Joel Bryant (J.B.) Kearney - Benton, IL Joel Bryant Kearney, 86, was born January 16, 1924 in West City, IL. He passed away on September 23, 2010 at Stonebridge Senior Living Center in Benton. Joel was the loving father of six daughters. He had thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He loved life and was known regionally as a musician, artist and community leader. Joel worked many years as a sign painter and his work is still seen throughout Franklin County. He was probably best known as the regions famed jazz guitarist and had a loyal following throughout many decades. During his life he was involved in local politics and served as mayor of West City in the 1970s. He was instrumental in bringing business to West City and helping to form the municipality it is today. He also served for a time as precinct committeeman, Browning Township Supervisor, Franklin County Board Member and Benton Grade School Board Member. He served his country in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman during World War II. He is survived by his first wife, Viola (Story) Kearney Werlinger, West City, IL and his daughters, Ramona Kearney, Benton, IL and her children Sarah Carlton and husband John and Miles Williams and special friend Breanna Morris, Christine Kearney and husband David, Austin, TX and their children, Joel Perry and fiance, Ashley Taylor, Dylan and Delaney Kearney, Kay Pfeiffer and husband Jeff, Henderson, NV and her daughter Macy Kearney, Rebecca Benedict and husband Kenny of rural Mulkeytown, IL and their children, Emily Kearney and fiance, Brandon Fitzpatrick, Chelsea Zettler and husband Travis and Chloe Benedict, Donna Smith and husband Troy of rural Harrisburg, IL and their children Lonnie Mann III and wife Rosalind, and Jennifer and Andrew Smith, Jane Kearney, Benton, IL and her daughter Ashley Kearney. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Jayden Taylor and Vance Bryant Perry, Ireland and Ellyana Fitzpatrick, Lonnie Lee Mann IV and Kourtnie Godden and twins, Makanda and Connor Williams, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend James and Fannie (Sanders) Kearney of West City, ten brothers and sisters, Ulla Kearney Summers, Elbert Kearney, Delmar Kearney, Maude Kearney Browning, Ella Kearney Hargrove, Aline Kearney Smothers, Joe Kearney, and three siblings Mary, Sylvester and Hazel May, who each died in childhood. Also preceding him in death is his second wife, Patricia (Sylvester) Kearney. Joel Kearney (J.B.) will be sadly missed by his many friends and family. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, IL. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL with military rites performed by the Benton American Legion and V.F.W. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959. Visit www.hobbsjohnson.com to sign the memorial guestbook.