SESSER – Lyle Gene Utlaut, 85, of Sesser, died Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at Stonebridge Nursing Center in Benton.

He was born Feb. 27, 1940, in Greenville, Ill., to Harold and Orvetta (Ulmet) Utlaut. He married Marilyn Sue (Wingo) Utlaut on July 15, 1972, and she survives.

He is also survived by his children, Rick (Teresa) Utlaut of Sesser; Starla (Tim) Jay of Johnston City, Ill.; Jason (Joni) Utlaut of Sesser; and Mark Utlaut of St. Louis; grandchildren, Ashley Williams, Courtney Utlaut, Brianna (Shawn) Gilbreath, Hannah Utlaut, Wyatt Utlaut, Adalynn Utlaut and Sylvie Utlaut; great-grandchildren, Kiley Williams, Malakai Cavins, Gabriella Delgadillo, Graciella Delgadillo, Kayden Stone, Ares Utlaut, Mia Utlaut, Brayden Miller, Braylee Utlaut and Braxton Wilson; and one special little buddy, Lilly Rose Hittle.

He was a coal miner and a U.S. Army veteran.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Donald Utlaut; and brother, Sterling Utlaut.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, with Brother Walter Rexing officiating. Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

For more information, go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.