William H. Charlton

Died: April 28, 2008

DECATUR, Ill. -- William H. Charlton, 69, of Decatur, died Monday evening at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Charlton was born April 2, 1939, in Greene County, Tenn., and was a son of the late Arnie and Nellie (Meyers) Charlton.

He married Carol Little Kroutil on July 2, 2000, in Decatur.

Mr. Charlton "proudly" served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He retired in 1999 from Caterpillar in East Peoria after 33 years of "dedicated" service.

"William enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and playing card games with his friends," the family noted.

Survivors include his wife: Carol Charlton; one son and daughter-in-law: Brett and Tiera Charlton of Secor; three daughters: Becky Charlton of Quincy, Brenda Siwecki of Goodfield, and Billie Sue Charlton of Key West, Fla.; eight grandchildren: Jacob Charlton, Brett Charlton, Carraghan Charlton, Alexis Charlton, Amanda Siwecki, Kallie Siwecki, Emily Siwecki, and Lillie Sullivan; a great-grandson: Hayden Neely; and two sisters and brothers-in-law: Marge and John Osborn of Okeechobee, Fla., and Dorothy and Powel Williams of Kingsport, Tenn.

The family received friends from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home in Decatur.

A celebration of life service was held at 10 o'clock Friday morning in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Charles Watkins officiated.

Entombment followed with military rites by the Macon County Honor Guard and the "Flight Home" ceremony was held in the Star of Hope Mausoleum at Graceland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St., Decatur, IL 62522-2326 .

Condolences may be sent to the Charlton family online at www.gracelandfairlawn.com