Magee, Charles

Charles L. “Butch” Magee, 65, of Petersburg, Illinois, went home to be with the Lord on December 22, 2012, after a long and courageous battle with combat-related chronic illnesses. He was born December 21, 1947, in Springfield, Illinois, the only son of the late Mary June (Tibbs) Magee and the late Kenneth Emmerson Magee of Petersburg. He was preceded in death by his parents and his former spouse, Glenda Sharon (Crews) Magee. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Louise (Hobbs) Magee, who he married on Sep. 28, 2001, in Petersburg, Illinois; two daughters, Stephanie S. Webster (Tony) of Springfield, and Rebecca M. Pluta (Jim) of Crofton, Maryland; five grandchildren, Anika S. Webster, Kyra N. Webster and Peyton J. Webster of Springfield, and Shaylyn E. Pluta and Anderson J. Pluta of Crofton, MD; three sisters, Janet E. Firth (Bill) of Springfield, Nancy J. Richardson (Jim) of Kilbourne and Connie S. Magee of Springfield.

Charles is a 1965 graduate of Petersburg Harris High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965. He volunteered for three combat tours in Vietnam and was wounded in combat during each of them. He earned two Purple Heart Medals, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citations, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with a gold star in lieu of a second award, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon and the Combat Action Ribbon. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. After leaving active duty, Charles farmed with his dad for many years. He also was employed by C&IM Railroad, Bunn Capitol, Logan County Correctional Center and the Illinois State Police. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed raising livestock. He was a member of the Athens Christian Church. Charles made lifelong sacrifices for his country and the flame of freedom burns brighter because of his service. He will be very sadly missed by his family and friends. Charles was a member of the Athens Christian Church, Amvets, Petersburg VFW #6871 and the DAV. Visitation will be held at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens, on Sunday December 23, 2012 from 3:00 until 5:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at Athens Christian Church on Monday December 24, 2012 at10:30 AM. Rev. Chance Newingham will officiate. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg. Memorials can be given to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758817, Topeka, KS 66675.