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Aveneal Mills
MCLEANSBORO -- Aveneal Mills, 82, of McLeansboro, died at 9:55 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004, in St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday in Harre Funeral Home, with the Rev. Robert Sefried officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home.
Dominic Riggio
DU QUOIN -- Dominic P. Riggio, 83, of Du Quoin, passed away at 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004, in the Skilled Care Unit of Pinckneyville Community Hospital. Mr. Dominic P. Riggio was born in Du Quoin on Sept. 5, 1921, to Peter and Grace (nee Ventimiglia) Riggio and attended Du Quoin schools. In July 1946, Dominic married Ninfa Alongi in St. Louis, and was married for 51 years. Mrs. Riggio passed away in 1997. In 1917, Dominic's father, Pete Riggio, opened the Pete Riggio and Sons Grocery Store that served hundreds of families throughout the area at its 348 N. Hickory St. location. After the death of his father, Dominic was a partner along with his brothers, Vincent J. and Vito T. Riggio, in the grocery business until its closing in June 1974. In 1933, Dominic's father opened the Pete Riggio and Sons Beer Distributorship that served a large territory in the southern half of the state. After the deaths of his brothers, Mr. Riggio continued to operate the business with his son, Pete Guy Riggio, until June 1997, when the business was purchased by the Bleyer family of Carbondale. From 1942 until 1945, Dominic trained at Camp Campbell, Ky., and Camp Barkeley, Texas, and proudly served his country during World War II in England, France and Germany as a radio operator with 152nd Signal Corps, advancing to the rank of sergeant by the time of his discharge in late 1945. The 152nd Signal Corps was part of the 12th Armored Division, known as the Hellcat Division. Mr. Riggio's division came in the 3rd Wave at Normandy, France, and the division, along with the 7th Army, spearheaded for Gen. George C. Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. Dominic was one of only two in the 152nd Signal Company to receive theBronze Star for valor. He was also part of a liaison team that liberated three concentration camps, Auschwitz, Dachau and Mauthausen, and took part in the liberation of France. He earned the 'Thank You America Certificate' from the French government for his contribution to the liberation of France during World War II. He was also awarded the French Commemorative Medal of the 1939-1945 war from BriG. Gen. Arnous-Riviere, military attache for the French government, for having participated in the French Campaign of 1944. Dominic also earned a Purple Heart. Mr. Riggio was a life member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Du Quoin and a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree, Veterans of Foreign War, the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and the Eagles Lodge. He was presented with the Official Golden Age Eagle Award from the Eagles Lodge in September 2001. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge of Du Quoin. Mr. Riggio gave generously to his faith community Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Sacred Heart Endowment fund. He contributed to many charitable causes as well, including Easter Seals, United Cerebral Palsy, the American Lung Association, Feed the Children Campaign, the March of Dimes, Girls and Boys Town, the American Heart Association, the Paralyzed American Veterans, the National World War II Memorial Fund, Muscular Dystrophy and many of the charities in the community. Mr. Riggio loved his community and Southern Illinois and leaves behind the many area residents whom he considered lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his dear wife, Ninfa, to whom he was married for 51 years; two sisters, Katie Fiantaco and Laura Brock; and two brothers, Vincent J. Riggio and Vito T. Riggio. He is survived by his son, Pete Guy Riggio (Milinda) of Du Quoin; his daughter, Grace Rosalie Riggio-Green berg of Lisle-Naperville; his deargrandchildren, Spenser Garrett Green berg and Shana Lia Green berg of Lisle-Naperville and Brad Allan Riggio (Michelle) of Bethal Park, Penn. ; his sisters-in-law, Betty Riggio and Dorothy Alongi of Du Quoin; his wife's brother, John R. Alongi (Betty) of Du Quoin; his nieces and nephews, Jacqueline Williams (Dale) and Joann Isom (William) of Du Quoin, Grace Huite (Edgar) of Foley, Ala., Rosalie Alongi of St. Louis, Mo., and Pete H. Riggio, Guy H. Alongi (Rose), Guy W. Alongi (Beth) and John Alongi II (Cara), all of Du Quoin; his great-nieces and -nephews, Aimee Huite of Foley, Ala., Gabriella Alongi and Grace Alongi of Du Quoin, Dr. Dan Williams (Laura) of Crystal Lake, William Scott Isom (Monica) of Du Quoin, Kreg Huite of Foley, Ala., and J. R. Alongi, Shawn Alongi and John Alongi III of Du Quoin; and his great-great nieces and -nephews, Jaci Williams of Crystal Lake, Laura Isom of Du Quoin, Makayla Huite of Foley, Ala., and Kyle Williams of Crystal Lake. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004, in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Du Quoin, with Monsignor Harry Jerome officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Du Quoin and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. A Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Chalice Service will be at 6 p.m. Friday at the church. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Du Quoin. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin VFW and American Legion. Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements. Friends may make memorials to the Sacred Heart Endowment Fund, Du Quoin Knights of Columbus Mentally Retarded Children's Fund, Du Quoin VFW Disabled Veteran's Fund, Du Quoin American Legion Disabled Veteran's Fund, Du Quoin Elks Crippled Children's Fund and Du Quoin Eagles Annual Children's Christmas Party Fund. Memorials will be accepted at the funeral home.
