Charles Dean Mattis

Charles Dean Mattis, Jr. born December 26th 1942, passed peacefully from this life surrounded by loved ones on July 28th, 2014, after a long battle with Alzheimers. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles Dean Mattis Sr., Dorothy (Michael) Mattis and his Angel, wife of 33 years, Bernice Elizabeth (Carpenter) Mattis. Surviving are two brothers Martin Edward Mattis and Michael Eugene (Jill) Mattis, nieces Barbra Wombles, Rebecca (Lou) Mattis-Pistolis, Toni Gonzalez, Teri (Gene) Rosenthal, many great nieces and nephews and countless cousins and extended family. From his union with Bernice in 1972, his children carry on their legacy. Daughter Jamie Inez (Ed) DeVore, his son Charles Isaac Allen (Jessie) Mattis and daughter Amanda Mari Dawn Mattis, grandchildren Rachel Lopez, Aaron DeVore, Anastasia DeVore, Sophia Mattis, Olen Mattis and Charlotte Mattis. There are many facts to be known about Charles. He was known as Charles to some, Charlie to others and Chuck by a few. He was a member of Kiwanis, Habitat for Humanity, The Vermilion County Conservation District, American Corn Growers Association, The Bunker Hill Preservation Society, and was instrumental in the Citizens for the Middle Fork Basin and National Education Association Member. But most important to him, as evidenced by the organizations he chose to be a part of, were the people in his life and his community. Graduating from Oakwood High School in 1961, Charlie went on to graduate from the University of Illinois in 1965 with a Bachelors Degree in Education. He began his teaching career at Muncie in 1967 until it combined with Fithian Grade School where he remained until its closing in 1987. From there he moved to Oakwood Grade School until he semi-retired in 1993 and was a substitute teacher within the county until 2000. During his time teaching, he returned to Eastern Illinois University and obtained his Masters Degree in Education. It was never his goal to be in administration, but to be the best teacher he could be for his students. During his teaching career, Charlie coached basketball for both boys and girls teams. During the summer it was not uncommon for neighborhood children to play basketball in his haymow, where he had made a make shift court. He also had a climbing rope that many would give a go at trying to emulate his making it to the top of the barn. It was nearly impossible to be out with Charlie and not encounter a former student. He remembered each and every one and always had the time to say hello and chat. Being an educator didnt stop with the school year for Charlie. He spent many summers teaching nature classes to school children at both Forest Glen and Kennekuk Parks. Being outdoors was a passion of his and he loved all things and all creatures. He, along with his brother, maintained the family farm for many years and relished being out in the field be it planting, harvesting or putting up hay. Among Charlies other interests were politics. He ran for U.S. Congress in 1992 and Illinois State Senate in 1994. He was a stable fixture in assisting other candidates with their own campaigns and was a firm believer in the need to vote. Charlie was also an avid sports fan, following the Fighting Illini and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was more than just a fan, for years he participated in several softball leagues, both fast and slow pitch, Church league to competitive leagues that would travel the state. While it seemed he did little of it, Charlie enjoyed relaxing reading cowboy novels, mostly Zane Grey and listening to Elvis music. He loved automobiles and had a plethora of them from antiques to off road to sports cars. He was a dry wit, loved a good laugh and appreciated all that he could experience. He was a source of encouragement for his children. He believed in them with all his heart. He taught them never to give up, never back down from a challenge and persistence pays off. He did whatever was necessary to help them along their way and assure they had a solid foundation to become responsible, respectable adults. He was a loving support of his wife in both her professional career and personal endeavor to serve the congregation of New Life Christian Church. He was a welcoming and loving father to his son-in-law and daughter-in law, with a congenial smile and warm hugs. This is but a summary of the man that Charlie was. He was a voice of reason in an otherwise unreasonable world. He was the smartest man in most rooms and he never knew it. He was quick to forgive, the first to provide a second chance, the one that could always see the other side. He loved unconditionally, gave generously, accepted humbly and boasted never. These are the greatest teachings he provided us all. A celebration of Charlies life will be held at 10:00 am on Friday August 1, 2014 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville IL. Officiating will be Pastor Doug Knapp. Visitation will be held at the Funeral Home 4pm until 8pm on Thursday July 31, 2014. Memorials may be directed to the American Alzheimer Association or National Autism Association in Charlies name. Please join Charlies family in sharing pictures, video and memories on his wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com