Charles Henry Vass, 88, of Ferris, Illinois, passed away at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at the Mt. Sterling Health and Rehab Center, surrounded by his family.

Charles was born February 17, 1937 in Carthage, Illinois, the son of Albert Clay and Geraldine (King) Vass. He met the love of his life, Phyllis Jean Mapes, at the end of his high school freshman year. They were married July 18, 1956 in Ferris. She survives.

Besides his wife of 69 years, Phyllis, survivors include three children: Steven Charles (Tammy) Vass of Cullman, Alabama, Pamela Jean (Douglas) Aeilts of Hannibal, Missouri, and Terence Wayne (Lexanne) Vass of Ferris; nine grandchildren: Kelly Hamm, Tasha Meyer, Jordan Vass, Jason Aeilts, Jeremy Aeilts, Hannah Rosenkrans, Sara Balanga, Samantha Mott and Sierra Vass; nineteen great-grandchildren: Connor Hamm, Sydney Hamm, Stella Meyers, Sutton Meyers, Layla Vass, Noah Aeilts, Cora Jean Aeilts, Rowan Aeilts, Felicity Aeilts, Adelaide Rosenkrans, Analynn Rosenkrans, LJ Rosenkrans, Thomas Balanga, Steven Balanga, Davin Murphy, Shelbi Mott, Dalton Vass, Tristan Vass and Wyatt Maynard and one sister: Darlene Neill of Carthage.

He was preceded in death by his parents and Roger Neill, brother in-law.

He worked numerous jobs throughout his life. He started working for Corner Granite Works in Carthage. His first job was installing stones on the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Carthage. For a short time, he operated Vass 66 Station in Hamilton, before working at John Helwig and Deak Freeman's Station in Carthage. He also delivered Prairie Farms Milk and was employed by the former Channen's Auto Supply in Carthage. Following that, he worked at the elevators in McCall, Disco and Niota, Illinois, selling Purina Feeds. He also worked for Carlisle Farms and Hoffman Electric. He spent most of his life working for Merritt RV near Carthage, farming, working on farm equipment, campers, installing hitches, truck beds, toppers and delivering campers all over the United States. He was a bulk mail delivery driver. He retired at the age of 81. He made friends with the many customers that visited the shop.

Charles enjoyed taking hunting trips to Colorado and Wyoming with his sons, flying his airplanes and spending time with his family. He served on the Ferris School Board, Election Board and served as Village Mayor for the past 30 years.

Banks & Beals Funeral Homes of LaHarpe is assisting the family.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 14, 2025 at the Hamilton Faith Assembly of God Church in Hamilton, Illinois.

The funeral service for Mr. Vass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 15, 2025 at the Hamilton Faith Assembly of God Church. Burial will follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery, Carthage, Illinois.

A memorial fund has been established for the family. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Charles' obituary at banksandbeals.com.