Charles E. Brown

1949 - 2025

Charles E. Brown

August 7, 1949 - April 17, 2025

Charles E. Brown, 75, of Mattoon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

A funeral service in his honor will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938; Reverend Steve Morgan will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow in Dodge Grove Cemetery. The visitation will be held Wednesday evening, April 23, 2025, from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM at the funeral home.

Charlie was born on August 7, 1949, to the late M. Burnett "Brownie" and Gladys M. (McCoy) Brown. He married his life partner, Judith "Judy" Anne Hall, on November 16, 1968, in Mattoon, IL. She survives him, along with their children: Donavon Brown and his wife Carol of Mt. Zion, IL, Cindy Temple of Mattoon, IL. He was a proud grandfather to Dustin Temple and his wife Katlyn of Peoria, IL, Zachary Temple and fiancée Kayana of Sunnyvale, CA, Hannah Kremer and her husband Elijah of Charleston, SC, and Grace Brown of Mt. Zion, IL. Other survivors include his brother, Roger E. Brown and wife Jerie of Mattoon, IL and sister Mary B. Brummet and husband Mark of St. Charles, MO. He is preceded in death by his brother, David M. Brown and sister, Donna M. Jenkins.

Charlie dedicated 55 years to running Brown's Auto Sales, a business he poured his heart into before retiring. He also gave generously of his time and spirit as an active member and Trustee of the Mattoon Eagles Club for over thirty-five years.

He had a passion for Westerns, cherished his lunches at Spanky's, and loved relaxing in his favorite chair at the Eagles Club. But above all, his greatest joy came from the visits and laughter shared with his grandkids, whose smiles always brought out his trademark ornery charm.

Charlie was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and friend. If you knew Charlie, you loved him and if you met him just once, you were considered a friend. He lived his life with deep devotion to his family and an open heart for others. Charlie never knew a stranger, a quality he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

After decades of being the one to care for others, Charlie's family had the honor of caring for him over the past five years, creating treasured memories that will last a lifetime. His "Chuck-isms," smirks, one-liners, and victories in games of bags (especially gloating after beating his morning caregiver, Tracie) will be lovingly remembered.

Charlie's spirit, humor, and love will live on forever in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him.

Memorials in his honor may be made to the United Christian Church, 200 Lafayette Avenue East, Mattoon, IL 61938 and Mattoon Eagles Club, 1917 Oak Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938.

Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.