Charles Florence

Charles Florence, 64 of Robinson, IL, died at 2:45 a.m. Thursday, May 17, 2012 at the Carl Hospital in Urbana, IL following several years of declining health. He was born June 27, 1947 in Barry, IL, the son of Ernest Florence and Margaret Ikemire Florence. He served 3 years in the U. S. Navy serving on the USS Hancock and was a gunner mate on a swift boat during the Vietnam War. He was honored with the Purple Heart medal from combat. He thought it was a great honor to be the honor guard representative in presenting the flag to military families for several years.Charles worked as a mechanic for several years and was employed at L. S. Heath and Sons for 14 years as a line maintenance technician. He enjoyed music and for several years he did karaoke€™s. He recently played fiddle and guitar and sang lead for the band Big Creek along with his son, Rick, daughter-in-law, Lori, and very good friend, Kent Williams. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren and close special friends.Charles married Rita Kay Lennon on December 21, 1966 and she survives. They were married for 45 years. He is also survived by his 2 sons, Rick and his wife, Lori Florence, Robinson and Jeff Florence, Palestine and his girlfriend, Betsy and her children, Ronnie and Megan. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Jaiden, Shelby, Amber and William; his great granddaughter, Ever Grace; his brother and sister-in-law, Junie and Ginger Florence, Aurora; a niece; two nephews;several aunts and uncles; and his grandmother-in-law, Norma Lennon, Vincennes, IN.He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Bonnie Burr.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 22nd at the Goodwine Funeral Home, Robinson with Pastor Dan Szombathy officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Palestine. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, May 21st at the funeral home and from 10:00 to 11:00 Tuesday preceding the services at the funeral home. Military graveside services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549, Palestine AmVets Post #33, Robinson American Legion Post #69 and Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorials may be made to the V. F. W. Post #4549 Transportation fund or to the Robinson Wesleyan Church. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at