Charles “Dean” Phelps, 90, of Opdyke, Illinois, was called home at 3:34 pm January 31, 2022 at his residence. Dean proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1953. His address was CPL. Charles D. Phelps US 55206116 55th Ord Ammo Co. Dean worked for many years at Precision National and Boatman’s Bank. Dean was on the Webber Township High School Board for six years and a long time member of the Black Oak Ridge Cemetery Board. Dean was a 4-H leaders alongside his wife and was a part of the Bluford Ruritan Club for twenty-eight years. His family was voted the “Bluford Ruritan Family of the Year.” Dean was a faithful member of Marlow Methodist Church until their closing. Since then, he attended Calvary Pentecostal Church. Dean had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. He often had a smile on his face and he always liked to tease those who were dear to his heart. To know him was to love him. He was ornery, funny, and genuine. Dean’s greatest love was for God and his family. He loved working on the farm, liked to grow vegetables and shaw with his friends and neighbors. In the summer he could be found sitting at Dollar General selling watermelons. Though he will be missed here on earth, we rejoice knowing Dean is walking the streets of Heaven, hand in hand with Louise and Marvin. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” – Psalm 23A
Visitation will be held Friday, February 4, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home with Reverend Bud Storey and Pastor Steve Edwards officiating. Interment will follow at Black Oak Ridge Cemetery in Opdyke. Full Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the American Legion #141. Memorials may be made in Dean’s honor to Black Oak Ridge Cemetery. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
He later married Doris Marie (Lane) Phelps on March 16, 2002 at the Marlow United Methodist Church. They were married for nearly 20 years. In addition to his beloved wife, Dean is survived by his children, Jerrell Wayne Phelps and wife, Jean, Kenneth Dale Phelps, Joyce Louise Pitts and husband, David, and Debbie June Bryant and husband, George, all of Opdyke, Robert Jaegers and wife, Deanna of Enfield, Illinois, Randy Jaegers of Mount Vernon, Illinois, and Kenny Jaegers and wife, Anastasia of Waltonville, Illinois; daughter-in-law, Teresa Phelps of Mount Vernon; son-in-law, Steve Oliver of Evansville, Indiana; grandchildren, Melissa “Missy” Anderson, Darren Phelps, Shannon Rasnake and husband, Rob, Shawn Andrews, Joshua Andrews, Brandy Cook and husband, Wyett, Carrie Woodcock and husband, Tony, Laura Moyer and husband, Eric, Rachel Taylor and husband, Adam, Kristin Spears and husband, Paul, Bethany Phelps, Cindy Bundy, Robbie Jaegers, Megan Jaegers, Keisha Higgins, Gavon Jaegers, Randy Jaegers, and Kandus Jaegers; many loving great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Freda Halfacre and husband, Glen of Iuka, Illinois, Phyllis Davis of Salem, Illinois, and Harold Phelps of Centralia, Illinois; sister-in-law, Deanne Phelps of Dix, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
He was born March 10, 1931 in Jefferson County, Illinois to the late Alfred and Flossie (Stanford) Phelps. Dean first married Louise Maxine (Russell) Phelps on October 27, 1951 in Jefferson County. They were blessed with nearly 49 years of marriage before her passing on March 23, 2000. In addition to his first wife and parents, Dean was preceded in death by his son, Marvin Dean Phelps; daughters-in-law, Vickie Phelps; stepdaughter, Kathy Oliver; brother, James Phelps; and siblings-in-law, David Davis and Pat Phelps.
