Charles Albert Speaks, 83, of Albion, Illinois passed away on Friday, May 20, 2022, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.
Charlie was born March 20, 1939, the son of J. Albert and Georgia A. (Perdue) Speaks in Henderson, Kentucky. He attended Holy Name High School in Henderson and University of Kentucky. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was a member of the American Legion Post #590 in Albion, Illinois.
He married Donna Rude on December 28, 1984, in Henderson, Kentucky. He worked as a Warehouse Supervisor for Whirlpool, Inc. for thirty-seven years. He retired December 1, 1994. He loved his life on the farm and was a member of Edwards County Farm Bureau. Charlie was an avid University of Kentucky basketball fan, following the games whenever he could.
Charlie was a member and deacon of St. Mary Church of Mt. Carmel and St. Sebastian Catholic Church of Belmont, Illinois. Recently with his wife, he celebrated twenty-five years as a permanent deacon. He studied for seven years prior to being ordained. They attended the 50th anniversary of the permanent diaconate in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was active in Cursillo. Charles was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, achieving 4th Degree status, the highest degree of the organization. Charles was an active reader of religious and western books.
Those left to cherish Charlie’s memory are his wife, Donna; daughter Amy Joyce Hamilton and husband Rob of Muncie, Indiana; a granddaughter, Kimbra; great grandchildren; and siblings, Leo (Debbie) Speaks, John Speaks, and Patricia Smith, all of Henderson, Kentucky.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, May 26, 2022, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 125 West Fifth Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois. The Rosary will be prayed at 8:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be said Friday, May 27, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Church. Burial with full military rites will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Albion, Illinois.
Donations in memory of Charles Speaks can be made to St. Mary’s School Trust.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Speaks’ family.
