Charles Walter Helsley of Du Quoin
Charles Walter Helsley, 90, of Du Quoin, passed away at 9:23 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020 at his residence.
Charles had been an electrician for Freeman United Coal and Kerr-McGee Coal companies. He also was a delivery driver for the Du Quoin Evening Call. Charles was a member of the Sunfield United Methodist Church. He was a United States Army veteran of World War II.
Charles was a member and past Master of the Du Quoin Masonic Lodge 234. He was a member of Ainad Shrine Temple of East St. Louis, the Perry County Shrine, and the Du Quoin American Legion. Charles was a participant in the 2018 Southern Illinois Honor Flight.
He was born Oct. 12, 1929 at West Frankfort, Illinois, the son of Walter and Lula Belle (Todd) Helsley.
He married Judith Ann Eaton on Dec. 7, 1968 at the Sunfield Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin; five children, Jacqueline Remrey of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Cathy Chaney, Launa (Roger) Harsy, Sherri (Ralph) Smith, and Travis (Ronda) Helsley, all of Du Quoin; one brother, Hubert Wayne (Ann) Helsley of Boonville, Indiana; 22 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Tad Walter Remrey; one son-in-law, Gary Chaney; two brothers, Don and Darrel; and four sisters, Connie, Christine, Barb and Mary.
Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 at the Du Quoin United Pentecostal Church with the Rev. Bill Wiggs officiating.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church.
Masonic services will be at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the church.
Phase 4 of Restore Illinois requires everyone in attendance to wear a mask and to practice social distancing.
Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.
Friends are invited to make memorials to the Sunfield United Methodist Church, which will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.