DARNELL, IVAN
THOMPSONVILE
Ivan DARNELL, 91 died in Herrin Hospital October 30, 2003, a 
former resident of Ak in.
He was born December 19, 1911 in Franklin County, December 
19, 1911 to Frank and Laura (MCCLUSKEY) DARNELL and on Nov. 
26, 1938 in Morganfield, Ky, he married Colleen FLANNIGAN and 
she survives.
He was a retired farmer, construction worker and helped build 
Rend Lake Dam and Rend Lake GOlf Course. he was a member of 
Aki n Church of Christ and served many years as a Trustee of 
Brady Cemetery.
Services 2 pm Sunday Nov. 9, 2003 at Brady Cemetery, east of 
Akin with rev. Galen DALTON, officiating. There will be no 
visitation and all are ask to go directly to the Cemetery.
Survivors is his wife Colleen of Severins Nursing Home in 
Benton, five nieces and nephews.J. B. (Emma) MILLER of East 
Alton, Vernon (Bonnie) MILLER of Jerseyville, Leslie 
Darlene) DARNELL of Thompsonville, Barbara (Russell) CARTER 
of Mazon and Susan (Robert) JOHNSON of West Frankfort.
He was preceded in death by 10 brothers and sisters, Raymond, 
Herman, Leslie, John, Ralph, Dorothy DARNELL, Elsie GATES, 
Crystal MILLER, Elvie COLEMAN, and Florine BOWLEN.


DAVIS, CLIFFORD
CLIFFORD DAVIS RITES IN BENTON
Clifford M. Davis, 70, of 905 Fairland St. Benton, died at 1:15 p.m. Monday in 
Franklin Hospital, Benton.  'He was a retired coal miner, last working at Orient 
No. 2 mine. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America and Benton 
Church of Christ.  A lifelong resident of Franklin
County, he was a son of William and Julia Darnell Davis.  He married Eva Eldridge. 
Mr. Davis leaves his wife, children Carl of Sterling, William of Benton, and 
Raymond of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; sisters, Mrs. Ethel Hughes of Thompsonville and Mrs. 
Mamie Bigham of Benton; and brothers, John, Orval, Otho, and Jim of Benton. 
Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Poulson-Freeman Funeral Home of Benton.  
Charlie Drew will officiate.  Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.  
Friends may call at the funeral home after 5 p.m. today.
SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1969


DAVIS, ELIZABETH NEAL
Elizabeth Neal Davis was born Sept. 9, 1854, died at her home in Ewing, Ill, Aug. 
1, 1929, at the age of 74 years, 10 months and 23 days.
She was married to Samuel Crider in the year 1872, who passed on to his reward about 
two years ago after their marriage.  She was again married to William Boyd, Dec. 9, 
1874.  To this union were born seven children, namely: Martha Taylor of Washington; 
Nellie Taylor of Sesser, Ill; Noah Boyd of Ewing, Ill; Parlee Ursury of Girard, Ill.; 
Mammie and John Neal Boyd, who have preceded her in death and Willis Boyd who resided 
at home with her.  One sister, Mrs. Nancy Page of Ina, Ill; one brother, John Neal of 
Ewing, Ill; forty grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren, besides a host of 
other relatives and friends, to mourn their loss.
She bore her sufferings with patience and was always expressing her gratitude for the 
efforts of loved ones to relieve her sufferings and minister to her wants.  But all
that willing hands could do could not keep her spirit here.
Peaceful sleeping,
Resting at last, 
All earthly sufferings
And troubles are past.
Submitted by: Sheila Cadwalader


DAVIS, EMMIE ELDIS  
Thompsonville 
Emmie Eldis Davis, 86, of 3406 Puckett Rd., Thompsonville, died in Franklin Skilled 
Care Nursing Unit at 5:40 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18, 1999 in the Franklin Skilled 
Care Nursing Unit. Arrangments are pending at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home.

