Charles M. "Charlie" Chaplin

Charles "Charlie" M. Chaplin

June 1, 1936 - April 17, 2024

MATTOON - Charles "Charlie" M. Chaplin, age 87, of Mattoon, IL, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, IL.

A private graveside service in his honor will be held at Dodge Grove Cemetery. Reverend Joy Starwalt is officiating. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL, 61938 is in charge of services.

Charlie was born on June 1, 1936, to the late Earl D. and Mary E. (Love) Chaplin. He married Carolyn "Ruth" Schwarz on February 18, 1961, in Mattoon, IL. They shared sixty-three devoted years together. She survives and resides in Mattoon, IL.

He is also survived by one brother, Larry A. Chaplin of Dwight, IL; two sisters-in-law: Mary McCarthy of Mattoon, IL, Martha Schwarz of Mattoon, IL; one brother-in-law, John Schwarz and wife Pam of Indianapolis, IN; one niece, Tammy Chaplin Batha and husband Jeff of St. Louis, MO; one nephew, Anthony Chaplin of Carmel, IN. He was preceded in death by one brother, Earl D. "Nick" Chaplin Jr.; and three brothers-in-law: Joe, David, and Jim Schwarz.

A 1954 graduate of Charleston High School, Charlie enlisted in the United States Navy and honorably served his country from 1954 to 1958. In 1998, he retired from CTS Transport in Effingham, IL. Prior to that he was employed at Lovelace Trucking. He was a member of the American Legion, Mattoon Eagle's Club, Mattoon VFW Post 4325, Mattoon Moose Lodge 803 and the Effingham County Sportsman's Club in Effingham, IL.

With his and Ruth's love for travel they visited every state in the United States with the exception of Rhode Island, and many European countries. He was an avid reader with a particular interest in history, the Civil War, WWI, and WWII. He enjoyed, fishing, chip carving, playing cards especially Polish poker, and ballroom dancing with his adoring wife, Ruth.

Charlie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The family would like to thank SBL Hospice, especially his nurse Kathy for their wonderful care.

Memorials in his honor may be made to SBL Hospice, 1004 Health Center Drive, 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.