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Charles E. “Gene” Matthews

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[May 07, 2025]  SPRINGFIELD - Charles E. “Gene” Matthews, 85, of Springfield, IL, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

Service:  Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

Funeral home: Fricke-Calvert-Schrader, Lincoln   

Obituary

Charles E. “Gene” Matthews, 85, of Springfield, IL, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

Charlie was born on August 3, 1939, in Glen-Dean, KY, the son of Elliot Z. & Sylvania M. (Berry) Matthews. He married Linda Young in March of 1958. They had seven children: daughters, Veronica Matthews, Bess (Robert) Getman, Barbara Nye, and Paulette (Ignacio) Matthews-Gonzales. Charles was preceded in death by two sons, John Elliott Matthews, Charles E. Matthews Jr., and a daughter, Teresa Lynn Borero.

Charlie married and is survived by Carol Voelker in October of 1979. Carol has one daughter, Sheryl (Kenny) Gibbs.

Charlie is survived by sisters, Loretta Mercer Matthews, Laurita (Rollin) Goodrich, Carolyn (Dave) Laudenback, and Darlene (Jim) Biggs. Charles was preceded in death by his brother, James Matthews. Charlie leaves behind 37 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Charlie proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, continuing his proud service, never missing an opportunity to serve in any way needed.

After he left the Marines, Charlie became a truck driver and worked in all aspects of trucking, ending his career as a dispatcher for Davis Trucking Services in Elkhart, IL. He was affectionately known as “Trailboss” and as the “Walking Atlas”. Charlie logged over a million miles safely.

Charlie adored all of his family, siblings, children, grandchildren, cousins and friends. He never met a stranger, and he always made everyone feel equally loved.

Charlie belonged to the VFW in Joshua Tree, CA, American Legion Post 616 in Elkhart, IL, and the Marine Corps League in Lincoln, IL.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Charles’ name to The Marine Corps League Detachment #1336.

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