Charles Fletcher Jr., 75, of Centralia, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. He was born on June 1, 1949, the oldest son of ten siblings, to Charles Sr. and Louise (Richerson) Fletcher in St. Louis. He married the love of his life, Deborah Baker on December 19, 1970, in Centralia, and she survives him in Centralia.
Along with his devoted wife of 54 years, Deborah Fletcher, survivors that will mourn the passing of Charles include his beloved family, his son, Chadwick Fletcher of Centralia; his daughter, Tabitha Fletcher (Eric ”Roby” Robinson) of Lebanon; his bonus son, Charles (Cambryn) Baker of Centralia; his grandchildren, Blake Fletcher, Paul Bolling III, N’Siere Luellan, Armondo Fletcher, (Madi Burton), Kionte Baker; his great-grandchildren, LaRhemy Bolling, Abigail Fletcher, Noah Fletcher, Olivia Fletcher, and Amora Fletcher; his siblings, Dora Jean Fletcher, Marla (James) Ricks, Elzora (Donnie) Helms, Myldrine Clark, Joseph Fletcher, and Alonzo Fletcher. As well as an extra special uncle Ralph Richerson has been there with Charles throughout his childhood and adulthood. He played a big part in his upbringing. Charles had nothing but respect and love for his Unk. Charles was grateful to be a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Zyporah Richerson Murphy; his maternal grandfather, Willie Richerson; his parents, Charles Sr. and Louise Fletcher; and his siblings, Andrew Fletcher, Michael Fletcher, and Gloria Fletcher Edwards.
Charles attended Mulberry Grove School, where he enjoyed learning and making lasting friendships. After graduation, Mr. Fletcher was proud to serve in the United States Army, serving in the late 1960s in the infantry. After his discharge from the Army, Charles furthered his education at Kaskaskia College. He was a hard worker and loyal employee of the Illinois Central Railroad. Charles had many great friendships throughout his life and a special one with his longtime friend Cobb that started when Charles worked for the railroad. He worked as a guard for the Illinois Department of Corrections and in the maintenance department at Coffeen Power Company. Charles was a member of the First Baptist Church of Royal Lakes. Charles was a member of the Masons, Aahmes’s Temple 132, Tyree Consistory 64 with Free Masonry. He was a past Master Mason of the Free and Accepted Masons. Charles was a member of Centralia’s Wireless Association, enjoying CB and Ham Radio communication with his longtime friend, Jim Deomes, who was like family to him. He loved to travel on the open road and share stories of his time going across the United States on the back of his Honda Goldwing motorcycle. Motorcycles were a passion he shared with his sweetheart, his wife, Deborah and the two of them looked forward to tooling around the roads close to home, each on their own motorcycle. Charles truly looked forward to being outdoors, hunting for rabbit, squirrel or pheasant, or horseback riding. He and his cousin Gerry were a good team when fishing together and were known to catch a mess of fish or no fish at all on Gerry’s boat. Charles loved his family dearly and times spent visiting and eating good food at gatherings or yearly reunions were always a favorite. At anytime you could find Charles showing off his dance moves. He was a true gentleman who liked to take his wife, Deborah to a good movie or out to eat and give her a night off from cooking. Charles was an amazingly supportive PaPa and Grandpa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, that he was so very proud of. Charles was well respected by all, loved by family and friends and will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. On Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia, Pastor Patrice White will give a special eulogy, and Rev. Ronald Johnson will share special remarks. Military Rites will be accorded by Centralia VFW Post 2055 American Legion Post 446 at the funeral home. Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. Friends and family are welcome to a visitation time from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Charles’s honor to your Church or a local Charity. Online condolences and memories of Charles may be shared with the family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
