Charles D. "Chuck" Schiller

Charles D. "Chuck" Schiller, 79, of Robinson, IL, peacefully passed away on July 21, 2023, in the tranquil comfort of the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN. He and his twin brother Cliff were born on July 12, 1944, in Monterey, CA, the sons of Charles C. & Marguerite (Biggs) Schiller. When they were just weeks old, their father bought a car to drive the young family all the way back home to Illinois, with the babies occupying either side of an open hard-back suitcase throughout the journey. He then sold the car and went off to join in the fighting overseas during WWII.

Chuck was raised on the family farm outside Bellair, IL, and was a 1962 graduate of Oblong High School. He started his work life at Alblinger & Kirts Hardware Store during his high school years, but his career truly blossomed at Marathon Oil Company, where he started working in 1967 as a mail clerk before eventually retiring in 1998 from the maintenance department. A diligent worker, he also served as a fireman at the refinery. Chuck was not just dutiful; he enjoyed the pleasures of the outdoors, especially when it involved yard work. Friends and family fondly remember him in his element amidst colorful flower beds, mowing the lawn, or washing his truck. In fact, he enjoyed mowing so much that he gladly took to mowing friends' and neighbors' yards as well! Chuck also had an unsurpassable passion for cooking. Though his wife, Judy, taught him how to make them, the man became famous for his deviled eggs and was also known as an expert grillmaster, to the point that he made it into a year-round endeavor.

It should come as no surprise to those who knew him that Chuck was a fervent fan of both St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Illini basketball. Yet, his greatest joy was his family. He and Judy, together since their marriage on December 17, 1966, fashioned an expansive family network that included their children, Cary Schiller (Robinson, IL) and Cristi Schiller (Vincennes, IN); Chuck's brother & sister-in-law, Cliff & Peggy Schiller (Oblong, IL); his sister, Jan Jennings (Flora, IL); his sister-in-law, Cynthia Lindsey (Fieldon, IL); and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Their family further extended through a "chosen family" and a "travel family", symbolizing the myriad of close bonds they treasured and nurtured over the years.

A world traveler, Chuck and Judy made it to all 50 states, visited Alaska twice, Hawaii four times, and embarked on several trips to Canada. Their most recent international excursion was to Ireland in March. Chuck's zest for life, encapsulated in his explorations, was palpable. He was a man who was always the first to strike up a conversation, and in every interaction, his warm heart and wit couldn't help but shine through.

But what was most evident over these last few weeks was Chuck and Judy's loving trust in Jesus. Mind you, they have long been active in church, as they were once the youth directors at Central United Methodist Church in Oblong and also served as greeters at Highland Church of Christ in Robinson. But in recent weeks, Chuck and Judy's faith was truly revealed. Following his surgery and Judy's cancer diagnosis, they stayed strong in the Lord by describing their experiences as a "journey". As he neared the end, Chuck made it clear that he was ready to make his ultimate journey into the loving arms of Jesus.

We can't wait to see you there, Chuck.

We find comfort knowing that on Friday, he was finally reunited with his infant son, Chad. He was also preceded in death by his parents; Charles & Marguerite Schiller; his father-in-law & mother-in-law, Keith & Imogene Lindsey; his brothers-in-law, Don Lindsey and Jerry Jennings; and his granddog and "little buddy", Romeo.

A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. At the conclusion of the visitation, military honors will be accorded by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. A memorial service officiated by Pastors Shane Bopp and Mike McElyea will immediately follow.

In honor of the excellent care he received in his final days, memorial contributions may be made to the "Linda E. White Hospice House". In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations may also be made to the "NOW Program", which sends supplemental food home with local students on weekends. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.