a son, Raymond Baugher, Jr. of Greenville; three daughters, Darla Matlock of McClure, Terri Burd of Anna, Kim Smithey of Oran, Mo.; three brothers, Darrell Baugher of Puxico, Mo., Harold and Richard Baugher of Olive Branch; a sister, Frances Devine of Rock Hill, Mo.; 15 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.  He was preceded in death by six brothers and three sisters.  Friends may call at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Chapel in Cape Girardeau from 5-8 p.m. today.  Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the chapel with the Rev. Raymond Oxford officiating.  Burial will be in Lindsey Cemetery, with graveside rites by VFW Post 3838 of Cape Girardeau.  --Contributed by J. C. McNelly.

Cairo, IL.--WALTER C. BEARD, 96, of 434 Cross Street, died at 12:10 a.m. Sunday at the Southern Medical Center, after an extended illness. Mr. Beard was a member of the Martin Temple C.M.E. Church and a member of the Union Church Aid Society. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary L. Beard, of the home; step-sons, Johnnie Cole, Detroit, Mich. and L. C. Cole, Niles, Mich.; step-daughters, Mrs. Willa Mae Lowery, Danville, and Mrs. Mozella Marshall, Detroit, Mich.; daughters-in-law, Mrs. Sammie Mae Beard and Mrs. Pearl Beard, both of Ripley, Tenn., and one granddaughter. Friends may call at the Ruffin Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at the First Central Missionary Baptist Church, Thursday at 1 p.m. with the pastor, Rev. W. M. Vaughn, officiating. Interment will be made in the Spencer Heights Memorial Park Cemetery, Mounds. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1981, contributed by Anna Shelton. (Mr. Beard was born in June of 1886)

Thebes, IL--HERMAN L. "BABE" BEASLEY, 62, of Thebes died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009 at his home.  He was born Sept. 5, 1946 in Cairo, Ill., son of Archie and Helen M. Jackson Beasley.  He and Charlotte A. Foeste were married March 29, 1966 in St. Genevieve, Mo.  He served in the U. S. Army and was a member of Cape First Church, the Moose Lodge in Anna, Ill., and a former member of the American Legion Post in McClure, Ill.  He was the owner/operator of Beasley Trash Disposal more than 20 years, selling the business in 1991.  He went on to be a commercial fisherman and operator of Babe Fish Wagon in East Cape Girardeau, Ill.  Survivors include his wife, of Thebes; a daughter, Michelle Butler of Olive Branch, Ill.; five sons, Archie Beasley of Thebes, Matt Beasley of Olive Branch, Ill., Allen Pearman of Advance, Mo., Daniel Beasley and Andrew Beasley, both of Thebes; two brothers, Archie Beasley, Jr. of Del Rio, Texas, Raymond L. Beasley of Avoca, NY; and a sister, Mary E. Gearing of Bloomington, Ill.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Leslie Ray Beasley; and three sisters, Shirley Story, Barbara Cain and Evelyn Musgraves.  Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.  The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gary Brothers officiating.  Burial will be at Lindsey Cemetery in McClure.  --Contributed by J. C. McNelly.

Tamms, Ill.--LEO BEASLEY, 86, of Tamms died Sunday, April 19, 2009 at home.  He was born Sept. 11, 1922 in Ohio County, Ky., to Thomas and Elizabeth Burden Beasley.  He and Shirley Denton were married May 29, 1976.
Beasley was a member of the First Baptist Church in Thebes, Ill.  He served his country honorably in the U. S. Army during World War II in Europe.  He was a retired farmer.
Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Carolyn (John) Butcher, Tonya (Robin) Reid and Kelly Beasley, all of Tamms; a sister, Joyce Bradshaw of Anna, Ill; two brothers, Willard Beasley of Cobden, Ill., and Leslie Beasley of Tamms; two grandchildren, Michele Russell and Lindsey Reid; a great-granddaughter, Kala Sims; and a great-grandson, Randol Sims; nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Archie and Raymond Beasley; and five sisters, Mervel Beasley, Della Rossi, Gracie Beasley and two infant sisters.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms.  Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Kenneth Johnson officiating.  Interment will be in Lindsey Cemetery, with military honors by the Illinois Army National Guard Honors Detail and area veterans.  --Contributed by J. C. McNelly.

