Charles R. Baughman

CHARLES R. BAUGHMAN, 87, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 4:00 pm, Monday, January 19, 2026 at his residence.

He was born to the late Charles A. and Fern V. (nee McClure) Baughman on May 19, 1938 in Chester, Illinois.

Charles married Norma Bargman on August 18, 1960 at St. John Lutheran Church in Chester, Illinois; she survives. God blessed them with 65 years together.

He had worked at Remnant Warner, Frito-Lay and sold insurance before starting at Menard Correctional Center as a correctional officer, then moved to the head of Bureau of Identification finally retiring as the Graphic Design Instructor at Menard Psychiatric Center after 28 years total.

Charles was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Chester, Illinois. He loved to play and instruct others on how to play tennis and golf with his buddies. He made sure that all of his grandkids were introduced to the joys of the game themselves through the summer golf clinic. Charles loved to travel with friends and family on both long and short sightseeing road trips. He also enjoyed the annual trip to Sam A. Baker State Park with his children, grandkids and great grandkids, family and friends.

Survivors:

   Wife: 

        Norma Baughman

   3 Children: 

        Jeanette Marie Decker (George Schulte)

        Charles Brian (Tammy) Baughman

        Karen Kay (Kenneth) Hecht

   7 Grandchildren: 

        Valerie (Gavin) Kohlmeier, Justin (Stephanie) Hecht, Ronald (Elise) Baughman, Devon (Josh) McMillan, John (Lauren) Baughman, Michael (Rachel) Decker and Erin (Nathan) Hubert

   8 Great Grandchildren: 

        Kaden & Adelyn Hecht, Emilee, Logan, Maverick & Haven McMillan and Kaylee & Annalee Hubert

   2 Brothers-in-law: 

        John (Elaine) Bargman and Charles G. (Bonnie) Bargman

   1 Nephew: 

        Charles G. (Mariah) Bargman II

   3 Nieces: 

        Ginger Webster, Carolyn Gray and Tracy (Will) Howard

   10 Great Nieces & Nephews: 

        Duncan & Evan Bargman, Jack, Sam & Cate Webster, Christian Gray & Shawnell Madison, Father Matthew Howard, Jake Howard & Kacy Howard

Preceded in Death by: Parents, 3 Cousins – Ardell, Gene and Jerry Baughman and Son-in- law – Kevin Decker

Funeral Service: 

   11:00 am, Friday, January 23, 2026

   St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: 

   Rev. Timothy Sims

Interment: 

   St. John Lutheran Cemetery

   Chester, Illinois

Visitation: 

   Thursday – 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

   Friday – 10:00 am – 11:00 am

   St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, Illinois

Memorials: 

   St. John Radio Fund