Gary Wendell Poynor - Benton, IL Gary Wendell Poynor, 71, of Benton, IL, went home to be with the Lord and the love of his life at 10:14 p.m. Friday, September 2, 2011 at Herrin Hospital. He was surrounded by his family. Mr. Poynor was born on July 10, 1940 in Hamilton County, IL, the son of Loren and Wilma (Nalley) Poynor. He married the love of his life, the former Linda Kay Evans, on July 18, 1959 and she preceded him in death on October 11, 2007. Gary was a concrete finisher and contractor and was the owner/operator of Poynor Concrete. He was a past business agent for the OP and CMIA. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Charity Lodge in Benton, IL where he served as Noble Grand and was a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery Board in Benton, IL. In later years he enjoyed restoring antique automobiles and also worked for J.W. Reynolds Monument Company as a sales representative. He was blessed with the ability to make people smile. His stories and one-liners accentuated his character. He was a member of the New Life Church of God in Benton. Surviving relative include his two children, Steve Poynor and wife Tammy, Benton, IL, Rebecca Wallace and husband David, West Frankfort, IL, nine grandchildren, Larry Levault, Spokane, WA, Jared Westerland, Tyler, Joshua, and Alyssa Poynor, all of Benton, IL, Bethany, Madison, Savannah Grace, and Max Wallace, all of West Frankfort, IL, one sister, Mary Lampley, Benton, IL, a half-brother, Jim Carroll, Benton, IL, one great-granddaughter, Jayda Kay Kind, Benton, IL, special niece, Rhonda Trusty, Benton, IL, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Poynor was preceded in death by his parents, wife of forty-eight years, Linda, step-father, Joe Carroll, two brothers, Richard and Paul Poynor, and one sister, Melba Higgerson. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, IL. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the New Life Church of God with Pastors Cameron Trusty and Preston House officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Church of God, 707 N. DuQuoin, Benton, IL 62812. "So be truly glad, there is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while." 1st Peter 1:6 Visit www.hobbsjohnson.com to sign the memorial guestbook.