MOUNT OLIVE, IL - PAUL DAVID BEASLEY, SR., 95, of Mount Olive died Sunday, April 23, 2000, at C.L.C. of Carlinville, IL.
He was born March 31, 1905, in Tamms, the son of David and Lucy McEvoy Beasley. He married Anne Vrenick in 1927 in Granite City.  She preceded him in death in 1977.
Mr. Beasley was a switchman for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad from 1951-64. He then worked as a watchman for the city of St. Louis until his retirement.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1925-27.
Survivors: a son, Paul David (wife, Gertrude) Beasley Jr. of Mount Olive; three daughters, Alberta Grider of Staunton and Pauline Emerson and Martha (husband, Vincent) Bommarito, both of St. Louis; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Raymond Beasley of Indiana; and a sister, Alberta Stuart of Florissant, Mo.
Services: 11 a.m. today, Becker and Son Funeral Home in Mount Olive, the Rev. Daniel Barbey officiating. Burial: Mount Olive City Cemetery.   --State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - April 25, 2000. 

TAMMS -- RAYMOND V. BEASLEY, JR., 56, died at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2011, in Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Crain Funeral Home in Tamms with the Rev. Rod Welker officiating. Burial will be in Lindsey Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Siteman Cancer Center.
--Published in The Southern Illinoisan from June 15 to June 16, 2011

THEBES, ILL--ROBERT R. BEASLEY, 92, of Thebes died Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 at his home.  He was born April 9, 1917, in Chestnut Mound, Tenn., son of Ben and Lillie Mae Autry Beasley.  
Mr. Beasley was a member of First Baptist Church in Thebes, and was retired from the railroad.  He was an Army veteran of World War II.
Survivors include his wife, Eunice Moore Beasley of Thebes; a brother, Willis C. Beasley of Sparta, Ill.; two sisters, Lonie Todd of Sparta, Mary Busicker of Toledo, Ohio; three granddaughters, Rena Lenand, Lisa Muller, Lorna Middleton; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Robert and William "Bill" Beasley.
Friends may call after 10 a.m. Monday at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill.  The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Tom Bridges officiating.  Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes, with full military honors provided by Illinois Army National Guard Honors Detail and local veterans.  (Contributed by J. C. McNelly)

Olive Branch, IL.--WILLIAM H. "BILL" BEASLEY, age 55 of Olive Branch, died Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at his home. Mr. Beasley was born at Cape Girardeau, Mo. on Dec. 28, 1946, son of Robert Beasley and Eunice Moore Beasley. Mr. Beasley was a veteran of the Vietnam War and an electrician. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert J. Beasley in 1965. He is survived by his parents, Robert and Eunice Beasley of Thebes; two daughters, Lorna Middleton of Advance, Mo. and Lisa Mueller of Norman, Okla; a niece, Rena Lenand of Scott City, Mo.; five grandchildren and a close friend, Hope Raden. Funeral services for William H. "Bill Beasley were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2002 at the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms with Rev. Tom Bridges officiating.  Interment followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.  Friends called from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2002 at the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms. --From The Cairo Citizen, Thursday, May 23, 2002, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Miller City, IL--EVELYN BECKER, 81, of Beaumont, Texas, died Wednesday, April 2, 2003 in Beaumont.  She was born May 25,1921 in Miller City, daughter of Thomas and Vera Willis McCoy.  She and the Rev. Walter E. Becker were married in 1944.  The Beckers resided in the Miller City/Olive Branch, Ill., area until moving to Beaumont in the 1950s.
Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Jean Becker and June Worrell of Beaumont; a sister, Elaine Frazee of Brook Park, Minn.; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.  She was preceded in death by a son.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont.  Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Beaumont.
Announcement courtesy of Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, IL.

