Charles E. Berkel

Charles E. Berkel MARION-Charles E. Berkel, 80, of Marion passed away at 11:48 AM, Wednesday, May 19, 2010 of an apparent heart attack, while doing landscape work on a tractor at New Hope Church of God. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 22, 2010 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Pastor Derek Shaw officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM, until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Drake Cemetery in Creal Springs. Military rites will be held at the cemetery by VFW Post 1301, American Legion Post 147 and the National Guard. Memorials may be made to New Hope Church of God; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Charles was born March 9, 1930 in Chicago to William E. and Martha M. (Horn) Berkel. Survivors include sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Mike Mandrell of Marion; brother and sister-in-law, Lowell and Bonnie Berkel of El Paso, Texas; nieces and nephews, Michelle and Aaron Cooper, Mark and Sheri Mandrell, Jon Mandrell, Gala Stites, Brian Berkel and Jeff Berkel; great niece and nephews, Bryce, Kristin and Luke; and several cousins from Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald Lee and Ronald Ray Berkel; and his beloved “Tasha”, Shih-Tzu/Terrier mix, 3 weeks ago. Charles was a member of New Hope Church of God in Marion. He formerly worked at Allen Industries, later as a coal miner, and eventually at Sullivan Electric in Marion. He served his country with the United States Navy in the South Pacific during the Korean Conflict.