Charles Edward King, age 86, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Monday morning, June 8, 2026, at Axiom Healthcare of Flora.

      He was born October 23, 1939, in Xenia, the son of William Roy and Della M. (Carrell) King.  He was united in marriage to Mary J. Cooper on January 31, 1976, in St. Charles, and together they shared 40 wedding anniversaries until her passing on October 9, 2016.  He later married Jeannie D. Grove on April 1, 2018, at the First Southern Baptist Church in Flora and they cherished their six anniversaries together until her passing on Jul 1, 2024.

      Charlie worked a variety of jobs throughout his life, including at Burgess-Norton Manufacturing in Geneva, Elburn Police Department, Minwax in Flora, Flora Police Department, and Clay County Housing Authority.  He was also a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Flora.

      Flora was truly where Charlie was happiest. You could often find him at Flora Diner enjoying fried chicken or sliced ham, or at Grandma’s Kitchen having three eggs over medium with sweet tea.  He loved watching Westerns, sitting on his front porch and waving to everyone who passed by, and handing out candy to the waitresses at restaurants.  Charlie never left the house without a hat, and you knew he was headed somewhere special when he had his cowboy boots on.

      He had a generous heart, especially when it came to his grandchildren, always making sure they went home with a little cash to take back up north.  He also enjoyed his late-night snacks, especially Oreos and milk, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and powdered donuts.

      He is survived by his son: Mark King of the Philippines; 2 grandchildren: Dianna (Lonnie) Sims III of Aurora and Zachary King of North Aurora; 6 great-grandchildren: Lonnie, Nakeisha, Jarell, and DaSante Sims, and Antije and Scarlett King; 2 great-great-grandchildren: Za’Kai Wright and Leilani Sims; his former wife and mother of his two sons: Claudia I. (Kessler) Tremaine; a sister-in-law: Karen (Mark) Shehorn of Flora; a daughter-in-law: Pam Scallion; and a host of nieces and nephews including Terri Wille, Debbie Casell, and Linda Martin.

      He was preceded in passing by his parents; both wives, a son: Tony King; and his siblings: William Roy King Jr., Dale King, Robert King, and Carol Colclasure.

      A memorial ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Dr. Joel Hackney officiating.  A visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.  Private interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery, Fairfield.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com