Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Mar 2, 1927 - Apr 29, 2017
I loved him as my doctor from the time I was a little kid, until he retired.
He was nice, funny, caring, and took the time to listen.
He came out to our house multiple times to make a house call when we needed him.
He has been missed in our family's life.
He enjoyed some of our veggies from our garden.
Becky DeHollander
August 19, 2025 | Charleston, IL | Friend
Loved Dr Ramsey, he deliver all my kids except one.
Anna Ruphard
July 28, 2020 | Arcola, IL | Friend
I am so very sorry I missed Dr Ramsey's memorial. A friend in Coles Co told me they would let me know when the memorial was held, but they had some family problems with health and forgot to notify me. I started going to Dr Ramsey when I was a sophomore @ EIU in '64. After graduation and teaching in IN for a few years I returned to Coles Co to teach in Mattoon. I also returned to Dr Ramsey as a patient in '73. He was my doctor, and a very GOOD doctor, until he retired. I cried when he retired....
Sharon Skaggs
September 07, 2017 | Stoy, IL
My mother and I started going to Dr. Ramsey in 1956. I remember his office on 6th St. My mother always said, "Dr. Ramsey takes time to listen to you." My mother was not a person to open up, but she did to Dr. Ramsey. She trusted him completely. I also remember him coming to our house more than once. We were all so lucky to have had him in our lives. Forever grateful.
Charles Middleton
August 14, 2017 | Charleston, IL
Add your message here. My heart is full . Our families have such a long and meandering history. He was with my mother, Dorothy, when she passed
with breast cancer in 1977. He saved 2 of my brothers lives in different times and places. He will
continue to be thought of often by my sister,Jennifer.
He was the personification of the human man. ...
Both wonderfully perfect and had feet of clay. May
he Rest In Peace from worldly cares and passions.
First NameRebecca Last NameRowe-Moran
August 14, 2017 | Citysullivan, IL
We are sorry to learn of Dr. Ramsey's passing. He was a great physician to all who needed him!
Velma and Don Spence
August 13, 2017 | Charleston, IL
Back in 1955 is the first time I had the chance to go to Doc. Ramsey as I has cut my foot almost off in a lawn mower. I was a Jr. in high school, that same year I was in a bad car accident & rushed to the old hospital on Division and he saved my life as I had a punctured lung & a large potion of my face from the windshield of the car as my face went through it. I had a bad broken leg, etc. He was my hero!!! I joined the Navy after high school and made sure I came home to let Doc. deliver my...
Patricia Shannon
August 13, 2017 | Charlston, IL
So sad to hear of Dr Ramsey's passing. He was my beloved doc, delivering all my children but one. Consoling me during the loss of my son. I will be forever grateful to him.
Lee Ruphard
August 11, 2017 | Sarasota, FL
Very fond of Dr. Ramsey. He was my doctor as a kid. He attended my dad's funeral.
Kim Brown
August 08, 2017 | Paris, IL
CHARLESTON, IL – Charles Estel Ramsey, age 90 of Wilmore, Kentucky and formerly of Charleston, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2017 at home surrounded by his wife and children. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 14, 2017 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2204 Fourth Street in Charleston, with Reverend Dr. Bob Swickard officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to a charity of the donor’s preference. A private graveside inurnment, for family only, will be at the Thomas Lincoln (Shiloh) Cemetery.
Charles was born March 2, 1927 at home on the farm during a snow storm in “the thicket” area of Gallatin County, Illinois. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 1, 1944. In 1950 he graduated from Medical School from the University of Illinois-Chicago. He served as a naval medical officer at Camp Lejeune and Great Lakes, then joined a private practice in Ridgeway, Illinois. In 1954 he moved to Coles County, Illinois where he practiced medicine for the remainder of his career. He was a farmer at heart, regularly taking drives to see the crops grow. He enjoyed a cup of coffee and a listening ear as he talked politics, farm prices and bragged on the successes of those he loved. He was a lifelong learner who enjoyed taking classes, reading and traveling. He was involved in community organizations including Rotary, Masonic Lodge, Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum, and others too numerous to mention. He will be remembered by many as a man that was dedicated to his patients, able to recall their name, birthday and family history.
He was preceded in death by a son, Ken; his brother, Lee and a sister, Lola. Survivors include, Marjorie, his wife of 65 years, and their children, Laurel (Jon) Kniskern, Chuck, Joyce Ramsey (Ward Freeman), Martha (Mike) Wanous, Joe (Shirley), daughter-in-law, Elise Ramsey; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; his older sisters, Wilma and Genevieve.
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