Charles Carnahan

Charles “Chas” “Good Times” Carrolton Carnahan, Jr., 81 of Decatur, Illinois passed away peacefully at home on August 24, 2020.

Charlie was born June 4, 1939 in Ramsey, Illinois to Charles and Elizabeth Carnahan. He was raised in Decatur by his mother and grandmother, Ethel Spires, along with his brothers, Malcolm and Bryden Carnahan and Uncle, Rex Spires. Charlie was a graduating member of the last class of Decatur High in 1957. After serving four years in the U.S. Navy, Charlie started his professional life sweeping floors for Mueller Co. and ended it as Vice President of Traffic and Sales at ADM. In between he worked at TransAmerican Freight Lines, General Transfer, and Staley Express. Because he spent so much time on the phone for work, he refused to answer his phone at home. Even if he was sitting next to it. After his retirement, Charlie spent many years working for Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes.

After meeting at a YMCA dance and mistaking her for another girl, Charlie married Stella May Hoewing April 15, 1966, the day of his older brother’s birthday since he couldn’t be in attendance as he was fighting in the Vietnam War. Their first born, Matthew Charles (Amy) now of Wichita, KS, came in May 1970. In 1972, following the death of Stella’s mother, they took in Stella’s youngest sisters, Patricia Morris (Bob Weltig) now of Dalton City, IL and Rebecca Barnes (Dave Ray) now of Seattle, WA and happily raised them as their own. Another son, Mark Shane (Courtney Odle) now of Decatur, IL was born in February 1974 followed by a daughter, Molly Brooke Ballinger (Mike) now of Decatur, IL in October 1977.

Charlie was a member of First Christian Church, Breakfast Optimist Club, Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity, and Decatur Elks Lodge #401. Though he only played golf a couple of times a year before retirement, he took up the sport with gusto after retirement and was well known at the Moweaqua golf course. Charlie was a dedicated member to the Decatur High reunion committee and a life-long Chicago Cubs fan. Charlie was said to be a man of few words, though he likely just couldn’t get a word in with all his family around. He loved playing cards and usually won. Shortly before his passing he won his final game of Louisiana Rummy forever cementing his place as the best card player in the family. He was against girls getting their ears pierced before the age of 70, but the first to start on dishes after dinner. Charlie was well loved and loved others well. He lived a full life with no regrets and was ready to move on to the next place when his time came.

Charlie is likely spending his time in heaven playing golf with Rex Spires and Milt Androff, watching baseball with his parents, and playing Pinochle with his brother, Malcolm, Rex Spires and his mom. Charlie leaves behind his wife, children and grandchildren: Adam Morris of Bloomington, IL, Ben Romano (Megan), Ian Carnahan, Cody and Keaton Ballinger, and Zane Romano of Decatur, IL, Chase Carnahan of Seattle, WA, Dorothy and Walter Carnahan of Wichita, KS; Jenny Vanek (Kyle) of Bellingham, WA, Kim Boland (Jimmy) of Cleveland, OH; along with his brother, Bryden (Carolyn) of Decatur, IL as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 28 at 6:00 p.m. at First Christian Church. In lieu of flowers donations to First Christian Church, Decatur Area Arts Council or the non-profit of your choice are welcome.