Gent Funeral Home

05/13/2026

Jerry Wayne Richards, 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, passed away May 8, 2026 at John Cochran VA Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Born December 10, 1947 in Wood River Township, he was the son of Samuel Lee and Laura (Shepherd) Richards. He served in the U.S. Army as a machine gunner in Vietnam, 1967-1970.
He married Shirley (Wolf) Dorsey in Alton, IL on March 23, 1972.
He was taught some carpentry, plumbing and all-around handyman skills, by his late father-in-law, Carl Wolf.
He worked as a Journeyman Tree Trimmer and eventually owner and operator of “Richards and Son Tree Service.” He taught our son, Michael, to climb and he also became a great tree trimmer who is still working today. Jerry loved spending time with his family. He loved anything chocolate. He also loved having the TV on, whether he was watching it or not and he was a jokester.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, Kristina Richards, son, Michael Richards (fiancé Terri Brant). Six grandchildren, Jake Richards, Alyssa Moore, Zachariah Moore, and Mariah Moore, Mike Richards II, Devin Green (wife, Morgan), five great grandchildren, Sophia (her sister) Hensley, Brooklyn, DJ, Avery and Elijah. A sister, Shirley Gonzales (husband, Felix) in Texas City, TX, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Henry Edward, William Lee, Donald Eugene, and sister, Mary Evelyn Williamson.
He is now with his Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was cremated per his wishes, and a private military funeral service will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

05/13/2026

Dateline: Collinsville
Francisco Javier Gonzalez, 54, passed away at 9:02 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at St. Louis University Hospital. He was born November 29, 1971 in Zacatecas, Mexico, the son of the late Thomas Gonzalez Escobedo and Julia Hernandez Lopez. He worked for Amsted Rail in Granite City as a welder for 23 years. He is survived by his three children, Maria Gonzalez, Lucy Gonzalez, and Hunter Gonzalez. He is also survived by his siblings, Martin, Maria Sonia, Rita, and Maria Del Risario. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Jose Felix, Marta, Jose Pantaleon, and Jose Luis. Cremation rites were accorded. A celebration of life will be held at Riviera Maya Restaurant in Alton, IL at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2026. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

05/13/2026

Dateline: Alton, IL
Larry H. Buhs, 85, died at 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at La Bella of Edwardsville. Born February 9, 1941 in Alton, he was the son of Edwin and Ella (Meyer) Buhs. On December 2, 1961 he married the former Carol Sue Churchill in Alton. She survives. Larry retired as a Journeyman Mold Maker for Owens Illinois in Alton after more than 30 years of service. He served as past president of Alton Wood River Sportsman’s Club and loved to fish and hunt. He worked hard and he played hard! Along with his wife, he is survived by four daughters, Pamela DeAngelo (Tony) of Shiloh, Cindy St. Peters of Brighton, Dr. Stephanie Monroe (Joe) of Godfrey and Rebecca Robeen (Wayne) of Godfrey. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Brianna Nitz (Brandon), Captain Nicholas DeAngelo (Sally), Alex St. Peters, Hannah Berrey (Andrew), Jacob St. Peters (Sydney Mossman), Ryan St. Peters (Dylan), Bella Monroe, Christian Monroe, Cody West (Megan), and Larry Austin West (Courtney), eight great grandchildren; Reed, Juniper and Silas Nitz, Jackson St. Peters, Theodore Berrey, Olivia and Henry West and Letty Sue West and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by one brother, Robert Buhs (Carol) of Godfrey. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Buhs, and two sisters, Jean Bertels and Maxine Sauerwein. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until time of memorial service at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. The Reverend Hugh Fitz will officiate. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Alton Wood River Sportsman’s Club. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

05/06/2026

Randall “Randy” Erthal, 74, died at 10:35 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at his home in Godfrey. Born February 14, 1952 in Alton, he was the son of Albert John and Ruth Amelia (Heins) Erthal. On February 14, 1991 he married the former Mitzi Jo Withers in Wood River. She survives. Randy retired as an operator for Amoco-BP and was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. Along with his wife, he is survived by a step-son, John Curtis of Kirkwood, MO, five grandchildren, a brother, Donald Walter Erthal Sr. of Godfrey and his good golfing buddy, Paul Haar of Godfrey. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Erthal and a nephew, Donald Walter Erthal Jr. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2026 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. Father Steve Janoski will officiate. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Godfrey. Memorials may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Church or the 5A’s Animal Shelter. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

