Obituaries
Death of James A. Smith
James A. Smith, 76 of Staunton, died at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 4:02 am. He was born on March 18, 1947, in Litchfield to Kenton Smith and May Yakos Smith.
He married Cheryl J. (Cherry) Smith on June 7, 1980, in Benld. He was retired after having been a dispatcher for the Illinois State Police. He was a veteran of the US Army after having served during the Vietnam era. James was a member of the VFW of Staunton and a 45-year member of the Masonic Lodge of Staunton. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Fan and a Los Angeles Rams Fan. He enjoyed John Wayne movies and listening to Patsy Cline and Tina Turner.
He is survived by his spouse, Cheryl Smith of Staunton; son, Jeff Compton of Staunton; daughter, Carrie (Ken) Malarik of Benld; grandson, Joey Orban of East Alton; brother in law, Andy (Rose) Cherry of Pleasant Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, John Smith and Bob Smith.
Friends may call on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 4:00 pm until 5:30 pm. Funeral services are Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 5:30 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie. Memorials are suggested to Wounded Warriors, St. Joseph’s Church or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
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Kelly D. Frillman, 64 of Gillespie, died at his residence on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 6:04 a.m. He was born on May 25, 1960, in Alton to Edward Frillman and LaVerne Weger Frillman.
He married Delma Volentine Frillman on April 18, 1987, in Reno, IL. He was a pipefitter for Local 553 of Wood River. Kelly enjoyed classic cars especially his 1934 Ford Pickup. Kelly was a craftsman of many talents and enjoyed nature.
He is survived by his spouse, Delma Frillman of Gillespie, and children, Zack Frillman of Mt. Olive and Dylan (Shelby) Frillman of Wood River.
Kelly was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mark Frillman.
Visitation will be on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Bunker Hill from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Peter’s Lutheran School. Kravanya Funeral Home, Bunker Hill is in charge of the arrangements.
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Chlorus Donald Jarman III, 46 of Litchfield, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 9:48 p.m. at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. Mr. Jarman was born in Springfield on December 22, 1978, a son of Chlorus Donald and Donna Jean Jarman Jr.
He graduated from Litchfield High School, then attended college to become a paramedic. He married the former Faye Lee in 1999; they later divorced. In his free time, he enjoyed playing darts and fishing. He was a member of the Zims Rack Pool League and he had acquired many medals and trophies.
Chlorus is survived by a son, Logan Jarman, and two daughters, Corianne Jarman and Caitlyn Jarman, all of Worden.
A memorial service is planned for a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family. Plummer Funeral Home is serving the family.
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Letha Marie Fritz, 66 of O’Fallon, formerly of Staunton, passed away at 8:55 PM on Monday, May 5, 2025, at her residence in O’Fallon. She was born on March 13, 1959, in Staunton, the daughter of the late Harley O. and Maxine (Huett) Williams.
Letha was employed as a production worker at Olin Corporation in East Alton. She was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union, and was a past member of Cross Community Church in Staunton. She loved to fish, was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and the #1 fan of her grandchildren!
She is survived by two children, Harley (Nikki) Williams of O’Fallon and Florence (Kenneth) Muhoro of Troy; five grandchildren, Kenia, Zuri, River, Ava, and Davion; three sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters; one brother; two grandchildren; and one niece.
Visitation will be held from 11 AM to 12 noon on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton. A memorial service will follow at 12 noon on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.