Tamms, IL.-- THE REV. WALTER EUGENE BECKER, 81, died Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005, at home in Beaumont, TX. Private services will be held Wednesday (Feb. 23, 2005) in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Beaumont). Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. today at Claybar Funeral Home in Beaumont. Crain Funeral Home in Tamms courtesy announcement. --Courtesy of The Southern Illinoisan , Wed., Feb. 23, 2005. (Note:  Mr. Becker was born in 1924. He married Evelyn McCoy, daughter of Thomas and Vera Willis McCoy in 1944. The Beckers resided in the Miller City/Olive Branch, IL area until moving to Beaumont in the 1950s. Mr. Becker had taught at the Elco Grade School in the early 1950s.)

Cairo, IL.--WORLD WAR VETERAN DIES--FRED BELYEW, age 45 years, of 1007 1/2 Commercial Ave., this city, passed away very suddenly and unexpectantly Friday night at 10:30 o'clock at St. Mary's hospital after being sick only a few hours.  Mr. Belyew was a veteran of the World War and served his country in France for more than a year during that great conflict, as a member of the 10th Field Signal Batallion.  He is survived by 4 brothers, Joe of Cairo, Jesse of Memphis, and Ernest and Richard of Metropolis; besides two sisters, Mrs. Charles Kidd of Metropolis and Mrs. Lacy Sullivan of Cairo, also several nephews and nieces.  Mr. Belyew was a Veneer saw filer by trade and worked for the Singer Mfg. Co. at their plant here for many years in that capacity until they left here for Truman, Ark., at which time Mr. Belyew also went to Truman and worked there for about three years.  The remains will be at the Berbling Funeral Home until Monday afternoon when funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock.  Rev. O. A. Carmean, pastor of the Calvary Baptist church officiating, followed by burial in the National Cemetery at Mound City.  The American Legion will hold a military service at the grave and a firing squad will be furnished by Company K.  The following friends will serve as casket bearers:  Roy Hession, Edward Bucher, Roy Coffman, Ben Frizzell, Wayne Hayden and Fred Sullivan.  Berbling Funeral Service will have charge of arrangements.  --From The Cairo Evening Citizen and Bulletin, Saturday, April 25, 1936, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Tamms, IL.-- VIRGIL T. BENEFIEL, age 77 of Plano, IL passed away Thursday, August 28, 1997 at his home.  He was born June 8, 1920 in Tamms, Illinois to James Benefiel and Amanda B. (Goleaner).  He was employed at Richard Wilcox as a Machinist, Aurora.  He is survived by his wife, Nellie; one daughter, Frances (Sydney) Bailey of Plano and three grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; two sisters and one grandson.
Funeral services are private.  Burial of cremains at a later date at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Aurora, IL.  Visitation Sunday, August 31, 3 to 5 p.m at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St., Sandwich, IL.  --Beacon News, The (Aurora, IL) - August 30, 1997.

Fresno, CA--CLIFFORD EUGENE BENNETT, 65, passed away in Fresno on Friday, Nov. 8, 2002. He was born in Olive Branch, Illinois on April 21, 1937. He worked as a Refrigeration Specialist for many years before his illness. A nine-year veteran of the Air Force stationed at Castle Air Force Base. He was an active member of the Le Grand American Legion Post 660 for the past 25 years and a faithful member of the Le Grand Bible Christian Church. Cliff was a loving, caring person to all; we will miss his phone calls.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Betty Jo Snider-Bennett of Le Grand, a son Gregory Bryan Bennett, daughter-in-law Dee Dee Campbell-Bennett of Merced, one granddaughter Amanda Campbell of Hanford and his parents Hank and Lena Greenley of Tamms, Illinois. Cliff is preceded in death by his father Silas Bennett, a son Howard Henry (Howie) Bennett, a brother Ivan Sonny Bennett and a sister Pat Paulson. Six sisters, Effie May Harrel, Sylvia Muffo, Lynda Smith, Jodie Cain, Theresa Thomas and Tammy Bennett also survive him.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002 from 12 to 7 p.m. at the Stratford Evans Funeral Home in Merced. Services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002 at 10 a.m. at Stratford Evans Funeral Home in Merced. Burial to follow at the Plainsburg Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Stratford Evans.  --Merced Sun-Star, The (CA) - November 11, 2002 

