Obituaries
Death of William A. Bates
William A. Bates, 81, of Gillespie, passed Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 11:47 am at his home after a long illness. Mr. Bates, who was retired after a career in business, served as a communication specialist in the U.S. Air Force from 1948 to 1968, serving in the Philippines, Alaska, South America, and being involved in the Project Gemini space program. He retired as a master sergeant (E-7) and was later a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion.
He is survived by his wife Nancy Bates of Gillespie, step daughters, Gina (Brian) Olmsted of Rockford, IL, Mary (David) Whittington of Springfield, MO, Paula (Brian) Mulvany of Ferguson, MO, step son, George (Michelle) Caccioppo of Nixa, MO, step grandchildren, Austin Wittington, Kayla Wittington, Kara Peterson, Joshua Mulvany, Bethany Mulvany, Sara Mulvany, Bailey Caccioppo, Sophia Caccioppo, step great granddaughter, Sophia Mulvany, brother, Dudley Bates of Alamont Springs, FL, sisters, Ginger (Patrick) Murphy of Daphne, AL, Connie (Marty) Shelton of Moulton, AL, several nieces and nephews.
Born August 16, 1930, in Jasper Alabama, Mr. Bates graduated from Parrish High School, Parrish, Alabama, in 1948. He married Nancy Smith on January 26, 1976 in Springfield IL. He is preceded in death by his father Bankhead Bates, mother Elizabeth (Smith) Bates, and stepmother Virginia Bates.
Friends may call on Saturday, January 7, 2012 from 2 – 4 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie. Memorial services will be held at 4:00 pm by Rev. Brian Mulvany.
His remains were cremated. Memorials can be made to the Gillespie – Benld Area Ambulance Service, United Methodist Church of Gillespie, or Adopt A Pet.
Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