04/22/2026

Dateline: Brighton
Regina Helene Huber, 86, died at 8:28 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at her home in Brighton. Born March 13, 1940 in Schmolln, Gau Thuriugia, German Reich, she was the daughter of Kurt E. and Helene L. (Buechner) Erler. She married Wilbur Frank Huber on July 4, 1958 in Brighton. He preceded her in death on May 25, 2015. Surviving are two daughters, Angela Rose (Michael) and Rebecca Huber (Shawn Packer), two sons, Patrick “Rick” Huber (Janet) and David Huber (Kelly), 10 grandchildren, Ryan Huber, Jennifer McEachern (Jack), Samantha Courtney (Jerry), Justin Rose (Samara), Anna Rose, Kaitlyn Rose, Jamie Huber, Rin Huber, Jessica Gilliam (Ashley), and Kevin Howard (Hailey) and one great grandchild, Vallie Rae Howard. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, John Huber, a grandson, Damian Huber and sister, Ruth Thieme. Graveside services will be private at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

04/22/2026

Dateline: Alton
Linda Kaye Cannon, 84, died at 4:49 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Alton Memorial Hospital after a short illness. Born March 10, 1942 in Niantic, IL, she was the daughter of Roy and Lorena (Kefaufer) Benvenuto. On June 8, 1984 she married Floyd “Roy” Cannon in Godfrey. He preceded her in death on March 2, 2007. Mrs. Cannon retired as a secretary for Irving School in the Alton School District and faithfully attended First Baptist Church of Brighton. She was known for baking and giving away coffee cakes and lemon pies and had collected 1000’s of recipes over the years. She was most often found outside, gardening, mowing, pruning, planting and feeding her birds. She enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinal’s baseball games. Surviving are two stepsons, Jeff Cannon (Flo) of Loudon, TN and Jerry Cannon (Donna) of Alton, one grandson, Kevin Thomas Cockrell of Poplar Bluff, MO, four step-grandchildren, Parker, Dana, Mark and Jamie. Also surviving is a daughter-in-law, Rachel Cannon of Zebulon, Georgia, sister, Phyllis Benvenuto of Wood River, a sister-in-law, Ann Cannon of Godfrey, a cousin, Joyce Ann Seitzer (Herb) of Springfield, IL, nieces and nephews and her church family. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, George Martin Cockrell, a step-daughter, Janice Lynn Richard, and a brother, Charles “Ben” Benvenuto. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Brighton. Pastor Don Letson will officiate. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Brighton. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

04/22/2026

Dateline: Godfrey

Theodore “Ted” or “Teddy” Anthony DeNardo III, 61, passed away on April 19, 2026, at
his home in Godfrey, Illinois. He was born December 5, 1964, in Washington D.C. and
was the son of Theodore Anthony DeNardo II and Judy (Lane) DeNardo.

Ted proudly served his country in the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd
Airborne Division. After being honorably discharged from the military, he became a
master electrician and eventually met Kelly, whom he lovingly referred to as “my lovely
bride” all throughout their 27 years of marriage.

Ted was a man that always tipped well, helped anyone that asked to a fault, could give
you an often unprompted, history lesson of every building in the St. Louis and Madison
County area, and cooked a mean pepperloin that would “make a rabbit slap a hound”
(his words). He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, loyal brother, and
he will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore Anthony DeNardo II. Ted is survived
by his mother, Judy, his sister, Christine (Alex), his wife of 27 years, Kelly, his children,
Katie, Tyrone, Alex (Jodie), Kaleigh, and Isabella, his grandson, Kaiden, and four
nephews, Julian, Juan Jose, Alexito, and Allan.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at one of Ted’s favorite places, Mac’s, at 315
Belle Street, Alton, IL on Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 3:00-7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks, in honor of his father, memorials be made to the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

04/21/2026

Dateline: Godfrey

Thomas “Tom” Patrick Clark, 80, passed away peacefully at 5:13 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, with his family by his side. In his final days, he was cared for by an extraordinary Neuro ICU team who fought hard for Tom through their incredible knowledge, kindness and compassion. His family will forever be grateful. In keeping with his thoughtful nature, Tom’s final gift was through tissue donation with Mid-America Transplant.
Born May 16, 1945, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Tom was the son of Vincent and Catherine (Walsh) Clark. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and later worked as a maintenance electrician for St. Mary’s Hospital and Touchette Hospital in East St. Louis. He retired in 2012 after many years of dedicated service.
Tom lived with Parkinson’s disease for eight years, facing it with great strength and determination. Through programs like Rock Steady Boxing and the Big and Loud program at St. Anthony’s, he remained active and continued to live a full and meaningful life.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Crystal, with whom he shared more than 50 years of marriage; his son, Timothy; daughter, Claudia; son-in-law Matthew; two sweet grandsons; bonus grandchildren; and brother, Dennis Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents Vincent and Catherine Clark, and his brothers Vincent, Bernard, Harry, and Robert Clark.
Celebration of Life services will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 beginning at 1:30 p.m. with a service at 3:00 p.m., at the Muenstermann Pavilion in Alton’s Gordon Moore Park. Memorials may be made to Rock Steady Boxing at Senior Services Plus to support others living with Parkinson’s disease.
Tom will be remembered most for his devotion to his family, his strong work ethic, and his quiet resilience.
He is deeply missed.
Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