MARION, ILL–DAVID E. BENNETT, age 64, of Marion, died Thursday, February 28, 2013 at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
He was born on November 6, 1948 in Cairo to Joseph Even and Audrey Kathrine (Bedwell) Bennett.
He married Candace Zimmerman on January 1, 1977. She survives.
David worked for GTE and Verizon for 30 years as a marketing representative to large accounts. He was a member of the Messiah Christian Church in Marion.
He is survived by his wife, Candace, of Marion; 1 son, David Wayne Bennett of Marion; 1 brother, Floyd Bennett of McClure; 1 sister, Wanda McDaniel of Ava; nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Joe, Denver and Delbert; and 2 sisters, Edna Caldwell and Daisy Ferguson.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 3, 2013 from 4 to 7PM at the Crain Funeral Home Egyptian Chapel in Energy.
Funeral services will be Monday, March 4, 2013 at 11:00AM at the Crain Funeral Home Egyptian Chapel in Energy with Brother Lee Wollard and Floyd Bennett officiating. Interment will follow at 3PM at the Olive Branch Cemetery.
–The Gazette Democrat, Monday, March 4, 2013.

Thebes, IL--DONNA BENNETT, 66, of Thebes died Saturday, June 28, 2008 at her home.  She was born March 6, 1942 in Cairo, Ill., daughter of Clarence Earl and Lucille McHughs Baugher.  She and Marvin Bennett were married Aug. 17, 1957 in Hernando, Miss.  He died April 25, 2000.  
Bennett was a lifelong resident of Thebes.  She was a Baptist.
Survivors include a son, Jerry Bennett of Thebes; two daughters, Toni Sims of Olive Branch, Ill., Angie Jones of Gale, Ill.; two brothers, Melvin Baugher of Arizona, Bill Baugher of East Cape Girardeau, Ill; four sisters, Eileen Story of Pekin, Ill., Carolyn Thomas of East Cape Girardeau, Sharon Burpo of East Cape Girardeau, Mary Robert of Cape Girardeau, Mo; and five grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home.  Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Raymond Oxford officiating.  Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.  --Contributed by J. C. McNelly.


Tamms, IL.--MARILYN JEAN BENNETT, age 57, of Tamms, died at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2002 at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Marilyn was born Feb. 16, 1945 at Thebes, Ill., daughter of Richard Bennett and Zelva Dunning Bennett. She was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church in Olive Branch and a member of the Wetaug Homemakers Extension. Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Richard Bennett on Dec. 4, 1988 and a sister, Juanita Dowdy on Nov. 7, 2001. She is survived by her mother, Zelva Bennett of Tamms; one sister, Naomi Mann of Tamms; and a brother, Dwain Bennett of Wheatfield, Ind.; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Marilyn Jean Bennett were held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2002 at the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms with the Rev. Billy Don Heady and Rev. F. Jerry Herring officiating.  Interment followed in the Olive Branch Cemetery. Visitation was held on Thursday, March 7, 2002 at the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms where friends called from 5-8 p.m. Jones Funeral Home in Tamms in charge of the arrangements. --From The Cairo Citizen, March 14 2002, contributed by Anna Shelton.

TAMMS - ZELVA BENNETT, 99, passed away at 11:12 a.m. Monday, June 7, 2010, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Tamms.
Mrs. Bennett was born June 13, 1910 in Olive Branch, the daughter of the late Amos Dunning and Estella (Cartner) Dunning.
Mrs. Bennett was a member of Rock Springs Freewill Baptist Church in Thebes, and was a member of the Pulaski-Alexander Homemakers Extension Unit, and was a retired nurse from the Chaffee General Hospital in Chaffee, Mo.
Mrs. Bennett would have celebrated her 100th birthday Sunday, June 13, 2010.
She was one of 12 siblings.
Mrs. Bennett was preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Dick" H. Bennett on Dec. 4, 1988; two daughters, Juanita Dowdy and Marilyn Bennett; and a son, Dwayne Bennett.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Naomi and Tom Mann of Tamms; a sister, Doris Jennings of Edwardsville; 10 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 32 great-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-great-grandchild.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2010, in Jones Funeral Home in Tamms, with the Rev. Dennis Clark officiating. Burial will be in Olive Branch Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Jones Funeral Home in Tamms is in charge of arrangements.
--Posted in Obituaries on Southern Illinoisan, Tuesday, June 8, 2010.