Lester Havener
BENTON -- Lester Havener, 87, of Benton, died at 9:14 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004, at home. Services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, at the Illiopolis Christian Church in Illiopolis, with the Rev. Dale Carson and Pastor Melissa Meers officiating. Burial will be in the Mechanicsburg Cemetery in MechanicsburG. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Friday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Illiopolis Disciples of Christ or to the Benton First Christian Disciples of Christ and will be accepted at the church. Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Havener was born on Dec. 3, 1916, in Christian County, the son of Homer and Mary Ellen (Hohenstein) Havener. He married the former Virginia Young and she survives. He was self-employed farmer and welder and was the former township supervisor and road commissioner of Illiopolis Township. He was a member of the Illiopolis Christian Church, Mount Auburn Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star and Past Commander of the Illiopolis American Legion. Mr. Havener served as a staff sergeant in the Army during World War II. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Havener of Benton; three children, Leslie Cox and husband, Courtney of Benton, Julia Havener of Benton and Joseph Havener of Illiopolis; seven grandchildren, four great- grandchildren and a sister, Kathleen Earles of Chatham. Mr. Havener was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Gladys Karstetter and Edna Meeker.
Sophia Mae Zimny
VALIER -- Sophia Mae Zimny passed away Sept. 14, 2004, at home. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday in Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, with Father Steven Poole officiating. Burial will be in Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Friends may call after 6 p.m. today in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Luke Hospice. Sophia was born May 16, 1907, in Wilmington, Del., the daughter of John and Josephine Dubonouski. Her first husband, Frank Mick, died in 1947. She later married Joe Zimny and together they owned and operated Zimny's Grocery in Valier until they retired. Sophia is survived by a son, Ronald Mick of Valier; two daughters, Gerry Mercer of Valier and Marsha Coady of Phoenix, Ariz. ; daughter-in- law, Billie Zimny of Carbondale; brother, Stanley Dubonouski of Chicago; grandchildren, Frank Mercer and Melody of Valier, Kathy Mercer Smith and Donnie of Benton, Amy Mercer Prudent and John of Valier, Joseph Coady of Carbondale, Jeffery Coady of Massachusetts, Lisa Coady of Arizona, Michael Coady and Jenny of Ohio, Suzanne Coady and Jeff of Texas, Julie Spivik and Peter of Alabama, Kathryn Zimny of Missouri and Joseph Zimny and Linda of Shanghai, China; great- grandchildren, Josh Smith, Samuel and Jake Waters, Lucas and Jillian Prudent, Patrick, Brandon and Karissa Coady, Corinne and Conner Coady, Jason, Alexandria and Cynthia Spivik. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Zimny, a son, Joseph Zimny, three sisters, Mary, Jenny and Genevieve and one brother, John.
Kegan Ray Johns
MARION -- Kegan Ray Johns, 18, of Marion, died at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004, in Homestead, Fla., as a result of injuries he received as a passenger in an automobile accident. Kegan was born on March 4, 1986, in Carbondale, to Jay and Cindy (Varacalli) of Marion. As a young man, he attended Creal Springs Grade School and Marion High School and graduated Johnston City High School. He was an avid sportsman who excelled at track, football, baseball and basketball. He started playing baseball at age 4 and continued through his senior year at Johnston City High School. He ran track and cross country in the fourth grade at Creal Springs and continued until his junior year. He played football his seventh and eighth grade years in the Marion and JC Recreation League and continued until his senior year at JCHS. He played basketball in grades four through eight in Creal Springs, ninth and 10th at Marion High School and his final year at JCHS. He competed in the River to River several times. He ran most every leg of the relay, but he preferred the eighth and final leG. He was a skilled outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting deer with his father and grandfather. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He formerly worked, providing baseball instruction for Terry's Sporting Goods in Marion. Kegan loved life and lived it like there was no tomorroW. He always had a smile on his face and would help anyone who needed it. He leaves many happy and humorous memories with his family. Survivors include his parents, Jay and Cindy Johns of Marion; brother and sister-in-law, Cyle and Trista Johns of Marion; sister Kaitlyn Johns of Marion; niece, Hayleigh Johns of Marion; paternal grandparents, J. T. and Laura Johns; maternal grandfather, Nick Varacalli of Herrin; aunts and uncles, Rocco Varacalli, Nick and Laura Varacalli, Lori Varacalli and Steve Myers, all of Herrin, Greg and Melissa Johns of Marion, Tracy and Jan Johns of Fredricksburg, Va., Brandi Johns of St. Louis, and Barry Johns of Creal Springs; numerous cousins; and many friends who loved and cared for him. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother; Stella Varacalli. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 23, 2004, in Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiate. Burial will follow at White Oak Cemetery in Lake of Egypt. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22, 2004, at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home. It is Jay and Cindy's sincere request that those who would send flowers or make memorial donations would instead take their children or grandchildren to the movies or out to dinner, or spend quality time with someone you care about.
