Charles George Diehl

Charles “Chuck, Butch” George Diehl passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL at 2:13 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024. He was able to express to all his family how much he loved them prior to taking his last breath. We sang a family song rendition of Dr. Hook’s, “Cover of the Rolling Stone,” Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration,” Eagle’s “Take It Easy,” and “Amazing Grace” by many different artists to ease his passing. Music was a special connection he had with his family.

Charles was born April 5, 1948, in Allentown, PA., the son of June Wilma Alldredge and William Henry Diehl. He married Rhiannon Gray on June 7, 1971, in Llangefni, Angelsey, North Wales.

He is survived by his wife Rae “Raesy” Diehl; 5 daughters, Jacqueline “Jacko” Miller; Jennifer “Jenjen” Diehl; Sarah “Sarey” (Travis) Hanshaw; Samantha “Sammy Girl” Kersh; Katharine “Kay Kay” (John) McDade; as well as grandchildren Emily, Alexis, Keagan, Seth, Winnie, Ian, Khloë, Aubrey, Ava, Gabby, Mya, Klaire, McKenzie, and great grandchildren Lachlan, Ridley, Griffin. He is also survived by his sister Mary Ann Booth, and his brother Thomas (Corina) Diehl, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Johnny, Robert, and David, and sister Audrey and an infant brother James.

After graduating from high school in Barstow, Texas, he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force. It was while stationed at RAF Chicksands outside of Bedford, England that he met the love of his life, Rhiannon Gray at an USO dance. Their continued love and support spanned countries, and states.  His biggest accomplishment was his family. Family bonding was done through games like Spades, Scrabble, and Dominoes. Without the physical limitations he now can go back to playing golf, racquetball, and tennis. He loved joking with everyone, parting words of wisdom, and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He will now get to watch the games from the best seat in the house.

Private family burial services with military honors will take place at Danville National Cemetery, on Friday, May 3rd at 1 p.m. because all Diehl family gatherings happened at 1 p.m. and wouldn’t expect it at any other time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations be made Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust, the American Heart Association or the donor’s favorite organization.