Charles L. Hayes

CHARLESTON, IL – Charles Lewis Hayes, age 94 of Charleston and formerly of Casey, Illinois, peacefully passed at his home on Thursday, July 2, 2020.  His Graveside Service, with military rites, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at the Casey Cumberland Cemetery in Casey, Illinois, with Reverend Tom Farris officiating.  Memorials in his honor may be made to the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 Honor Guard and may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, Illinois  61920.

Chuck was born January 18, 1926 in Casey, Illinois a son of the late Lewis E. and Bonnie (Tippy) Hayes.  He was a 1944 graduate of Casey High School and following graduation was inducted into the United States Army to serve his country in World War II.  He served in both the American Theater and Asiatic Pacific Theater stationed in the Philippines and Tokyo before his honorable discharge from the military in August of 1946.  Chuck then attended VanderCook College of Music in Chicago where he received a Bachelor in Music Education Degree.  Chuck was a band and choral instructor for 8 years at Cumberland High School and for 12 years at Mattoon Central Jr. High School.    After formally retiring as a teacher, Chuck ventured out on a new career as co-owner of the Ranch House Restaurant in Ashmore, a business he operated with his wife Joy for 22 years until its closing.

Chuck was a life member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and was a member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388 where he served as bartender for a time.  Music continued to be Chuck’s passion even after retiring.  He enjoyed judging band contests at both the local and state level and was a faithful member and supporter of the Charleston Community Band. He was always ready to volunteer his time and often did at the Lincoln Log Cabin Visitor’s Center and various VFW fundraisers and functions. 

Chuck was blessed with three wonderful wives, all who have preceded him.  He was first married to Norma Kite and later to Joy (Wilkins) Brock from 1973 until her death on July 12, 2001.  He then married Dorothy Kay (Houchin) Taylor on February 13, 2006 at the Kickapoo Church south of Charleston and she preceded him in death on July 27, 2011.  During the years that he and Dorothy were married, they enjoyed camping and many adventures and travels in their motor home.  Chuck is survived by a niece, Jean Pamplin of Illinois; a nephew, Russell Waddell of Georgia; a stepson, Gary Brock of Texas; 4 grandchildren, Jana Fisher (Brian Zegarski) of Missouri, Sarah Brock of Illinois, Dana Kwarteng (Ken) of Florida and Candi Avila (Ed) of Illinois and seven great-grandchildren.  In addition to his wives, Chuck was preceded in death by a son, Robert Hayes; a stepdaughter, Vineta Springer; three sisters, Kay, Maurine and Jeanette; and a brother Bill.

Chuck will dearly be missed by his loving family, his Charleston Community Band music family, and his many friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles L. Hayes, please visit our floral store.