Alton, IL--MILDRED "MILLIE" BENTLEY, 90, passed away at 6:50 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009, at the Bethalto Care Center.  She was born in Cairo, Ill., on Sept. 18, 1919, the daughter of Clyde A. and Zola (Vick) Bass.
Mildred married James A. Bentley, Sr. on Sept. 2, 1933 in Jonesboro, Ill.  He preceded her in death on Feb. 15, 1979.
She is survived by one daughter, Betty Schmidt of Alton; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, Dorothy Headley and Mary Lou Drake; one son, James A. Bentley, Jr.; and one brother, Louis Bass.
Graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21 at Lightner Cemetery in Scott City, Mo.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  --Contributed by Donna Knight.

Chaffee, MO--RHETA WINONA BENTLEY, 58, of Chaffee died Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006, at her home, where she spent the last 36 years and was loved dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rheta was born Jan. 8, 1948, in Cairo, Ill., daughter of Albert Gene and Patsy Ruth Abney Casper of Mounds, Ill. She married Gary Wayne Bentley Oct. 8, 1970. 
Rheta, along with her husband and family, was a minister of music since the early 1970s, singing originally with the Soul Crusaders Gospel Singers, winning many souls for Christ. She worked as a certified nurse assistant at Saint Francis Medical Center and the Lutheran Home many years until 1998, when she fulfilled her dream and became a licensed practical nurse. She spent seven years of her nursing career caring for patients at Cardiovascular Consultants. She dedicated her life to serving others. She was a member of Chaffee General Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Gary Wayne Bentley of the home; her mother, Patsy Ruth Casper of Mounds; six children, Kimberly Helt-Melvin of Jackson, Gary Lynn (Theresa) Bentley of Kelso, Mo., Rebecca (Adam) Miller of Jackson, Stephen Bryan Bentley of Chaffee, Tim (April) Bentley of Blytheville, Ark., and Cheryl Burns of Sikeston, Mo.
 Also 12 grandchildren, Jordan, Liz and Hannah Melvin, Courtney and Collin Bentley, Jake Miller, Brandon and Wes Bentley, Jonathan Turner, Tyler Bentley, Chris and Kyle Kirkpatrick; and three great-grandchildren. Two more grandchildren are on the way. 
 Rheta was the oldest of 10 children.  Surviving siblings include Shirley (Roy) McHarry of Ullin, Ill., Gail (Dave) Walton of Barlow, Ky., Ricky (Debbie) Casper of Olive Branch, Ill., Jerry Casper of Mounds, Ill., Albert (Cheryl) Casper of Mound City, Ill.; Robbie (Lisa) Casper of Mounds, Chris (Karen) Casper of Anna, Ill., and Holly (Sammy) Goins of Mounds.
 She was preceded in death by her father, Albert Gene Casper; a brother, Jackie Casper; a sister-in-law, Mable Helt (her loving caregiver), and a  brother-in-law, Bill Bentley.  
Friends may call at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee after 5 p.m. Friday.
 The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Joe Payne officiating. Burial will be in Union Park Cemetery at Chaffee.  --Contributed by Leslie Riney.