Emmie Eldis Davis, 86, of 3406 Puckett Road, died at 5:40 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, 1999 
at the Franklin Skilled Care Nursing Unit, Benton. Services will be held at 11 a.m. 
Saturday in the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, with the Rev. Edward Spivey 
officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Thompsonville. Visitation 
will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Mrs. Davis was born March 13, 
1913 in Walker County, Al., the daughter of Jack and Sarah Frances (Butler) Mills. 
She married Foide Davis on April 1, 1935 and he preceded her in death on Sept. 11, 1983. 
She was a retired factory worker, a homemaker, and was a member of the Christ Calvary 
Baptist Church, Chicago. Survivors include four children, Maxine and husband Ed Spivey, 
Loris, SC, Earl and wife Kate Davis of Thompsonville, Sara and husband Bob Smallwood, 
Thompsonville, James and wife Carol Davis, West Frankfort; eight grandchildren; twelve 
great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, several nieces and nephews. She was 
preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son Foide Davis, Jr., who died at birth, 
two brothers and two sisters.


DAVIS, EVA ELDRIDGE
Funeral services, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Poulson
Funeral Home, Benton, for Eva Eldridge Davis, 78, of Benton.
T. T. Carney will officiate.  Burial will be in the Masonic
and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton. Friends may call after
6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.  Mrs. Davis, who lived at 905 Fairland St., 
died at 2:10 p.m. Sunday in Franklin Hospital, Benton.  She was born Sept. 29, 
1892 in Illinois, the daughter of James and Melvina Mansell Overturf.  She was 
a member of the Church of Christ, Benton.  Her first husband, Lano Eldridge, 
died in 1568. She was then married to Clifford Davis, who died in 1967.  
Surviving are four sons, Paul Eldridge of California, John R. Eldridge of Kankakee, 
Bill Eldridge of Wood River and James Eldridge of Benton; three daughters, Hattie 
Parker of East St. Louis, Jodine Johnson of California and Donna Jean Williams, 
of West Frankfort; 31 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-
grandchildren. 
SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN, MONDAY, MAY 22, 1972  


DELAP, RUSSELL
Russell DeLap, 27, Killed in an Auto Accident.
Russell DeLap, 27-year-old West Frankfort cigarette salesman, was killed
and Matt Sheley, Pinckneyville newspaper editor, was injured early today in
an automobile accident on the blacktop road between Hurst and Desoto, in
Williamson County.
DeLap, who lives at 208 West Poplar street, was a passenger in the car
being driven by Sheley that was crowded off the highway, struck a culvert
and knocked both men onto the pavement.
Sheley is in St. Andrews hospital at Murphysboro where it was said his
injuries were not regarded as serious.  He suffered multiple contusions and
abrasions.
Sheley told Pete Carneghi, Herrin, state patrolman, that another car
crowded him off a curve near the Big Muddy river bridge, about three miles
east of Desoto.  Sheley said his car was forced off the right side of the
road and swerved across to the opposite side of the pavement, striking a
concrete culvert.
Sheley said he was hurled from the car when it struck the culvert and DeLap
was thrown out when the car swerved back onto the road before finally
coming to a halt in a ditch.
DeLap was apparently killed instantly by a possible broken neck and skull
fracture.
Relatives were told that DeLap and Sheley had been to a meeting in Royalton
and apparently were on the way back to Pinckneyville when the accident
occurred.
They were told that DeLap and Sheley left a Pinckneyville hotel at which
the local man was a guest lat last night.  Sheley was said to have talked
incoherently at the hospital in Murphysboro this morning.  An unidentified
motorist who stopped to investigate a tire in the road near the accident
found DeLap's body and the dazed Sheley about 2 am.
The local man was a 1939 graduate of Community high school and was in the
United States army during World War II, after which he accepted employment
with the Ligget-Meyers Tobacco Co.
DeLap is survived by his wife, the former Miss Evelyn Austin, and their one
and one-half year old son, Don Jay.  Also surviving are his mother, Mrs.
Sarah DeLap, 410 West St. Louis street; four brothers Wayne and Kenneth
DeLap, of this city; Nolan DeLap, Metropolis, and Howard DeLap, Bridgeport,
and two sisters Mrs. Clifford Whittington and Miss Eloise DeLap, both of
this city.
The body was taken to the Reedy Funeral home from where it will be removed
to the home of DeLap's parents at 6 o'clock this afternoon.  Funeral
arrangements today were incomplete.[May 17,1949  Daily American-West Frankfort ILL]