04/15/2026

Dateline: Palm Bay, Florida

Edna Mae Baehler passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord April 11, 2026 in Palm Bay, Florida. She was born Edna Mae Wiser April 12, 1935 in Carlinville Illinois to William Glen Wiser and (Della) Ara Dell (Dyer) Wiser. She had 2 sisters, Joyce (Wiser) Kettlehake...

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04/01/2026

Larry Niel Moehn, age 87, passed away on March 30, 2026. He was born on February 18, 1939, in Alton, Illinois.

Larry was a graduate of Marquette High School, class of 1957. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in 1961, and later his master’s degree from Indiana University in 1963.

He dedicated over 30 years of his professional life as a professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he made a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues.

Larry was the beloved husband of Louise Moehn, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. She preceded him in death. Their marriage was a remarkable partnership built on love, shared purpose, and an unwavering commitment to family and community.

He was a devoted father to Andrew Moehn; Kristin Bower (Roy); Michael Moehn (Lisa Nielsen); John Moehn (Joy); and Steve Moehn (Kara). He was a proud grandfather to Allan, Matthew, Danny, Andrew (AJ), Bradley, Patrick, Anna, Zach, Alex, Jacob, Sofia, and Stella, each of whom brought him immense joy.

Larry was also a cherished brother to Tom and Nick Moehn.

Larry was the owner and operator of Mid-Illinois Gymnastics and Dance Academy for over 60 years, dedicating himself to mentoring and coaching generations of young athletes including the elite level (Olympic Trials).

He also spent numerous years volunteering and promoting the Special Olympics, reflecting his deep commitment to inclusion, youth development, and the power of sport to change lives.

Larry was a remarkable all-around athlete, even giving up an opportunity to play baseball in the Chicago Cubs minor league system in order to begin his career and start his family.

In recognition of his lifelong commitment to youth development and the sport of gymnastics, Larry—along with his wife, Louise—was honored with the USA Gymnastics Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his passion, leadership, and lasting impact.

Above all, Larry will be remembered for his strength, generosity, and deep devotion to his family. His influence lives on through the many lives he shaped as a teacher, coach, mentor, husband, father, and grandfather.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

A private Mass and burial service will be held for the immediate family only. A celebration of life for Larry and Louise will follow at a later date, where all friends are invited to join. Details will be shared when available.

Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

03/31/2026

Dateline: Alton
Sharon Davis, 85, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026 at Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home. She was born on October 30, 1941 in Mammoth Spring Arkansas, the daughter of the late Clifford and Imogene (Colley) Nicholson. She is survived by her daughter Rebecca (Monty) Schwaab, grandson Robb (Amy) Davis, and great grandson Gibson Musial Davis. Other survivors include two half-sisters: Wanda Nicholson of Cottage Hills and Pam Nicholson of Bethalto, one-half brother, Dennis Nicholson of Cottage Hills, and step brother Rod (Lori) Smith of Arizona. She was proceeded in death by her brother Russell Nicholson and two step brothers, Paul and Virgil Harlan.
Sharon, like the majority of her siblings, retired from the United State Postal Service, finishing her time at the Remote Encoding Center in Brandon, FL after many years spent working at the Bulk Mail Center in Hazelwood, MO. In retirement, she spent several years working for the Los Angeles Dodgers at their ‘Dodger Town’ spring training and minor league complex in Vero Beach, FL.
She was a rolling stone, leading her back and forth from Illinois to Florida several times along with a stopover in Texas during a stretch of her life spent in the aeronautics industry, starting at McDonnell (later McDonnell-Douglas) and later Grumman and Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin). She was devout in her Catholic faith found later in life and was a lover of music, dancing, animals, baseball, good whiskey, and not necessarily in that order. She was the life of the party in every room she chose to be, with a sense of humor shaped by frequent stints in the service industry over two decades.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday April 22, 2026 from 2pm to 5pm at the Alton Motor Boat Club at 11134 Harbor Dell in Godfrey.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s church in Alton. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com