Charles E. Benford

Charles E. Benford a.k.a. Chuck, was born to John Cecil and Delores Benford on June 21, 1967, in Chicago, IL. He was preceded in death by his older brother Ronald (1973), Father John Cecil (1979), older brother Fredrick (2002), older brother Larry (2020), and Mother Delores (2023).

Charles was a solider in the Army of the Lord even before he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 26, 1988. During his service to our country, he achieved the rank of Corporal. He loved being a Marine and for all who knew him, you might say that he was born one. While stationed at Kings Bay Georgia, he married Allison Floyd. One son - Charles Jamal Benford - was born from this union before they divorced. After completing his military service Charles dedicated his whole life to the Lord. He had the heart of a servant and stayed ready, so he could always be counted on to hit the ground running. He loved serving on ministry missions’ trips, Team Rubicon disaster responses, and a plethora of veteran’s programs/activities through the Veteran’s Administration. He always understood the mission and never did anything halfway – he was always all in.

He worked as a University Admissions Counselor for several years before obtaining a career with the Illinois Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer. He loved practicing Jujitsu and spending time with his pets and family, especially his sister who was also his best friend. Charles was blessed with many talents and a personality that would draw people to him as he sought to be a blessing to everyone he encountered.

Charles leaves behind siblings; Lonnie, Dennis, SoLita (Lisa), Alonzo, Nathan, Jasmine, Malcolm and Stephanie along with a Godmother Diane Rogers, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who mourn his passing. While he will be deeply missed, there is comfort in knowing that he is rejoicing in heaven. Charles was a beacon of light to everyone he encountered.

Visitation will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 West Cermak Road, Forest Park, IL 60130, on June 10, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 West Cermak Road, Forest Park, IL 60130, on June 11, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W Hoff Rd, Elwood, IL 60421, on June 11, 2026, at 1:00 pm.