DENHAM, BURLEY
BURLEY DENHAM, 50, DIES THIS MORNING AT HIS HOME HERE
Burley Denham, well known Mt. Vernon carpenter, died at 7:26 o'clock this
morning at his home 815 south Twenty-third street at the age of 50 years,
10 months and two days.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the
Liberty church, east of Benton in Franklin county, conducted by Rev. Marsh
Harpoole. Burial will be had in Liberty cemetery.
They (sic) body will remain at the home here until 1:45 o'clock Thursday
afternoon, where friends may call at any time.
Mr. Denham had resided here for the past 13 years.
He was born February 12, 1888 in Franklin county, the son of Isaac
Denham and Caroline Lance Denham. He was united in marriage with Lola Duty
in 1907.
Surviving are his widow, Lola; two sons, Byford and Carl Leon, both of
Mt. Vernon; one daughter, Mrs. Estelle Weld of Mt. Vernon; and one brother,
John Denham of Macedonia, Ill.


DIAL, E.O., 74, police magistrate in Benton, was found dead in bed by his
wife when she returned home from a picture show about 10:30 o'clock last
night.  He had apparently died in his sleep following a heart attack.
Dial, a pioneer resident of Franklin County, had lived most of his life in
Benton and community.  For many years he was prominent in Democratic
politics.  He was a brother of the late Judge H. R. Dial of this city.
He is survived by his widow, Mrs. E.O. Dial, Benton; two sons, Howard of
Flint, Mich., and Harold of St. Louis; two daughters Mrs. Ann Dial of Los
Angeles, Calif., and Mrs. Helen Goddard of Montrose, Mich.; two half-
brothers, L.P. Hunter of West Frankfort, and Samuel N. Hunter of East St.
Louis, and a half-sister, Mrs. Lucille Norman of California.
The body will lie in state after 3 o'clock this afternoon at his home, 411
North Madison Street in Benton.  Funeral rites will be held at 3 pm Sunday
at the First Baptist church in Benton.  Burial will be in IOOF and Masonic
cemetery at Benton.


DIAL, NANCY JANE DUNGY
Aged 71 years; died 13 Jun 1957 at the hospital in Eldorado; (dau of John Willis 
& Ada Douglas Webb Dungy).  Married George Dial.  Leaves husband; 2 sons: Jack & 
William Dial both of McLeansboro; 3 daus: Mrs Ada Wright of Jonesboro, IN, Mrs 
Margaret Taylor of Macedonia, & Mrs Georgia Mansell of McLeansboro; 1 bro: W E 
Dungy of Benton; 4 sis: Mrs Ina Hubbard of Mulkeytown, Mrs Bertha Drew of Benton, 
Mrs Annabelle Flannigan of Jonesboro, IN & Mrs Maude Johnson of Ewing.  Interred 
Cartwright Cemetery.
[“Times-Leader”, 20 Jun 1957]
Submitted by: Sheila Cadwalader


DILLON, ELIGAH LEONARD     
Elijah Leonard DILLON was born Aug 1, 1868 and died July 8, 1917 at the age of 49 
years, 11 mos and 8 days.  In 1901 he married Malissa Overturf and they had six 
children;  Lillie, Amos, Leonard, Hosea, Ruth, Helen.  Burial was at Jackson Grove 
Cemetery.
7-20-1917
Submitted by: Sheila Cadwalader


DILLON, GRACE   
Grace Dillon, 88, of Yuba City, Calif., formerly of Benton, and Cherokee Village 
Ark., died Thursday, Nov. 25, 1999 in the Sutter Memorial Hospital, Sacramento, 
Calif. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, 
Benton, with the Rev. Jack Wolfe officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd 
Fellows Cemetery, Benton. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral 
home. Mrs. Dillon was born Sept. 5, 1911, in Edwards County, the daughter of Herbert 
and Edith (Bunting) Shepherd. She married Raymond E. Dillon on Aug. 24, 1934 and he 
preceded her in death in 1988. Mrs. Dillon was a native of Albion. She was a retired 
school teacher. A member of the Marysville United Methodist Church, she also was a 
member of the Eastern Star, A.A.R.P. and the American Legion Auxiliary. Survivors 
include a son, David Dillon and wife Kerri of Yuba City and a granddaughter, Tiphanie
Dillon, also of Yuba City. Her parents and husband preceded her in death.


