Charles Willard Jewell Jr.

Charles Willard Jewell Jr.

Aug. 29, 1948 - Sept. 17, 2023

TROY - Charles Willard Jewell Jr., age 75, of Troy, IL, passed away at home Sunday, September 17, 2023, from a terminal illness caused by his time served in the military at Camp Lejeune Marine Corp Base, NC. He battled numerous illnesses associated with the original terminal diagnosis with no complaints but the same determination, vigor, and strength for which he was known. He was born August 29, 1948, in Gary, WV, son of the late Mary Nell Shoemaker Jewell and Charles Willard Jewell, Sr.

In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by sisters: Cheryl Jewell Flippo and Gina Jewell Woods; brother-in-law, Don Woods; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Earnest and Alice Carl Buck; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Buck Heppenstall. Survived by his wife of 32 years, Kay Buck Jewell; daughter, Sheri Bennington Julian (Derrick) of Matthews, NC; two step-daughters: Stacey Lane Wellen (Dale) of Highland, IL, and Jodi Lane (Kevin Bookout) of St. Louis, MO; three grandchildren: Madison Wellen of Columbia, MO, Johnathon Wellen of Highland, IL, and Nathan Julian of Matthews, NC; siblings: Anita Jewell Pratt (Eugene) of Monroe, NC, Pamela Jewell (Cathy) of Mocksville, NC, Terry Jewell of Charlotte, NC, and Rick Jewell (Teresa) of Harmony, NC; brother-in-law, Duane (Pat) Buck of Kansas; and sister-in-law, Rita (Dale) Powers of Colorado; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, extended family and many beloved dogs.

Charlie served in the United States Marine Corp from 1969-1971 as a Corporal and Provost Marshall Investigator and earned several commendations including the Rifle Expert Badge. After completing his military service, Charlie graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree and later with a Master of Business Administration degree from Marshall University. He began his career as an accountant in WV and worked at executive levels at various companies including Exxon in Houston, TX, and Albers, IL; NERCO in St. Louis, MO; PacifiCorp in Salt Lake City, UT; Entergy and Enron in Houston, TX; PeeKay, Inc in Auburn, WA, and ultimately retired in 2018 as CEO of Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc in Greenville, IL. (The various jobs also included time spent working in Summerville, West Virginia and Lake Oswego, OR.)

While living and working in many parts of the Country, he made many lifelong friends while always exhibiting excellence in his career. His spirit of generosity led him to help family, friends and others, often anonymously. No memorial service will be held in Illinois. A Celebration of Life will be held in West Virginia per his wishes in the Spring of 2024, date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to small, local charitable organizations involving pets or food banks in your area including Got Your Six Support Dogs (https://gotyoursixsupportdogs.org/), the APA Adoption Center of Missouri (https://apamo.org/).