Kenneth E. “Chuck” Charles

Kenneth Edgar “Chuck” Charles , 87, of Effingham, IL, passed away at 12:48 a.m., Thursday, September 12, 2024, in his residence.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, October 5, 2024, in Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL, with Pastor Rodney Burton officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Saturday, October 5 ^th in the funeral home, with Masonic Rites at 11:45 a.m. conducted by Jackson Masonic Lodge #53. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Beecher City, IL, with military rites by the Effingham Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to Shriners Hospital for Children or Jackson Masonic Lodge #53 in Shelbyville, IL.

Kenneth was born to Edgar and Lillie May (Reed) Charles in Jenkins, KY on May 6, 1937.  Having spent 24 years in the Air Force, he retired and worked for the City of Shelbyville for 20 years as a supervisor of Glenwood Cemetery.  He retired again, only to go to work at the VA Clinic in Effingham, Illinois. He married Edna Smith-Owens on March 23, 1970. Chuck was a member of the Ansar Shrine in Springfield, IL, Shelby County Shrine Safety Club, Heart Shrine of Effingham, IL, Jackson Masonic Lodge #53, Order of the Easter Star Paxton, IL; and a lifetime member of the Blue Lodge and Effingham VFW Post #1769. He also served as Treasurer of Non-Commissioned Officers Association and Non-Commissioned Officers Association – Enlisted Association.

He leaves his daughter, Celena A. Charles of Longmont, Colorado; twins, Karen June Stevens and Kenneth E. Charles both of Piqua, Ohio; daughter, Teresa Ann Charles of Piqua, Ohio; daughter, Nancy McDonald (Larry) of Indianapolis, Indiana; step-daughter, Linda Koeberlein (Phillip) of Williamsville, IL; 3 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Lillie May (Reed) Charles; wife Edna Smith-Owens Charles.; brothers, John, William, James, Bradley Dean and Jackie; and sisters, Sarah, Ruby Ann and Katherine.