DILLON, HOSEA
Mr. Hosea DILLON
Died Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at his home. Hosea was born April 27, 1909 in Benton, 
IL, a son of Elija and Millissa (Overturf) Dillon, and had been a Kalamazoo area 
resident for most of his life. Mr. Dillon retired from the James River Corporation 
in 1972 after 42 years of service. He also was a farmer since 1948. In his free time 
he loved to hunt, fish and travel. On September 30, 1930 he was united in marriage to 
the former Florence L. Davis, who preceded him in death in 1978. Mr. Dillon was also 
preceded in death by 3 sisters, Lillie, Ruth and Helen; 3 brothers, Amos, Leonard and 
Paul; and a daughter-in-law, Frances Dillon. Surviving are 3 children and their spouses, 
Donavieve and Glenn Seybert of Climax, Janet and James Seybert of Climax, and Ronald and 
Judith Dillon of Kalamazoo; 12 grandchildren, Gary Seybert, Terry Seybert, Karen Seybert, 
Darlene Seybert, Mark Seybert, Kathy Beard, Julie Rice, Gary Dillon, Darlene Haase, Ronald 
Dillon Jr., Robert Dillon and Randy 
Dillon; many great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and 
nephews. Services will be held 11:00 Saturday morning at the LANGELAND Family Funeral 
Homes HOAG-SWITZER GALESBURG CHAPEL 145 W. Battle Creek St. 343-1508 with the Rev. Jan 
David DeWitt, of Kalamazoo Covenant  Church, officiating. Interment in Gilson Cemetery 
will follow services.  Friends may meet the family Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the 
funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be directed to the 
American Diabetes Association or the Parkinson's Disease Research Fund.
Submitted by: Sheila Cadwalader


DILLON, IRA L.
Retired Grocer Ira L Dillon Dies; Services Thursday (Benton newspaper & #8211; hand 
written date Dec 1962) Ira L Dillon, 67, of Route 3, Benton, died suddenly at 8 p.m. 
Monday at Franklin Hospital after becoming ill Monday afternoon. Operator of Dillon's 
Grocery Store on North Commercial Street in Benton until his retirement two years 
ago, Mr. Dillon was a veteran of World War I.  He was a member of the American Legion 
and the Masonic Lodge.  He attended the First Baptist Church in Benton.
He was a son of the late James and Francis Ward Dillon.  His survivors include his 
wife, the former Mabel Lovin, a daughter, Mrs. Shirley Ligon of Benton, a grandchild, 
and four sisters, Mrs. Earl Rotramel of Brownsville, Tex, Mrs. Hubert Nunn of Garden 
city Fla, Mrs. John Orr of Hobbs, N Mex, and Mrs. Orval Page of Anna.  A daughter, 
Carolyn Lee, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Mitchell Funeral Home in 
Benton with Rev William Bohn officiating.
Interment will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows cemetery with military rites 
schedules.  The body will lie in state at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today.
Submitted by: Sheila Cadwalader


DILLON, JAMES E.  
Benton 
James E. Dillon, 91, of 902 South McLeansoro St., died at 12:29 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 
19, 1999 in the Franklin Hospital. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday 
in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, with the Rev. Jack Wolfe officiating. 
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, 
Benton. Mr. Dillon was born Oct. 3, 1908 in Parrish, the son of Edgar and Aretta 
(Eickelman) Dillon. He married the former Beatrice Weik and she preceded him in death 
on March 31, 1903. Retired from the St. Charles Boys School in St. Charles, Ill., he 
was a U.S. Army veteran serving during World War II. He was a member of the St. Charles 
Masonic Lodge and was of the Methodist faith. Survivors include a sister, Wilma McGuire, 
Marion; a sister-in-law, Grace Dillon, Yuba City, Cal.; two nephews, Charles Aikman, 
Parker, Col., David Dillon, Cal. and a niece, Ann Burns of Marion. He was preceded in 
death by his parents, wife, three brothers and three sisters. Memorial contributions 
may be made to Severin Intermediate Care Nursing Home and will be accepted at the funeral 
home.


