Obituary of Charles A. Eldridge

Charles A. "Chuck" Eldridge, 69, of Girard, passed away Sunday evening, February 5, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. Chuck was born on December 1, 1947 to Virgil M. "Bud" and Dora (Mansfield) Eldridge in Jacksonville, IL. At the age of 14, Chuck's parents passed away. He was then adopted by Jerry and Lura Alberta Staley of Modesto. He graduated from Northwestern High School in Palmyra with the class of 1966, attended the University of Illinois in 1967 and later transferred to Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, graduating in 1971. Chuck married Barbara Jean Langheim in 1970 and they divorced in 1977. Chuck worked for Manteno State Hospital from 1972-1978. He then worked for McFarland Health Center in Springfield in the Department of Development as a Training and Coordinator Counselor from 1978-2002. Chuck also worked part time for Best Buy in Springfield in the audio/visual department. He was a huge Chicago Cubs and New England Patriots fan. Chuck enjoyed the NASCAR Circuit and his favorite driver, Dale Jarrett. He loved spending time fishing with his grandchildren. Chuck is survived by his daughter, Vanessa (Tom) Reinhart of Girard, IL, son, Kris (Kimmy) Eldridge of Girard, Il, five Grandchildren, Claire, Mary Kate and Joseph Reinhart, Rawley and Ella Eldridge, as well as a sister, Paula Stewart of Glenarm, IL. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Girard with Chaplin Terry Link officiating. Visitation will follow the service from 1:30 to 3:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial of ashes will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Girard Park Committee or the University of Chicago - Crohn's Center. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Girard is in charge of arrangements.