Charles E. Thierry, 100, of rural Dahlgren reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife Marion on September 5.  Born March 19, 1918, at home in Belleville to Bertie and Albert Thierry , he was the youngest of eight children who preceded him in death:  Chloe Baker (Frank), brothers Lloyd (Elsie), Earl (Helen), and four who died in infancy, Carl, Troy, Florence, and Harold.                   .

Charles met his future wife Marion at Camp Breckingridge, KY during WW II.  She was a 2nd Lt. and as a dietitian worked with the nurses and cooks.  Charles was a cook on the base.  They married October 14, 1943, before he was shipped overseas to the European Front.  Often he would relate that he “never planned to be on a ship again” due to the rough journey in the winter waters of December to Europe.  Even in his 90’s he recalled the conditions.

While overseas their first child, Charles P. (Fern, deceased) was born.  Later, were the births of Dan (deceased) (Karen); Robert (died in infancy); Christine (Bill Johnson (deceased) and John Wolf); Joy (Richard Hodge); Elizabeth (Steve Adams); Clare (Danny Anselment); and Karla (Bobby Smith).

Having several occupations early in life, such as owner of Dahlgren’s Western Auto and operator of a local gas station, working in the car factory in Mt. Vernon, Charles eventually  found his niche in farming and owning a dairy farm for 13 years, selling to Prairie Farms.

Thus was created many memories for the family of baling hay, putting up silage, riding on the board behind the bean drill, picking blackberries and strawberries, gardening, canning vegetables, and sitting around a crowded table!  Often Dad had one or two babies on his lap at mealtime.

Indeed, we grew up in a home filled with love and work, going to church every Sunday and Wednesday and to Mt. Vernon weekly for groceries.  The car was always full!

Charles was one of the founders of Dahlgren Community Chapel where he taught the young adult class for years.  He also served over a decade on the Dahlgren High School board as secretary.  He was a Mason for over 50 years and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

In addition to his six children, he is survived by 19 grandchildren:  Mary (Jeremy), Laramore, Laura (Kim) Harrawood, Leslie and Jenny Thierry, Ben (Alycia) Johnson, Adam (Rachel) Johnson, Matthew Hodge, Emily (Sean) York, Sarah Hodge, Amy Adams, Anna (Jeremiah) Johnston, Alicia Adams, Erica (Kendall) Harris, Bethany (Tyler) Reyling, Natalie (Justin) Webb, Nathan Anselment, Kody Smith, Kaelan Smith, Kasey Smith. He is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren, niece Margie Smith (Chloe) and nephew Roger (Lloyd).

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife, sons Dan and Robert, daughter-in-law Fern Thierry, son-in-law Bill Johnson, and granddaughter Cara Beth Munce.

Dad made life more fun and had a joking attitude and a smile that others found enjoyable.  Even as a resident of Hamilton Memorial Nursing Home for the last few years of his life, he became a favorite.

Dad would want to be remembered as a man who loved and served God, who loved his wife and children, who served his country and helped his community.

It certainly has been a blessing to be the children of Charles E. and Marion Thierry.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 on Sunday at the Dahlgren Community Chapel Fellowship Hall. Funeral services will be Monday at 10 at the church.  Full Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the American Legion Post #141.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Odds Fellows Cemetery of Dahlgren.  Johnston’s Funeral Home of Ina is in charge of arrangements.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com.