DILLON, NELLIE KATHERINE  
Benton 
Nellie Katherine Dillon, 95, died at 8:25 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19, 1999 at her home. 
She was born in Chester on Nov. 14, 1903 to W.F. and Nellie Hudelson Dillon. She was 
a member of the First Christian Church in Benton. Survivors include one nephew, Bill 
Mitchell, Benton; three great-nieces, Linda Maddox, West Frankfort, Carol Smith, Benton 
and Katherine Sheetz, West Frankfort; two great-nephews, David Mitchell and wife Daphne, 
Benton and Steve Mitchell, Benton; three great-great-nieces, Ashley Sue Maddox, 
West Frankfort, Hollie Hiller, Benton and Alexandria Mitchell, Benton and one great-
great-nephew, Andrew Dillon Mitchell, Benton. She was preceded in death by her parents, 
by one sister, Dorothy Mitchell, one brother, Richard Dillon and an infant sister. 
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 22 at the Morton and Johnston 
Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Dale Carson officiating. Burial will be in the 
Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Friends may call from from 11 a.m. Sunday 
until the funeral hour at the funeral home.


DILLON, Capt. WILLIAM B.
Capt. E. DILLON came home Wed. morning from Tamaroa, where he was called last 
Monday by the illness of his father, Capt. William B. DILLON, who died Tuesday 
and was buried at the graveyard in Parrish yesterday. William was a former 
resident of Franklin Co., IL. and died at his home in Tamaroa on Jan. 26th, age 
87y 5m 5d. He was one of the pioneers of Franklin Co, IL. and came here when he 
was ten years old in 1891, when turkey, bear, deer and wild cats were plentiful. 
He organized Co. I, 56th IL. Infantry in Dec. 1861 and was commissioned it's 
Captain by Gov. Richard YATES. His remains were taken to Dillon Cemetery near 
Parrish for burial.
[Obits & Tidbits 1885-1899  pg 95, 29 Jan 1897 issue (Pulliam)]


DIXON, JOHN T.
JOHN T. DIXON DIES IN BLUEFORD
John T. DIXON, 76, 105 N. Main St., Zeigler, died at 1:30 a. m. today at the
Schrumm Nursing Home, Bluford, where he had  been a patient five months.
Mr. DIXON was a member of the Zeigler Masonic Lodge. His wife, Edith died in
1952.
Masonic rites will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Vantrease Funeral Home,
Zeigler, with burial in Zeigler Cemetery .Friends may call at the funeral
home.
The Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, Illinois, Monday, February 15, 1960,
page 14


DORRIS, JAMES "JIM"  
West Frankfort 
James "Jim" Dorris, 76, died on Wednesday, June 23, 1999, in the Union Hospital, West 
Frankfort. Services will be held Saturday, June 26, at 2 p.m. in the Parker-Reedy 
Funeral Home with the Revs. Marshall McCullough and Ben Browning officiating. Burial 
will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, South Thompsonville. Friends may call after 5 p.m. Friday 
at the funeral home. Mr. Dorris was born on Dec. 7, 1922, in Thompsonville, the son of 
Everett and Golda (Auten) Dorris. He was married in 1941 in Charleston, Mo., to Lola 
(Woods) Dorris. She survives. He was a retired coal miner and member of the U.M.W.A. 
Local #1487, having worked at Old Ben Mine #26. A member of the Mt. Zion Freewill Baptist 
Church, he was also a member of the Southern Illinois Wildlife Association. In addition 
to his wife, Lola, he is surived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Wanda Dorris 
of Sesser, Tom and Judy Dorris of West Frankfort; two daughters, Phyllis Sanders of West 
Frankfort, Linda Hall and son-in-law Russell of West Frankfort; eleven grandchildren, 
six great-grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Maxine 
McClerren and Anna Mae Dorris.


