Ronald Eugene Stearns' Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Ronald Eugene Stearns, age 81of Charleston, passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the First Baptist Church located at 2800 University Drive in Charleston. Memorial Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, immediately following the visitation. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to Coles County Habitat for Humanity or to a charity of the donor's preference. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or services, or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Ron was born January 25, 1935 in Carbondale, IL to the late Clyde and Mildred (Lipe) Stearns. He was united in marriage to Rachel J. Walters on June 5, 1955 in Boskeydell, IL and they shared 59 years of marriage prior to her death on September 13, 2014. He was also predeceased by a grandson, Kevin Adair. Left to cherish many wonderful memories are his four children; Rhonda Adair and husband Mike of Charleston, Ryan Stearns and wife Becca of Pflugerville, TX, Randy Stearns and wife Chiyuki of Champaign, IL and Becky Stearns of Charleston; 11 grandchildren who reside throughout the world, Kristy (Kevin) Hardwick, Ben (Gina) Stearns, Dustin Adair, Jenny Stearns, Micah Stearns, Riley (Mary) Stearns, Rossie Stearns, Travis Stearns, Max Stearns and fiancé Cheyenne Ashmore, Michelle Adair and Marlee Stearns; 8 great-grandchildren, Alec, Mason, Noah, Alice, Tessa, Madelyn, Naomi and Quinn; and his brother, Virgil Stearns and wife Pat of Michigan. Ron was a 1953 graduate of Carbondale Community High School. From 1953 until his discharge in 1961 he faithfully served his country with the U.S. Navy and was honored and proud to be a part of the Navy Seabees. Ron attended Eastern Illinois University and received a Teaching Certificate in 1971 and later returned to E.I.U. to attain a Masters Degree in Graphic Arts. Ron has been a familiar face and a part of the Charleston community for more than 50 years. He was a graphic arts teacher at the Charleston High School before opening Stearns Printing which served the area's printing needs for more than 30 years. Following his retirement from the printing business, Ron shared his dream and his delicious homemade BBQ with the community through the opening of Pop's BBQ located at Five Points in Charleston. For the past two years he has assisted his daughter, Rhonda with her Copper Eagle antique business. Ron attended First Baptist Church in Charleston and was extremely community oriented as a former member of the Charleston Jaycees and Kiwanis Clubs.Click to view Family Memorial Video. SERVICES Visitation Saturday, October 15, 2016 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM First Baptist Church 2800 University Drive Charleston, IL 61920 Funeral Service Saturday, October 15, 2016 11:30 AM First Baptist Church 2800 University Drive Charleston, IL 61920
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