Carlos D. Stanfield's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Carlos Dean Stanfield, age 90 of Charleston, joined his Lord and heavenly family on Saturday, February 28, 2015 while at Charleston Rehab and Health Care Center. Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, March 5, 2015 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2015 at the funeral chapel with Reverend Ray Roberts officiating. Burial, with Military Rites conducted by Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, will follow in Mound Cemetery, Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Coles County Farm Bureau Scholarship Foundation, the Coles County 4-H Foundation, or to a charity of the donor's preference. Gifts may be left on the memorial table during the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Carlos was born on October 30, 1924 in Coles County, Illinois, one of eleven children born to the late Speed Steven and Lottie R. (Pearcy) Stanfield. He married Martha Mae Strong on December 12, 1947 in Charleston and she has been the love of his life for more than 67 years. In addition to Martha, he is survived by their four children, Michael Stanfield and wife Ginger of Charleston, Brenda Sue Henderson and fiancé John Goeckner and Linda Stanfield, all of Mattoon, Tim Stanfield and partner Steven Bott of St. Louis; 6 grandchildren, Mike (Kim) Stanfield of Effingham, Tony (Elisa) Stanfield of Charleston, SC, Tara (Josh) Smith of Brazil, IN, Tyler Stanfield of Chicago, Travis Stanfield and fiancé Ashlee Briggerman of Charleston, Karra (Quinton) Ford of Mattoon; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; 3 sisters, Dorothy Laws of Phoenix, AZ, Shirley (Richard) Wheeler of Champaign, Mary (Don) Franklin of Mazon, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents, Carlos was also preceded in death by 3 sisters, Charlotte Thompson, Virginia Hartsaw, Esther Gillespie; and 4 brothers, Ron, Arthur, Owen and Leo Stanfield. Following his high school graduation from Charleston in 1942, Carlos enlisted in the military, and honorably served his country as a Corpsman with the United States Navy during World War II. He was overjoyed and felt extremely privileged when he was given the opportunity to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. Carlos retired from a life of farming in 1968 and also spent 22 years as Chief Engineer of the Heating Plant at Eastern Illinois University. Following his retirement from Eastern, he continued for many years, to work part time at Charleston True Value and CCAR. Carlos was a long time faithful member of the Loxa Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder. He was also a member and served on the Board of Directors of the Embarras Valley Quail Unlimited, was a Life Member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, and a former member of the Round Up Club and the Coles County Farm Bureau. Carlos and Martha loved to camp and many family vacations were spent around a campfire. They met many wonderful fellow campers throughout the years, especially as a result of their involvement and memberships in the Prairie Roamers and Mattoon Camping Clubs. Carlos also enjoyed their travels with the Prairie State Bank Voyagers and wintering with other snowbirds in the Ft. Myers Beach, Florida area. He was extremely supportive of the Coles County 4-H program, loved playing cards, creating and crafting pieces in his woodworking shop, and taking long walks. Carlos dearly loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren was one of his biggest joys. He was loved, liked and respected by family, friends and coworkers who enjoyed being in his presence because of his quiet and unassertive demeanor. He will forever be remembered and loved for these and many other admirable qualities.Click to view Carlos' memorial video.
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