DORRIS, WALTER EUGENE (GENE)  
Benton 
Walter Eugene (Gene) Dorris, 85, died at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, 1999 at the 
Parkway Manor in Marion. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 
16, in the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, Benton, with the Revs. John West and 
Philip Ingle officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in 
Benton. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday to the funeral home. Mr. Dorris 
was born on Sept. 13, 1914, in West Frankfort, the son of John D. and Cora (Ice) 
Dorris. He was married on June 28, 1941, at the First Baptist Church in West Frankfort, 
to Cloe (Alexander) Dorris. She survives. He served 38 months in the U.S. Army and at 
the time of his discharge was in General McArthur's headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. A 
former Circuit Clerk and Recorder, he was the Coroner of Franklin County from 1960 
to 1968. He was the owner and operator of Dorris Abstract Company for 33 years until 
his retirement. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Benton for 50 
years and had served on the Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, member of the Chancel 
Choir, and a Sunday School teacher. In addition to his wife, Cloe Dorris of Benton; he 
is survived by two sons, Michael E. Dorris and wife Pamela Jean of Benton, Jerry Robert 
Dorris of Benton; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother, Maurice Dorris 
of Lawrenceville; one nephew, Charles E. Dorris of West Frankfort; several nieces. He 
was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Sevil and Raymond, and an infant 
brother, Francis, three sisters, Mae Douglas, Golda Hiles, Faye Purcell, one nephew, 
John D. Douglas and one grandson, Robert Eugene Dorris.


DOTY, TROY E. SR.
BENTON
Troy E. DOTY Sr., 84, died Tuesday, May 27, 2003, at the home of his
daughter Debbie MANDRELL east of West Frankfort. Mr. DOTY was born in Benton
on April 6, 1919 the son of W. Troy DOTY and Bessie (TAYLOR) DOTY. He was
married to Flora (BRAY) DOTY, and she preceded him in death on May 2, 2002.
He is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Debbie and Tom MANDRELL
of West Frankfort, and Nikki & Bob GORBY of St. Petersburg, Fla., and a son,
Troy E. DOTY II of Christopher; six grandchildren, Justin LIPSEY, Shaun
MANDRELL, Danielle MANDRELL, Rikki and husband Ray BONTHRON, Trent and
Valerie TERRY and Leslie and Richard STEWART; and three great-grandchildren,
William and Stephanie BONTHRON and Daryn MORRIS. He was preceded in death by
his parents, wife Flora and infant twins.
Mr. DOTY was a member of the Full Gospel Church in Buckner. For more than 50
years he was the owner of Doty Plumbing & Heating in Benton, and was a
member of the Local Plumbers & Pipefitters Union. He was a veteran of World
War II, having served in the U.S. Navy. For many years, he and his wife were
very active as antique dealers. Funeral services for Mr. DOTY will be held
Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. in the Parker-Reedy Funeral Home with Pastor
Bernadine Caldwell WEBB officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd
Fellows Cemetery in Benton with Military Rites being conducted by the Benton
American Legion. Visitation for Mr. DOTY will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at
the Parker-Reedy Funeral Home. [Benton Evening News, Benton, IL, Fri 30 May 2003 issue]


