Charles Ray Rightnowar, 73, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 4:35 pm December 5, 2022, at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor.
He was born September 22, 1949, in Mount Vernon, Illinois to the late James and Sarah “Lucille” (Petersen) Rightnowar. Charles married Paula (Flerlage) Rightnowar on May 28, 2009.
In addition to his beloved wife of thirteen years, Charles is survived by his daughters, Rian Stewart and husband, Matt of Nashville, Tennessee, Savannah Greatting and husband, Joel of Columbia, Illinois, Jessica Kabat and husband, Levi of Scheller, Illinois; grandchildren, Shelby, Finnley, Raelynn, Breanna Stewart, Forrest Greatting, Charleston Kabat; sisters-in-law, Carol Rightnowar, Colleen Rightnowar, Mae Spangler, Phyllis Rightnowar; mother-in-law, Elsie Flerlage; special friends, Debbie and Dennis Penning, Ronnie Rhodes, Kyle Bagby, and Mark Waldamer; brother and sisters-in-law, Monica and Dave Laurent, Renee and Mark Fuller, Sophie and Travarr Rudd, Benny and Ginette Flerlage.
In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his sister, Millie Lynn; brothers, James, Larry, Gary, and Tom Rightnowar; father-in-law, Ben Flerlage; and beloved dog, Cletus.
Mr. Rightnowar proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. In 1974, he was hired out on the Missouri Pacific (MOPAC) – C&EI Railroad, which later merged with Union Pacific Railroad. He became local chairman for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Division 724 in 1994. He held this position until November 1998 when he was elected as General Chairman for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers – UP Eastern Region – GCA, which later became known as the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen – UP Central Region – GCA. He held this position until he retired in October 2011. Charlie represented his members well, both when he served as Local Chairman and then as General Chairman. He fought and won many battles for his members against the Union Pacific Railroad. Charles enjoyed telling bad jokes, never met a stranger, and loved his dogs and children. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed.
A Visitation will be held Friday, December 9, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 10:00 am at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois with Elder Allen E. Rudd Sr. officiating. Interment will follow at South Hickory Hill Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Charles’s honor to Angels on Assignment.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
