Charles Killefer Shinkle

Charles Killefer Shinkle, 76 of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home at 7:30 p.m. Sunday July 28, 2013. He was born November 16, 1936 in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Carroll A. and Miriam Killefer Shinkle. He and his cousin, Ted, joined the United States Army and Chuck was sent to Korea. After serving his time in the Army, he went to Western Illinois University to finish his college education. While at WIU, he met Janet Kay Zillman and they married on July 4, 1959 in Macomb.

Chuck worked as an agent for Country Companies Insurance in Henderson County for several years, and later was employed by the Department Of Corrections in Galesburg, IL.
He was very interested in local history and especially the Abraham Lincoln era during the Black Hawk War. He helped develop the Lincoln Trail in Great River State Forest and located the Lost Cemetery, not far off the trail. Today, you can walk the trail and visit the cemetery. He was also interested in being a 4-H project leader and led the Pebble Pups through many field trips to find their rocks. If they didnt find what they needed, they could always find it in his garage.

Chuck and several friends have taken gold panning trips into the Colorado mountains. He also loved to take his metal detector and go look for artifacts from earlier times. What he found, he gave to the Henderson County Museum. He was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Stronghurst.

Survivors include his wife, one daughter- Cynthia (Terry) Clark of Melbourne Beach, FL., one son- Eric K. (Vanessa) Shinkle of Lynville, IA., three grandchildren- Andrew K. Shinkle of Offutt AFB, NE., Christian Z Shinkle and Naomi Shinkle of Lynnville, IA., two cousins- Ted Roberts of Peru, IL., Steve Roberts of Macomb, IL., and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister- Caroline Watson, and two cousins-Anne Tidmarsh and Elizabeth Downing.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday August 1, 2013 in the Stronghurst Cemetery with Rev. Terry Muller officiating. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, where the family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for Henderson County 4-H.