DOXSIE, CAROLYN S.
Benton
Carolyn S. DOXSIE, 66, of Benton, died Friday, Dec. 17, 2004, in St. Mary's Good 
Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. 
Monday, Dec. 20, at the Masonic & OddFellows Cemetery in Benton, with the Rev. 
Joe ARVIEW officiating. A private visitation for the family only will be held 
from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, at Poulson Funeral Home in Benton. Mrs. DOXSIE was 
born Aug. 11, 1938, in Benton, the daughter of James TALLEY and Martha Jane 
SHEPARD. She married Jack E. DOXSIE, who preceded her in death on Nov. 18, 1998. 
Mrs. DOXSIE worked at the Liquor Barrell and was a homemaker. She was a 
wonderful mother and grandmother. She was the sunshine of her family and enjoyed 
being with them and having a good time. She was an excellent home decorator and 
she enjoyed watching her nephews race at the car races.
Survivors include a son, Jeff DOXSIE and wife, Cris, of Benton; a daughter, 
Jaxine BOWLIN and husband, Gary, of Sesser; four grandchildren, Jennifer BOWLIN 
of Sesser, and Brittney DOXSIE, Marty KATHALYNAS, and Nicole KARNES, all of 
Benton; and four sisters, Leoma WIGGINS of Florida, LaVaughn OVERTURF and 
husband, Carl, of Buckner, Billy BURTON of Benton, and Linda MELVIN and husband, 
Robert, of Logan. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jack; two 
brothers, James "Tuck" TALLEY and Pete TALLEY; and four sisters, Louella 
SUMMERS, Elizabeth JOPLIN, Mary SELL, and June HUNGATE.
[Benton Evening News, Benton IL, Sat 18 Dec 2004 issue]


DOXSIE, JACK EUGENE
BENTON-Jack Eugene  Doxsie, 68, died at 5:55 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1998, 
in the Franklin  Hospital, Benton. Graveside services with Military Rites will 
be held at 1 p.m.  Saturday, in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery, with the 
Rev. Joe Arview  officiating. The Poulson Funeral Home is in charge of 
arrangements. Mr. Doxsie  was born on May 26, 1930, in Benton, the son of Tracy and 
Georgia Mae (Isaacs)  Doxsie. He was married to Carolyn Sue (Talley) Doxsie in 
1956. She survives. He  had worked for Reed's Heating & Air Conditioning until 
he began his own  business. Of the Baptist faith, he was an Army veteran of 
the Korean War and  served as an Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 
at Arlington  National Cemetery for President Eisenhower. He was a member of 
VFW, and was an  avid music lover. In addition to his wife, he is survived by 
one son, Jeff  Doxsie of Benton; one daughter, Jaxine, and husband Gary 
Bowlin; two  grandchildren, Jennifer Bowlin of Sesser and Brittney Doxsie of Benton; 
one  brother, Tracy Doxsie of Savannah, Tenn.; and one sister, Maxine Barge 
of Palm  Beach, Fla.
He was preceded in death by his  parents.
[Benton Evening News 20 Nov 1998]


DRAKE, RUBY PLASTERS
DRAKE, Ruby Plasters, 82, of 105 Sunset Drive, McLeansboro, died Sept.
22, 1985 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro. Mrs. Drake was a
former Benton resident. She was a native of Hamilton County, born Jan.
12, 1903 to Jaired and Viola CULLINS PLASTERS. She was a member of the
Macedonia Methodist Church. Mrs. Drake is survived by her husband,
Ronald Drake, Sr., and three sons, Ronald DRAKE, Jr., Creal Springs;
Jack C. DRAKE, McLeansboro Route 3 and James R. Drake, McLeansboro. She
also leaves eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Funeral
services at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton; Rev. Carl
WHITTINGTON officiating. Interment in Masonic-Odd Fellows Cemetery.


DUGGER, CHESLEY L.  
West City 
Chesley L. (Dug) Dugger, 75, of West City died at 12:05 a.m. Sunday August 8, 1999 
at St. Mary's Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon, after an illness 
of two months. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, at the Morton 
& Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Tom Ellison officiating. Burial, 
with Military rites will be conducted by the Benton American Legion and VFW in the 
Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday to the funeral 
home. Mr. Dugger was born in Rend City on Oct. 23, 1923, to William and Beulah (Gilbreath) 
Dugger. On Aug. 28, 1954 in Benton, he married Susan M. Caulfield. She survives. He was 
a retired coal miner, woking at Old Ben Mines #14 and #21. A member of the UMWA Local 
1124, he was an Army veteran of World War II, member of AARP, a lifetime member of the 
Benton VFW Post 2671, American Legion Post #280, the Boneyard Boccie Ball Club and 
Benton Eagles. Survivors include his wife, Sue Dugger of West City and a special friend, 
Ruby Arview of Thompsonville. His parents and one son, Larry Lee Dugger preceded him in 
death.


