Charles W. Kamm Sr.

Charles William Kamm, Sr., 91, longtime area educator and resident of Lebanon, Illinois, died September 29, 2025, in O'Fallon, Illinois.

Charles graduated from McKendree College (now University), Lebanon, with a Bachelor of Arts degree (1955) and from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, with a Master of Science degree (1966).

Charles taught for 38 years at Summerfield Grade School serving as teacher, principal, and superintendent. After retiring, he volunteered for 23 years at the school and then at Lebanon Grade School. He will be remembered by his yearly rocket launchings for the students, during his years of teaching and after his retirement.

Charles was recognized by the Summerfield Grade School for 55 years of Dedication to the Education of Children (2010). He received the McKendree College Distinguished Alumni Award (1985), the McKendree College Emerial L. Owen, Jr. Career Achievement Award (1991); and was inducted into the Kappa Gamma Epsilon Honor Society in Education, the Lebanon Hall of Fame (2001), and the McKendree Academy of Excellence (2011). He and Summerfield Grade School were the subjects of a book, The Man Who Became a School (2004) by Dr. Marcia S. Popp.

Born July 18, 1934, in Lebanon, Charles was preceded in death by parents Casper Louis and Hannah Kamm née Goehner, and his brothers and their wives, Robert Louis Kamm (Katherine), Ralph Frederick Kamm, Sr. (Jodi), and Richard Alan Kamm (Bernice).

He is survived by wife, Lynne Haig Kamm, née Pazdera, whom he married July 30, 1965; sons Charles William Kamm, Jr. (Crist) of Upland, California; Eric Carl Kamm (Lesli) of Villa Park, Illinois; grandchildren Noah Robert Kamm, Leonard Randall Dewey Kamm, and Abram Eric Kamm, all of Villa Park, Illinois; and nieces, nephews, and their families.

Charles was a lifelong member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon. He served on the Church Council, the Board of Christian Education and the Gordley Committee. Charles was also a member of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association. Over the years Charles served on the scholarship selection committee for the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia, the Hoyleton Children's Foundation board, the DuBois Center Auxiliary board, and as a driver for Volunteer Interfaith Caregivers and Meals on Wheels. From 1957 to 1963 he served in the U.S. Army Reserve. Besides loving and enjoying his family, Charles enjoyed reading, fishing, camping trips around the United States, and mushroom hunting.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.