Eskridge Coleman
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Eskridge Coleman, 77, of Memphis, died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004, in Memphis Veterans Medical Center. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in First Baptist Church Broad, where he was a member. Burial will be in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. N. H. Owens and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. He was a World War II veteran. He leaves four daughters, Pamela Chambers of Flint, Mich., Karen Coleman-Scherrod and Karla Coleman, both of Memphis, Tenn., and Elaina Coleman-Spalt of Cobden; five sons, Eskridge Garrett of Gaffney, S. C., Erskin Hodo of Flint, Mich., Glen Allen of Washington, Gerald Allen of Chicago and Michael Coleman of Carbondale; two sisters, Alice Humphries of Gaffney, S. C., and Minnie Harden of Flint, Mich. ; and 14 grandchildren.
Fred E. Small Sr.
HERRIN -- Fred E. Small Sr., 86, passed away 7:10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 20, 2004, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Mr. Small was the longtime owner of Fred Small Auto Parts in Herrin and Carterville, until his retirement. He was ordained as a deacon in 1951, having served most recently at the Second Baptist Church in Herrin, and remained a faithful servant of the Lord. He served in the U. S. Navy, stationed in San Diego. As a young man, Fred was a Golden Gloves Boxer. In his retirement, he enjoyed fishing with his dearest and closest friends. He was born Nov. 3, 1917, in Murphysboro to James and Eva (Crombar) Small. Fred was united in marriage with Hazel G. Vaughn on March 16, 1941, in Cape Girardeau. She survives of Herrin. Also surviving are his children and their spouses, Fred E. Small Jr. of West Frankfort, Donna and Jack Jefferson and Judy and Bill Killman, all of Diamondhead, Miss., Randy and Cathy Small of Carterville, Cheryl McCree of Herrin, Steve and Patty Small of Arnold, Mo., Brian and Sue Small of Herrin, and Janice (Small) Bradley of Marion; 24 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a sister and brother-in-law, Imogene and Frank Swetland of Murphysboro; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Paul Laverne Small. Services will be 1:30 p.m.. Monday at the Second Baptist Church, 900 S. 11th St., Herrin. Rev. Brad Harlow will officiate. Interment will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Energy. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or the American Red Cross and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Douglas E. Kibby
WOOD RIVER -- Douglas E. Kibby, 30, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004, in his home in Wood River. Doug formerly attended Grace Church Ministries. He attended Chester High School and graduated Perryville High School. He delivered pizza. He was born May 22, 1974, in Chester, the son of Edward and Carrolle M. (Barker) Kibby. He is survived by his mother, Carrolle Kibby of Chester; his paternal grandmother, Mae Gowan of Texas; four brothers, David E. Kibby of Fairview Heights, Daniel E. Kibby and Darrell E. Kibby, both of Chester, and Dana E. Kibby of Litchfield; one sister, Denise C. Kibby of Texas; four nephews, Ryan, Daniel, Christopher and Nicholas; and one niece, Kristen. He was preceded in death by his father, his maternal grandparents and his paternal grandfather. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22, 2004, in Schroeder-McClure Funeral Chapel in Chester, with Pastor Ron Coleman officiating. Interment will be at a later date. Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22, at the Schroeder-McClure Funeral Chapel in Chester. Memorials may be made to the family.
Leslie Vinson
GALATIA -- Leslie Wayne Vinson, 94, a former Akin resident, died at 8:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004, in the Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Galatia. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, with the Rev. Larry D. Clyatt officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Etna Cemetery, Akin. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Mount Etna Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.
