BENTON – Paul Franklin Forsythe, age 86, of Benton, passed away at 5:15 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Franklin Hospital in Benton.
Paul was born on July 14, 1939, in Benton, Illinois, the son of Robert Forsythe and Nellie (Hickey) Forsythe. He married the former Darla Biggs on July 14, 1962, and together they shared 63 years of marriage.
He was a graduate of BCHS, Class of 1957. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in South Korea.
He formerly worked for International Harvester, Illinois Central Railroad, Freeman United Coal Company Mine #3, and finished his working career with Crown Mining, Mine #3, of Farmersville, IL.
He was a member and trustee of Ewing Baptist Church.
Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf with his brothers.
Surviving is his loving wife, Darla Forsythe of Benton, IL; two sons: Scott Forsythe and wife Joyce of Whittington, IL, and Mike Forsythe and wife Shannon of Pleasant Plains, IL; grandchildren: Kyle Forsythe of Mechanicsburg, IL, Kelsey Forsythe and husband Diego Pina of St. Louis, MO, Justin Forsythe of Ewing, IL, Matthew Forsythe of Benton, IL, and Khilee McGuire of Carterville, IL; step-grandchildren: Skip Thomas of Benton, IL, Melissa Schultz of Benton, IL, and Rocky Thomas of Papillion, NE; a great-grandson, Travis Scott Forsythe; two brothers: Sandy Forsythe of Benton, IL, and Terry Forsythe of Ewing, IL; and a niece, Cris Forsythe-Vondras of Ewing, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Jerome Forsythe; a brother, Bobby Dean Forsythe; two sisters-in-law, Helen Forsythe and Barbara Forsythe; a niece, Gina Forsythe; and a nephew, Terry Forsythe, Jr.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Ewing Baptist Church, with Pastor Nathan Dilliner officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the church.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Ewing Baptist Church and will accept them at the services.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Paul, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
.