Charles Harrison
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Charles R. Harrison, lovingly known to many as “Choo Choo,” age 92, of Worden, IL, and formerly of Granite City, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of his devoted children.
Born May 2, 1933, in Granite City, IL, Charles was the cherished son of the late Charles F. and Fern (Hoese) Harrison. From his earliest years, Charles lived a life filled with purpose, perseverance, and deep devotion to his family, friends, and community.
He attended Harris and Louis Baer Primary Schools, graduated from Madison High School, and continued his education at Missouri State Teacher’s College. Charles proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1953–1956. During the Korean Conflict, he was deployed to Wachenheim, Germany, as a sergeant in the famed 2nd Armored Division, “Hell on Wheels.”
On September 23, 1960, Charles married the love of his life, Virginia Carol Hacker. Together they built a beautiful life until her passing in 1991, and Charles carried her memory in his heart for the rest of his days.
A hardworking and entrepreneurial man, Charles dedicated many years at Granite City Steel blast furnace and Commonwealth. He later became a union distributor/driver for Sinclair and Arco Oils, and in 1981 founded Harrison Oil. That same year, he became a licensed realtor and eventually opened Harrison Realty. Never one to slow down, he joined the United States Postal Service in 1987 as a clerk, retiring in 2000 after a career that reflected his determination and strong work ethic.
Charles was a man of faith and fraternity. He was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Granite City and a proud member of countless organizations including Triple Lodge, Scottish Rite, Ainad Temple, Ainad Color Guard, Arab Patrol, the Royal Order of the Jesters, Granite City Elks Lodge 1063, Disabled American Veterans, and American Legion Posts 877 and 835. His dedication to service and fellowship was a cornerstone of his life.
To all who knew him, Charles was a friend, mentor, and a man who never met a stranger. He was always ready with a helping hand or a kind word. His happiest moments were spent with his family at Holiday Shores, enjoying the view of the lake from his porch, sipping coffee with his loyal cat, Boots, or catching up with friends at his favorite hangout, The Vault coffee shop. His warmth, humor, and unwavering love for his family will forever be remembered.
In addition to his parents and beloved wife Virginia, Charles was preceded in death by his sister, Gloria Paulson.
He is survived by his loving children, Charles Michael (Jenny) Harrison and Pamela Jo (Richard) Bywater; his seven adoring grandchildren; Ashley (Nathan), Andrew, Alex (Destiny), Brooke, Brittany, Jacob and Ashley; nine great-grandchildren; Jack, Samuel, Charli, Isabella, Scottie, Elijah, Brayden, Brooklyn, Kaden and Tariq; and a host of extended family and treasured friends who will carry his memory forward.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 25, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Irwin Chapel in Granite City, IL. A Royal Order of Jesters Rose Ceremony will take place at 7:13 p.m., followed by a Masonic Service.
A celebration of Charles’s life will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Irwin Chapel. He will be laid to rest beside Virginia at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, IL, with full military honors provided by the United States Army.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tri City Shrine, Arab Patrol, Ainad Color Guard, American Legion Post 877 or 835, or First Presbyterian Church.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.irwinchapel.com.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
