Charles Byers

Charles Jacob Byers

"Chuck"

Age 85 of Gardner, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2011 at Evenglow Lodge in Pontiac.

Born April 29, 1925 in Springfield, Illinois, Charles was a son of the late Harold J. and Verna Adams-Byers. He was raised and educated in the Springfield area, and graduated from Virden High School. Chuck honorably served his country in the United States Marines during World War II throughout the Pacific Theater of Operations, and was a recipient of a Purple Heart medal. On October 23, 1948, Chuck married Marjorie Olson in Gardner, and together they lived most of their married life in Gardner. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator, working for Local 150 Operating Engineers until his retirement. Aside from being a member of Local 150, Chuck belonged to Church of Hope in Gardner, the Gardner Lions Club, served as a Village Trustee of Gardner, and held positions with the Gardner Consolidated Elementary School Board and the Garfield Township Commission. Chuck enjoyed traveling, fishing and playing cards. He can also be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife: Marjorie; two daughters: Cheryl (Robert) Crosby of Naperville and Kathy Byers of Griffith, Indiana; daughter-in-law: Candy Byers of Braceville; grandchildren, Ronni Byers, Jason Byers, Christian (Katie) Byers, Ellen, Jane, Sarah and Laura Hurdish and Morgan and Jenna Crosby; three great grandchildren: Jacob, Luca and Reed Byers; one sister: Edith Sellers of Crystal Lake; one brother: Fred Byers of Taylorville, Illinois; one sister-in-law: Evelyn Bozue of Gardner and one brother-in-law Don (Gloria) Olson of Smithton, Illinois, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; son: Ronald; daughter: Susan; Three sisters: Evelyn Gates, Maxine Kopatz and Margaret Lewis and two brothers: Edward and Robert Byers.

The family will receive friends on Thursday March 10th from 9:00AM until time of funeral service 11:00AM at Reeves Funeral Home, 205 Liberty Street in downtown Gardner. Pastor Jan Chandler from Church of Hope will officiate and burial will follow in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Ronni Byers, Jason Byers, Christian Byers, Ken Bozue, Jim Bozue and Bob Crosby.

Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made as gifts in Chuck's memory to the Church of Hope, 202 North Monroe Street, Gardner, Illinois 60424 or Alzheimer's Association Greater Illinois Chapter, 8430 West Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago,IL 60631.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner (815-237-2526)