Cairo, IL--Neely Bettis Dead--CORNELIUS F. BETTIS died at eleven o'clock this morning at his home on Fourteenth street of consumption.  He had been confined to his bed for the past two months and for the last week his life was despaired of.
Neely was a young man about thirty years of age.  He has been janitor of the Douglas school for many years but broke down under the work this year.  He was a member in good standing of the colored Methodist church here, and was as honest and faithful a young colored man as you can find anywhere.  He leaves a mother, wife and two small children, a boy and a girl.  His death is a loss to the colored community. --From The Cairo Weekly Citizen, Thursday, Dec. 4, 1890, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Tamms, IL--CLIFFORD J. BETTS, 94, of Tamms died Saturday, March 3, 2007 at the Jonesboro Health Care Center. He was born Jan. 16, 1913 in Alexander County, IL, son of Lark Jackson and Mary Dillman Betts. He and Lilly E. Dickerson were married Aug. 23, 1938.
Betts was a member of the Elco Methodist Church. He was a retired farmer and had been active with the Tamms Senior Citizen.
Survivors include his wife, Lilly Betts of Tamms; a son, Lacie D. Betts of Tamms; two daughters, Linda Lingle of Jonesboro, and Debra Knupp of Tamms; two brothers, Charles Betts of Murray, KY, and Wesley Betts of Brighton, IL; six sisters, Mary Overmeyer and Vernetta Henderson of Bethalto, IL, Bernelda Burney, Carmelita Betts and Edna Gold, all of Wood River, IL, and Alta Smith of Carbondale, IL; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, three grandchildren, four brothers and two sisters.
Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, and after 9 a.m. Tuesday at Elco Methodist Church. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at the church with Rev. Rob Grief officiating. Interment will be at St. John's Cemetery.

Tamms, IL.--DOROTHY JEAN (DAVIS) BETTS, 69, of Sebring, Fla., formerly of Tamms died at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, June 25, 2006, in the Shands at University of Florida in Gainesville.
Mrs. Betts was born Aug. 18, 1936 in Elco, daughter of the late Wilbert and Mary (West) Davis, Sr. She was a former member of Elco Baptist Church and Independence Baptist Church in Sebring, Fla. She was also a retired licensed practical nurse.
Survivors include her husband, Charles F. Betts of Sebring, Fla.; two sons, Charles Kevin Betts and Roger Betts of Tamms; two daughters, Mary Jane Henderson of Murray, Ky., and Joan Vick of Tamms; four sisters, Martha Atwood of Sebring, Fla., Kathryn Kerr of Elco, Margaret Marrow of Elco and Cheryl Sams of Thebes; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, aunt, Thelma Kirby of Grand Junction, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Betts was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Wilbert Davis, Jr.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2006 in Jones Funeral Home in Tamms with the Revs. Jay Franklin and Tom Bridges officiating. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery in rural Dongola. Friends may call after 9 a.m. until the hour of service Saturday at the funeral home. --The Southern Illinoisan, June 26, 2006.

Tamms, IL.--Funeral services for LARK JACKSON BETTS, 87 yrs old, of Alton, a former area resident, were held this afternoon (Jan. 3, 1972) at the Elco Baptist Church. A grandson, the Rev. Lacie Dean Betts, pastor of the Reynoldsville Baptist Church officiated, assisted by the Rev. Tom L. Bridges, pastor of Elco Baptist Church. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery near Dongola. Mr. Betts died Friday night in an Alton hospital. He was born near Vienna on Dec. 3, 1884. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Mary Lillie Betts; seven daughters, Mrs. Mary Lois Sivia and Mrs. Vernetta Henderson, both of Meadowbrook, Mrs. Leona (?Peach), Ballwin, MO, Miss Carlotta Betts and Miss Edna Betts, both of Alton, Mrs. Bernelda Burney, Wood River and Mrs. Alta Smith, Carbondale; six sons, Clifford and Charlie, both of Elco, Robert of Alhambra, Lark Jr. of Alton, John of Moro and Wesley of Brighten; a sister, Mrs. Lottie Mundt, Los Angeles, CA; 41 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. The Farnsworth Funeral Home of Tamms was in charge of arrangements.

