Charles "Chuck" Eugene Graden

Charles E. Graden, 76, known and loved by most as, "Chuck," passed away suddenly on Thursday, Dec 8, 2022, with his wife, Marinel, by his side.  

Chuck was born Apr 15, 1946 and was a lifelong resident of Nokomis, IL.  He was born in Hillsboro, IL to Gilbert and Louise Graden and grew up on the family farm in Audubon Township with his three older brothers, Gerald, Dennis, and David.  Chuck married Jean Ann Pieper in 1964 and she preceded him in death in 1967.  Chuck graduated from Nokomis High School in 1964 where he played football all four years.  He also broke his brother Dave's record for most solo tackles in a game.  He later helped coach Nokomis football for 20 years; several of those years with his brother Dave. 

In 1969, Chuck proudly joined the Illinois State Police.  He spent the majority of his career at District 18 in Litchfield, IL.  Chuck loved serving the public as a Trooper, Public Information Officer, and Juvenile Officer.  He trained many troopers as a Field Training Officer and spent 17 years working the Illinois State Fairs.  He retired after 30 years as a Master Sergeant.

On July 3rd, 1990, Chuck married Marinel Locke.  In 1993 they moved to the Graden Family Farm where they spent the majority of their married life.  After retirement, Chuck farmed for 10 years which he truly enjoyed.  Chuck never knew a stranger and he loved to tease and joke around.  Mostly, he loved his family and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  

Chuck is survived by his wife, Marinel; his children, Todd Graden and companion, Kerri Germann of Owaneco, IL; Toni and Mark Spainhour of Arcola, IL; Susan Graden of Nokomis, IL; Matthew and Karen Graden of Stanford, IL; stepchildren, Carl DeVard III of New Orleans, LA; Joshua and Lauren DeVard of Fort Worth, TX; Sterling and Cori Anne DeVard of South Jordan, UT; Jordan DeVard and companion, Hanna Cousins of Los Angeles, CA; Sariah DeVard of Atlanta GA; mother-in-law, Millie Pierce of Collinsville; sister-in-laws, Irene Graden of Hillsboro, IL; Janet Graden of Nokomis, IL; Shirley Locke of Collinsville, IL; brother-in-laws, Allen and Charlotte Locke of East Alton, IL; Tom and Robin Pierce of Maryville, IL; and Phil Pierce of Baton Rouge, LA; 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, and in 2021 by his three brothers David, Dennis, and Gerald, respectively.

Chuck was beloved and will truly be missed.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 16, 2022. At 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church of Nokomis. Donny Arndt and Lon E. Bruce will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday, December 15, 2022 from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church of Nokomis. Burial will be in the Nokomis Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Hooah Deer Hunt for Heroes. 

Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis is in charge of arrangements. To view the online guestbook, leave a condolence or light a virtual candle, please visit stiehldawsonfh.com

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