Charles Arthur "Charlie" Cameron

Charles Arthur "Charlie" Cameron, was born December 16, 1930 in Maplewood, Missouri to Gibson and Eva Cameron.  His family moved to Hecker, Illinois in 1945, where Charlie attended Waterloo High School.  There he met Shirley Josten, who on November 18, 1950 became his wife and life-long partner of 68 years.  

During his life journey Charlie was the beloved father to son Dr. Mark Cameron, and daughters, Debbie (Peter) Egan and Gale (Glenn) Wetzler.  As well as a grandfather to Drs. Ryan (Elisa) Wetzler, Justin (Sarah) Wetzler, and Sam Egan and great grandfather to Mason, Logan, & Ava Wetzler and Cameron & Henry Wetzler. As a father, he always was there for his children and was proud of his children, as they were of him.

Charles enjoyed many years of watching his grandsons play baseball in grade school, high school, and beyond.

Charlie is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He served during the Korean War period as a radar expert in the Strategic Air Command. He would tell many stories about his years of service, including his very early service as an 11 year old with his father who helped by working for a defense plant after school and in the evenings during WW II.  

Charlie believed deeply in services to other as could be seen in his volunteer community work.  Charlie served 12 years as a board member and president for 4 years for the Waterloo School District #5, as Hecker Village Board member for 9 years and the United Church of Christ Board for 15 years.  

His professional life was all about the railroads.  Charlie worked diligently and moved up the ranks in various railroads during his career.  He started as a clerk of the Illinois Terminal Railroad and retired after 40 years as Director of Industrial Inter-Carrier Contract/Rates and Divisions.  

He is survived by his loving wife, son, daughters, three grandsons, & five great grandchildren.  The grandsons, just as his children were proud of his dedication to family.  They received much time and love from their grandfather and all 3 boys have continued in his path that includes a love for baseball, aspiring career goals, and dedication to community and to family.
In continuing his service to others, Charlie has dedicated his body to science through St. Louis University.  

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: 
Arthritis Foundation, Frieden's United Church of Christ - Hecker, IL, or Donor's Choice

Memorial Service:
1 PM Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Cedarhurst Assisted Living
                                                               526 Legacy Drive, Waterloo, IL 62298
Pastor Ivan Horn officiating