Charles R. Faulkner

Charles R. Faulkner, age 88, a resident of rural Vienna, passed away Friday afternoon, November 4, 2016, at 5:20 PM surrounded by members of his loving family at his home. On September 14, 1928, Charles was born in Tyronza, Arkansas. He was the eldest of four sons born to Charles W. Faulkner and Addie (Smithson) Faulkner. Charles was united in marriage to Marjorie (nee) Faulkner on August 14, 1952 in Tyronza, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on September 29, 1972. Charles was later united in marriage to Joyce Elliston on November 13, 1975. She preceded him in death on July 22, 2013. Charles is survived by: his children – David (his wife, Karen) Faulkner of Vienna, Greg (his wife, Carolyn) Faulkner of Vienna, Terry (his wife, Tammy) Faulkner of Crab Orchard, Diane (her husband, Darren) Deskin of Lockport, Denise (her husband, Garry) Tanner of Tunnel Hill, Gayla (her husband, Tony) Sanders of Vienna and Kim (her husband, Gerald) Goines of Clarksville, Tennessee; his stepchildren – Karen Stilley of Cobden, Bev (her husband, Dan) Gibbons of Cobden, Sharon Winn of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Ann (her husband, Stephen) Wilson of Carbondale; 17 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law – Christine Faulkner of the Round Knob community and Betty Faulkner of Marion; 2 brothers-in-law – Fred Craig of Carrier Mills and Kenneth Trigg of Simpson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. He especially appreciated the friendship of the waitresses at Jumbo Restaurant in Vienna. In addition to his parents and wives, Charles was preceded in death by his brothers – James W. Faulkner, Ernest H. “Ernie” Faulkner, and Cecil Faulkner. Charles was a U.S. Army veteran. He served from 1951-1953. As a young man, Charles was employed by Fruit Belt, Inc. He later worked as a brakeman for the Wabash Railroad. Charles had a passion for farming and for many years farmed, raising livestock and grain farming. He, along with his sons, provided custom hay baling service for many years. For 20 years, Charles was employed at the Vienna Correctional Center as an officer and grounds supervisor. He retired in 1989 with the rank of Sergeant. In his retirement, Charles operated “Charlie’s Corner” at West Vienna. He and Joyce sold lawn decorations and craft items and Charles also sold produce. When he was past the age of 80, Charles took art classes at Shawnee Community College. He also enjoyed woodworking and built birdhouses, potato and onion boxes, as well as other handcrafted items. Charles also studied taxidermy and raised tropical fish. Charles was a talented man. He is remembered for his boundless energy and for always “being busy.” Charles was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing and spent many winters fishing on Lake Okeechobee in Florida. Charles also enjoyed hunting and hunted many types of gamebirds, as well as rabbits and deer. Charles loved sports of all kinds. He spent many happy hours watching his grandchildren participate in sporting events and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He also was a league bowler. When the U.S. Mints began issuing State Quarters, Charles began collecting and assembling State Quarter Books which he gave to family members. Charles was of the Baptist faith. He and Joyce loved music and Charles sang as a member of a gospel quartet. He also had assisted with hurricane disaster relief efforts in Florida. A service honoring the life of Charles Faulkner will be conducted Monday afternoon, November 7, 2016, at 1 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Charles’ son, Pastor David Faulkner assisted by Pastor David Wright will officiate. Burial will be in the Wise-Robinson Cemetery north of Ozark. Military graveside honors will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 6, 2016, from 4 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959 or to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Fund, PO Box 98, Vienna, IL 62995.

Charles R. Faulkner

September 14, 1928 - November 4, 2016