Dennis Cripps - Benton, IL Dennis Cripps, 63, of Benton, died at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, June 30, 2012 at Touchette Regional Hospital in Centerville, IL. Mr. Cripps was born on September 17, 1948 in East St. Louis, IL the son of Oral Clinton Cripps and Thelma Yvonne (Shackleton) Cripps. Dennis was a retired mailman and an active member of the National Association of Letter Carriers. He enjoyed helping others with repair projects never expecting anything in return. From 1976 to 1979 Dennis was the Sunday morning gospel music program host at WFRX in West Frankfort and from 1981 to 1986 he hosted the Sunday morning radio show at WQRL. He liked making stained glass of all sorts. Surviving relatives include four children, Christopher (Geraldine) Cripps, Paris, France, Theresa (Shane) Ellis, Brownville, NY, Timothy D. (Carrie Peacock) Cripps, Memphis, TN, Matthew W. (Tiffany) Cripps, Washington, IL, seven grandchildren, Brittani, Ryan, and Keely Ellis, all of Brownville, NY, Damian X. Cripps, Rylie P. Cripps, both of Washington, IL, Parker and Aidan Cripps, both of Memphis, TN, as well as his longtime companion, Sharon Pinkerton, Royalton, IL, two brothers, Wayne Cripps, East Carondelet, IL, James Cripps, Las Vegas, NV, two sisters, Sarah Cripps-Rains, Houston, TX, Norma Dailey, Crossville, TN, several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his beloved Wheaton Terrier, "Bob". Mr. Cripps was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Melvin Cripps, and one sister, Marian Morris. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 5, 2012 at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Benton. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with Father Trevor Murry officiating. Burial will be in the Miner' Cemetery in Royalton. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John' Catholic School, 703 E. Main St., West Frankfort, IL 62896 or the Benton-West City Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry and will be accepted at the funeral home. Visit www.hobbsjohnson.com to sign the memorial guestbook.