Charles R. Baughman, 87, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 4:00 pm, Monday, January 19, 2026 at his residence.
He was born to the late Charles A. and Fern V. (nee McClure) Baughman on May 19, 1938 in Chester, Illinois.
Charles married Norma Bargman on August 18, 1960 at St. John Lutheran Church in Chester, Illinois; she survives. God blessed them with 65 years together.
He had worked at Remnant Warner, Frito-Lay and sold insurance before starting at Menard Correctional Center as a correctional officer, then moved to the head of Bureau of Identification finally retiring as the Graphic Design Instructor at Menard Psychiatric Center after 28 years total.
Charles was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Chester, Illinois. He loved to play and instruct others on how to play tennis and golf with his buddies. He made sure that all of his grandkids were introduced to the joys of the game themselves through the summer golf clinic. Charles loved to travel with friends and family on both long and short sightseeing road trips. He also enjoyed the annual trip to Sam A. Baker State Park with his children, grandkids and great grandkids, family and friends.
Survivors: wife: Norma Baughman; three children: Jeanette Marie Decker (George Schulte), Charles Brian (Tammy) Baughman and Karen Kay (Kenneth) Hecht; seven grandchildren: Valerie (Gavin) Kohlmeier, Justin (Stephanie) Hecht, Ronald (Elise) Baughman, Devon (Josh) McMillan, John (Lauren) Baughman, Michael (Rachel) Decker and Erin (Nathan) Hubert; great grandchildren: Kaden and Adelyn Hecht, Emilee, Logan, Maverick and Haven McMillan and Kaylee and Annalee Hubert; two brothers-in-law: John (Elaine) Bargman and Charles G. (Bonnie) Bargman; a nephew: Charles G. (Mariah) Bargman II; three nieces: Ginger Webster, Carolyn Gray and Tracy (Will) Howard; 10 great nieces and nephews: Duncan and Evan Bargman, Jack, Sam and Cate Webster, Christian Gray and Shawnell Madison, Father Matthew Howard, Jake Howard and Kacy Howard.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, three cousins: Ardell, Gene and Jerry Baughman and son-in- law: Kevin Decker.
A funeral for 87-year-old Charles R. Baughman of Chester, Illinois, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026 at the St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, Illinois. Officiating: Rev. Timothy Sims.
Interment in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Chester, Illinois.
Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois and 10-11 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026 at the St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, Illinois
Memorials may be made to the St. John Radio Fund.