Charles D. Fairbanks, age 85, of Energy, Illinois, passed away Friday, November 12, 2021 at his home.
Charles was born September 08, 1936 in Mill Shoals, Illinois, a son of James and Opal (Carter) Fairbanks. He married Sharon K. McHenry on May 22, 1965.
He is survived by his wife Sharon K. Fairbanks of Energy, IL; a son, Chad (Heidi) Fairbanks of O’Fallon, MO; son-in-law Chris Rutledge of Pittsburg, IL; five grandchildren, Kaylee N. Rutledge, Rylee E. Rutledge, Cora G. Fairbanks, Carter D. Fairbanks, and Monica R. Pitti; three siblings, James Fairbanks of Johnston City, IL, Artie Fairbanks of Phoenix, AZ, and Judy Nevitt of Naperville, IL. He is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Stacey R. Rutledge; sister, Velda Rogers and brother, Billie Joe Fairbanks.
Charles graduated from Johnston City High School then proudly served with the US Marine Corps. as a helicopter mechanic. He finished his service and was later re-called to the Marine Corps. during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He had been employed at Fabick in Marion in the parts department and later worked at Amex Coal. He then drove a truck for a few years and worked security at different places. In retirement he sold tools for KAR. He enjoyed playing golf.
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 17, 2021 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. at Mitchell Hughes funeral home in Marion, Illinois. Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, November 18th, 2021 at Mitchell Hughes Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Holmes officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Southern Illinois Veteran’s Honor Flight.