Charles A. Williams

Charles “Chuck” Williams, 87, of Washington, formerly of East Peoria, passed away at 12:55 am Sunday, July 18, 2021 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. He was born March 1, 1934 in Canton, IL to the late Clarence and Wilma Gustine Williams. He married Carolyn Bennett; he later married Brenda “Sue” Hooker on December 22, 1979. She preceded him in death on August 7, 2017. Surviving are two sons, Scott (Vickie) Williams, Michael (Alissa) Williams; three bonus children, Ellen (Doug) Henderson, Kent Hooker, Todd (Amie) Hooker; 11 grandchildren, Andrew, Tyler and Courtney Williams, Luci and Abbi Williams, JT (Ashley) Henderson, Ryan (Rachel) Hooker, Brandon (Sarah) Hooker, Marissa (Cole) Menichini, Kylie and Chloe Hooker; four great-grandchildren, Gavin Williams, Kylie Boeke, Everett and Luna Hooker. Chuck was born and raised in Canton, IL. He attended Canton High School, Knox College and Bradley University. He served in the United States Navy and naval reserves for 6 years. Chuck taught International Relations, Civics, was a counselor and served as the announcer at football and basketball games at East Peoria Community High School for 6 years. He then began his 30-year career with CAT. He worked as a staff analyst in the overseas compensation department, worked in college relations and retired as the manager of professional employment. Chuck enjoyed traveling the country to many colleges and universities to recruit engineering students to work at CAT. Chuck was civic minded, serving as fund-raising chairman during the construction of the Fon du Land YMCA in East Peoria, and as a member of the East Peoria Grade School Board of Education for 9 years. He also faithfully served the citizens of East Peoria as a member of the City Council for 8 year. Chuck was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Downtown Peoria, Hilton Masonic Lodge in East Peoria, Scottish Rite and the Mohammed Shrine. He recently celebrated his 66th Masonic anniversary. He also served as a member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Chuck enjoyed spending time overseeing his farm, hunting and fishing with family and friends. He dearly loved his family and always enjoyed the time he spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was lovingly known as Papa. Chuck enjoyed watching movies, his favorites were James Bond and John Wayne. Chuck was patriotic and liked all things red, white and blue, especially the American Flag. On the 4th of July, he was known to spend more time changing his patriotic shirts than watching the fireworks from his home on Fon du Lac Drive. The family would like to thank the staff from the Villas of Holly Brook- Washington and the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home for their wonderful care of Chuck. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, July 29, 2021 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. His funeral service will be at 10 am Friday, July 30th at the funeral home. A graveside service will follow at 1 pm Friday at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or to The Baby Fold at 108 E. Willow Street in Normal, IL 61761.