Tamms, IL--LARK JACKSON BETTS JR., 75, of Tamms died Friday, July 4, 2003 at his home.  He was born July 8, 1927 in Elco, IL, son of Lark Jackson and Mary Lillian Schillings Betts Sr.  He married Betty Bridges.
He was a member of the Elco Baptist Church, served in the U. S. Army during World War II, and retired from the LaCleede Steel Mill in Alton, IL.  
Survivors include his wife; a son, William Betts of Murphysboro, IL; three daughters, Catherine Sarginson of Murphysboro, Joyce "Kim" Butler of Tamms and Beverly Ashworth of Olive Branch, IL; four brothers, John Betts of Moro, IL, Charles Betts of Sebring, FL, Wesley Betts of Brighton, IL and Clifford Betts of Tamms; six sisters, Mary Overmeyer, Carmelita Betts and Vernetta Henderson, all of Bethalto, IL, Bernelda Burney and Edna Gold, both of Wood River, IL, and Alta Smith of Carbondale, IL; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Friends may call between 5 and 8 p.m. Monday at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms.  The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Tom Bridges officiating.  Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery in rural Dongola, IL, with full military honors by Pulaski County VFW Post 8891 of Mounds, IL.

Dongola, IL.--Funeral services for MARGARET C. BETTS of Brighton will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at Elias-Smith Funeral Home in Alton. The Rev. Jim Boyer will officiate. Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. John's Cemetery with Crain Funeral Home of Dongola in charge of arrangements. Betts, 59, died Friday, July 3, 1992 at Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, MO. She was born Aug. 21, 1932 at Elco, daughter of Floyd and Ellen Graves Smith. She married Wesley E. Betts. Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Helen Betts of Brighton; four sons, David and Lark Betts of Brighton, Donald Betts of Quinlan, TX, Daryl Betts of Roxana; her mother of Dongola; four sisters, Rosemary Chapel of Jerseyville, Evelyn Poole of Tamms, Carolyn Bracken of Dongola and Shirley Donaldson of Little Rock, AR; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister.

Meadowbrook, IL--MRS. ESTELLA A. BETZ, 83, a resident of the East Alton-Meadowbrook area for the past 32 years, died at 4 a.m. Monday (May 30, 1960) in Haven Rest Nursing Home, Alhambra.  She had been in failing health for two years and a patient in the nursing home since last March 19.
Before entering the nursing home she had resided at Meadowbrook for seven years and previous to that in East Alton for 25 years.
A daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Dailey, she was born at Tamms, Feb. 22, 1877.  Her marriage to G. Betz took place on June 10, 1901.  Her husband died Jan. 27, 1917.
Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Thelma Reitemeier, Meadowbrook; Mrs. Marion King, Cottage Hills, and Mrs. Fern Baker, Carrollton; a sister, Mrs. Ellen Thomas, Tamms; 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
A daughter, Mrs. Alma McWhorter died in 1953 and a son died in infancy.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, three sisters and her husband.
The body is at Smith Funeral Home, Bethalto, where friends may call after 7 p.m. today.  Funeral rites will be conducted Thursday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home after which interment will take place in Valhalla Memorial Park.  --Contributed by Donna Dailey Knight.

Olive Branch, Ill--LINDA BEVENS, age 63, of Olive Branch died suddenly Thursday evening, July 2, 2009 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.  She was born Dec. 23, 1945 in Elco, Ill., to Alguquine and Ruby Ilene Bridges May.  she and Ford Bevens, Jr. were married Oct. 17, 1965.  He survives her.
She was a homemaker.
She is survived by her husband, Ford, of Olive Branch; a son, Michael Bevens of Olive Branch; two daughters, Rhonda Powell of Olive Branch and Crystoil VanHorne of Houston; eight grandchildren; three sisters, Willa Simmons of McClure, Ill., Dixie Reed of French Village, Mo, and Barbara Bailey of Olive Branch; two brothers, Robert May of Thebes, Ill. and Thomas May of Cape Girardeau, Mo; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Ford Bevens III; a sister, Diane Hammond; and five brothers, Cecil, Leonard, Ronnie, Patrick and Jackie May.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2009 at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms.
The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at the funeral home with the Revs. Darrell E. Faire Sr. and Stephen R. Butler officiating.  Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.  (Contributed by J. C. McNelly)

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