Charles Earl Budinger

Charles Earl Budinger, 55, of Sherman, Illinois, died peacefully at Springfield Memorial Hospital on May 16, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. Charlie was born in Springfield on October 19, 1969, to Charles and Barbara Budinger. He married Elizabeth Scott on November 29, 1997, in Springfield.

Charlie grew up in Springfield and attended Griffin High School, The Webb School in Tennessee, and Bradley University. His lifelong passion and professional expertise was audio technology. Charlie started his own business, Budinger Acoustics, in 1991. Later, he held management positions in sound technology in Santa Fe, NM, and northern California before returning to Springfield to work for Kerasotes Theatres, later acquired by AMC Theatres. His final position was with Christie Projectors. After health issues forced an early retirement, Charlie did custom work on classic cars for a private collector.

Charlie always had creative works in progress—most notably, speakers for his extensive music collection. He had a talent for fixing anything and loved the challenge of figuring things out; if he could dream it, he could build it, once building an entire British sports car in his garage. Charlie enjoyed playing with his dog, Buddy, laughing with his wife and kids, cooking a meal in the kitchen he designed, and listening to his eclectic music at maximum volume from speakers he built. He cherished his family and friends who will remember him for his inventive mind, hilarious storytelling, and loyalty. He was one of a kind and had a big heart.

Charlie was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Worthington Budinger; and brother, Richard Budinger.

He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Elizabeth; children, Molly and Will; father, Charles Budinger and his wife, Agnes; sister-in-law, Amy Budinger and her children, Daniel, John, and Thomas; sister-in-law, Margaret Izzo (late husband, Todd) and her children, Katherine and Jonathan; mother-in-law, Virginia Scott; a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his beloved German Shepherd, Buddy.

A private burial will be held.

The family will host an open house to celebrate Charlie’s life from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Island Bay Yacht Club, 76 Yacht Club Dr., Springfield. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Budinger Family Memorial, United Community Bank, 1900 W. Iles, Springfield, IL 62704, or to the Kidzeum of Health and Science, Springfield.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.