Charles R. USHMAN

Charles R. "Chuck" Ushman

BATH, IL - Charles R. "Chuck" Ushman, 77, formerly of Springfield, passed away at 11:10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013 at Sunny Acres Nursing Home.

Charles was born Nov. 17, 1935, in Springfield, the son of Joseph F. and Lillie Cunningham Ushman. He married Peggy Rhoads on Aug. 30, 1958, in Springfield. Together they had two sons and later divorced. On April 7, 1971, he married Doris J. "Dorie" Buskis in Springfield. Together they had one daughter. Dorie preceded him in death.

Chuck graduated high school in Hillsboro, Ill. He proudly served his country in the National Guard. He followed in his father's footsteps and took an interest in music and began to play the accordion at an early age. Over the years he touched the lives of many with the Chuck Ushman Orchestra as he played at numerous festivals, parties and clubs for many years. He and his wife, Dorie, enjoyed playing music together. He was a member of the Po.L.K. of A. Club and had served as a Trustee of the Eagles Club.

In his early years, Chuck took a job for Illinois Bell and began building his knowledge of telecommunications. In 1968, he started part-time as a one man telecommunications business in his home and over the next 25 years grew the company, Ushman Communications, to 9 offices, 2 states and 125 employees, ranking as one of the top 50 teleconnect companies in the U.S.

Chuck enjoyed spending time outdoors and fishing at his river cabin that was later renovated to be his home. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and enjoyed bowling.

He was also preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his two sons, Daniel Ushman of Ocala, Fla., and James Ushman of Springfield; his daughter, Julia (husband, Matthew) Ushman-Peterson of Ashland; one sister, Thelma (husband, Stanley) Rhodes of Pleasant Plains; one brother, A. Joseph "Joe" Ushman of Springfield; his grandson, James D. Ushman II; his two nieces, Jodi and Tara; and his companion of over 10 years, Betty Hamm of Bath.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. All visitors are encouraged to utilize the 7th Street entrance during the later hours of visitation due to the Route 66 Festival Parade.

Funeral Ceremony: 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Rev. Steven Janoski officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Camp Ondessonk Scholarship Fund, 3760 Ondessonk Rd., Ozark, IL 62972, Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702 or a charity of the donor's choice.

Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.