Charles Evans Roberts

Charles Evans Roberts, age 102 of Lawrenceville, IL, passed away on January 12, 2020, at United Methodist Village. Called “Charlie” by his friends, he was born in Pinkstaff, IL, Lawrence County to Amasa Roscoe and Della Roberts. He was a lifelong resident of Lawrenceville, IL.

He married Martha Maybelle Bach September 6, 1947. They had two daughters together. After many years together, Maybelle passed away January 26, 1985 following an extended illness. Later, he was introduced to Lois Armpriester and they married August 30, 1986.

Charles would tell you he hitchhiked to school, graduating from Lawrenceville High School in 1937. He then worked at various farm implement businesses including Haines & Stoltz, McNutt & Musgrave, and Saiter Morgan in Vincennes, IN. Charles began employment with the USPS on June 1, 1953 delivering mail in Lawrenceville where he worked for 27 years before retiring in January, 1980. In the late 1970’s, he owned and operated H & R Block Tax Service at the Hotel Lawrence in Lawrenceville, IL.

Charles is a WWII veteran and during his service in the Army was stationed in Panama, Australia, and New Guinea. He was discharged after 4 years of service. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and NALC. Charles supported veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project and Help Heal Hospitalized Veterans as well as supporting children through St. Jude’s. He was actively involved in the local Civitan Club having served as president and in other leadership roles. He also enjoyed cooking breakfast for the monthly Men’s prayer group at the Methodist Church. As a lifelong member of the First Christian Church in Lawrenceville, IL, he attended church faithfully and was actively involved in leadership roles in years past.

His strong sense of determination and positive attitude got him through some challenging times in his life. Charles was an inspiration and source of encouragement for many. His smile and laughter were contagious.

He spent many days watching his beloved St. Louis Cardinals on TV and was invited to throw out the first pitch for a home game at age 99. He regularly watched a college or professional game on TV and also loved to read and kept up with current events. In August, 2015 Charles was given the privilege of going on the Honor Flight out of Springfield to Washington, DC.

This was a once in a lifetime experience that he cherished.

For many years Charles enjoyed tending to beautiful tulips and roses as well as gardening vegetables. He loved to cook and his family and friends know that no one left his house without a bag of flavored oyster crackers. Rarely was he seen without a toothpick in his mouth.

With the help and dedication of his wonderful caregivers, VA transportation drivers, VA Home Based Primary Care Services and Lawrence Co. Home Health, Charles was able to stay in the comfort of his home the last 3 years after falling and breaking his hip in November, 2016 until his recent hospitalizations. A special thanks to Dr. Hippensteel, his nurse Laura, Dr. Lao, Deanna Fields, NP, Dr. Bridges and her staff, DaVita Dialysis Unit staff as well as the

physicians and nurses at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. We are thankful that the United Methodist Village staff and Medical Director, Dr. Carr as well as Good Samaritan Hospice staff were able to provide comfort and care for him during his final days.

He is survived by his daughters Cheryl (David) Sink and Cindy (Kirk) Spillman, and his grandchildren, Alisha Sink (Robert) Hilliard and Andrew Sink. Also surviving are one special brother and sister-in-law, Richard & Wanda Bach, cousins Dorothy Jean Viehman and Hellen Sizemore along with many special nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Maybelle, second wife Lois, brother Arthur Roberts, parents Amasa Roscoe Roberts and Della Roberts, and stepmother Mary Roberts. Lois preceded him in death on June 13, 2014.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at First Christian Church, 1407 State St., Lawrenceville, IL, with Pastors Tom Akers and Jeff Shick officiating. Burial will be in the Lawrenceville City Cemetery. Visitation will be 12:30 p.m. until the hour of services on Sunday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 1407 State St., Lawrenceville, IL 62439 or Lawrence County Senior Center, 1705 12th St., Lawrenceville, IL 62439. Online memories may be shared with Charles’ family and friends at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.