Charles, age 80, of Chillicothe, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.

Charles was born on November 14, 1943 in Kennett, MO to the late Deward Aaron and Bonnie Mae (Presley) Britton. He married Vickie L. Parkinson on May 13, 1975 in Peoria, IL.

Surviving is his wife, Vickie; his son, Joseph Britton of Chillicothe, IL; two daughters; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Charles graduated from Wardell High School in 1961 and later from the Police Training Institute at the University of Illinois in 1980. He started as an Auxiliary Officer for the Chillicothe Police Department in 1973 moving up to Captain. He became a patrolman and sniper with the Chillicothe Police Department once he completed his PTI and retired in 1999. Charles also was an Auxiliary Officer for the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department for five years and was Captain of the Henry Police Department for six years. Over the years, Charles was a Range Officer with the Emergency Response Services, was a Field Training Officer, was an instructor with Officer Driver Education through Illinois Central College, worked for the U.S. Marshals Office for two years, was instrumental in starting the Chillicothe Cadet Program and was Officer of the Year for the Chillicothe Police Department in 1989.

Charles was a very active member of the community and was a member of the Peoria Casting Club and the July 4th Fireworks Committee. He was a member of the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Fan, he enjoyed music, especially karaoke, and treasured his many trips with family and friends to Chetek, WI.

Services were held on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 2pm at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe. Rev. John Collins officiated. Burial followed at Chillicothe City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Children of Fallen Officers Program.