Lota Ray Kirkman

Energy- LOTA RAY KIRKMAN, age 76, of Energy, passed away at 10:11am on Monday, January 16, 2012 at his home in Energy. Lota was born in Herrin on September 28, 1935, the son of William and Madge (Kirby) Kirkman. He married Elaine Bender in Herrin on January 20, 1957. Together, they have shared fifty-four years of marriage. She survives in Energy. Mr. Kirkman was a retired coal miner. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America. Lota was a member of the Herrin VFW and a former member of the Herrin Eagles and Herrin Elks. Survivors include his wife- Elaine Kirkman of Energy, IL; Daughter- Kimira and Scott Benton of Stafford, VA; Daughter-Sherry Kirkman of Miami Beach, FL; Son- Randall James and Mary Kirkman of St Louis, MO; 6 grandchildren- Amber and Reuss Bennett, Lindsay Benton, Krystina Benton and Douglas Vladimir Benton; Tyler and Nicholas Kirkman; 3 great grandchildren- Blake, Samantha, and Emma Bennett A Celebration of Life Service, for his many friends and family to honor and celebrate his life, will be held at 11am on Saturday July 21, 2012 at Egyptian Memorial Gardens on Route 148 in Energy. Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiate. Military honors will be provided by Herrin Military Ceremonial Team comprised of Herrin American Legion, Freeman Spur American Legion, and Herrin VFW Post. Assistance will be provided by the National Guard Flag Honor Detail. Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. Envelopes will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com