DUNGY, JOHN WILLIS
John Willis Dungy as born June 8, 1854, and departed this life July 6, 1936, at 
the ripe old age of 82 years and 28 days.
He was united in marriage to Miss Ada Douglas Webb, Oct. 20, 1878.  To this happy 
union 10 children were born, two of which (sic) passed away in early infancy.  
There remains to mourn his passing eight children: Mrs. Maude John, Benton; Wm. 
Edgar, Benton; Mrs. Margaret Haithcoat, Charleston, W. Va.; Mrs. Nancy Jane Dial, 
McLeansboro; Mrs. Ina Russell, Rend City; Archie L, Akron, Ohio; Mrs. Anna Belle 
Flannigan, Marion, Ind.; and Mrs. Bertha Drew at home.
There are also 28 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, with the aged companion, 
who has faithfully kept vows for 58 years, hold in fond remembrance the kindness 
and fidelity of him they loved and are joined in this by an aged stepmother, four 
half sisters, five half brothers, and may relatives and a host of friends.
Mr. Dungy was the oldest and last member of ten children.  He made no public 
profession of religion by uniting with any church but he gave sweet assurance of 
the work of grace in his heart by patient submission to the destined end of all men, 
saying: “I am ready to go.” Anxious hearts and willing hands kept faithful vigil to 
the end of his sojourn and now humbly submit to his passing with hope of family 
reunion where all tears are wiped away and death can never come.
Submitted by: Sheila Cadwalader


DUNGY, MARY
Mrs. Abe Dungy to 
Be Buried Friday;
Sick Many Months
Funeral Services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock for Mrs. Abe (Mary) 
Dungy, of Mt Vernon, who died Wednesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Elbert 
Jones, on College Street.
The services will be in the First Christian Church of which Mrs. Dungy was a member, 
and will be conducted by the pastor, Dr. W. D. Endres.  Interment will be in the 
Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Mrs. Dungy was a daughter of the late Daniel Ward, and had spent most of her life 
in Benton and Franklin County.  She had been a resident of Mt Vernon just a few 
years prior to her death.  She had been critically ill for the past several months 
and during most of the time had been at the home of her daughter here. 
Besides her husband she is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Jones, and three sons: 
Claude of East Moline; Ward of Benton Harbor, MI; and Byford of Woodriver, IL.
She is also survived by four sisters, Mrs. Ernest Lovan of Benton; Mrs. A. P. Little, 
Chicago; Mrs. Morgan Brown, Peoria; and Mrs. S. L. Neal of Ewing, and two brothers,
Albert and Emery Ward of Ewing, One son, Ray Dungy was killed by lightning here a few 
years ago and another son died in infancy.
(No date or indication in which newspaper the obit was published- It may have been a 
Mt Vernon paper.)
Submitted by: Sheila Cadwalader


DURHAM, RUTH E.
Ruth E. Durham, 86, of West City died at 7:15 a.m. Friday, 
May 16, 2008, at the Severin Intermediate Care Home in 
Benton.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 
20, at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with 
the Rev. David Howard officiating. Burial will be in the 
Liberty-Ridlin Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be from 
6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be made to the North 
Benton Baptist Church Building Fund.
She was born June 8, 1921, in Hamilton County, the 
daughter of Ulla and Luna May (Dixon) Hutchcraft. She 
married Eugene Durham on Oct. 17, 1945, and he preceded 
her in death on May 4, 1996.
Mrs. Durham was a member of the North Benton Baptist 
Church. She worked for years at the Immediate Cleaners in 
Benton.
Mrs. Durham is survived by one son, Kenneth Durham of 
Holland, Mich., one brother, Elmer L. Smith and wife, 
Shirley, of West City; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and 
a sister, Lorene Williams.
[Benton Evening News 5/16/08]