Charles "Charlie" Arthur Nelson, Jr.

Charles "Charlie" Arthur Nelson, Jr., 72, of Springfield, died on Thursday, September 17, 2009 in Paris, France. Charles was born July 13, 1937 in East St. Louis, the son of Charles Arthur and Bonita Mountain Nelson, Sr. He married Annette Williams on July 11, 1959 at Church of the Little Flower in Springfield. Charles attended Springfield High School and Eastern Illinois University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired in 1999 after 41 years of service from his position as an engineering technician for Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc., and then worked eight years for John Garrison Surveyors. He played minor league baseball for a St. Louis Cardinal's farm club, and coached little league baseball and CYO basketball for many years. He enjoyed golf, and was a Notre Dame fan and a St. Louis Cardinal's fan. He enjoyed his family and was a great family man. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Annette Nelson of Springfield; two sons, Jeffrey B. (wife, Janet) Nelson of Springfield and Kevin D. (wife, Christa) Nelson of Naperville; six grandchildren, Daniel J. Nelson, Keeley Elizabeth Nelson, Danielle M. Venegonia, Jacob L. Venegonia, Vincent C. Venegonia and Benjamin F. Venegonia; a brother, Robert Nelson of Springfield; and a sister, Lacinda "Cindy" (husband, Don) Hess of Glens Falls, NY. Family will receive friends from 3:00 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Liturgy of the Word will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2009 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield with Rev. Robert J. Jallas and Rev. Michael Kuse, officiating. Burial will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery with military graveside honors provided by the Illinois National Guard Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Family Food Pantry, 1023 E. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62703 or to St. Agnes Catholic Church and School, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, IL 62702.