Carl W. Stipes

Carl Wayne Stipes, age 81, of Benton, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Jesse Hinds officiating. Burial with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671 and the U.S. Air Force will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. A Shriner walk through service and followed by Masonic Rites will be observed at 10:30 a.m.

Carl was born on November 17, 1941, in West Frankfort, Illinois, the son of Kellis Carl Stipes, Jr. and Lucille (Fritts) Stipes. He would marry the former Judith Hewett on November 17, 1990, and she survives.

Mr. Stipes was a retired welder with Caterpillar in Joliet, IL. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from January 5, 1959, until his Honorable discharge on September 18, 1959. He was a member of the Benton American Legion Post #280 and the American Legion Motorcycle Riders.

Carl enjoyed riding his motorcycle, shooting guns, and woodworking.

He was a member of the former Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M., now known as Rend Lake Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M. located in Sesser. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton, and the International Machinists Union.

He is survived by his loving wife Judy Stipes of Benton, IL; children including: Rora Luttrell and husband William of Wilmington, IL, Sal Reyes and wife Kerry of Cary, IL, Mark Reyes of, Massachusetts, Roberta Carlson of Pennsylvania, Cindy Lou Elizado of San Antonio, TX; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren.

Mr. Stipes was preceded in death by his parents; and two infant sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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