Mr. Charles L. McCulloch, 92, of Knoxville, Illinois formerly of Galesburg died at 11:15 am Monday, October 23, 2017 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
He was born October 29, 1924 in Fort Madison, Iowa the son of George L. and Anna Hickman McCulloch. He married Elizabeth A. “Betty” Hallstrom on April 9, 1950 in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on July 16, 2011.
Charles is survived by his children, Tom (Eryn) McCulloch of Spokane, Washington, Mike McCulloch and David and (Tami) McCulloch both of Galesburg and Evelyn (Don) Stroud of Alpha, Illinois; his grandson, John and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, four brothers, Bill, Paul, Marvin and Fred McCulloch and three sisters, Bessie Johnson, Beatrice Johnson and Ruth McCulloch.
Charles served in the US Army during WWII, participating in the Battle of the Bulge and D-Day Invasion on June 6, 1944. He worked as a MP securing hundreds of POWs. He also participated in liberating concentration camps in Nordshausen. Charles received numerous awards following his service time.
Charles worked as a fire fighter for 5 years and had taught school for several years. He also worked at Black’s Hardware Store in the paint and wallpaper department. He attended Galesburg schools, then went on to Knox College and Monmouth College, receiving his teaching certificate. Charles was a member of First Lutheran Church. He served on church council, was a Sunday school teacher, an usher and assisted the Ladies Quilt group. He was an avid stamp collector, serving as past president of the Stamp Collector Club. He was a charter member of the evening Lions Club and a lifetime member of the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285. In 2015, he had the honor of going on the Peoria Honor Flight. Charles remained very active at the Knox County Nursing Home, serving on the resident council and was a member of their Veterans group. He also enjoyed playing BINGO.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Rev. Pamela Marolla will officiate. Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 am Thursday at the chapel. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery with Military Honors by VFW 2257/Legion 285 Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church and the Knox County Nursing Home. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
