Retired Sears executive and W.W.II fighter pilot Charles R. Cummins, age 87, a resident of Wheaton for 50 years, died Saturday, March 29 after a long illness.

Mr. Cummins joined the Army Air Corp. in 1941 and after training in the US and Puerto Rico joined the newly formed 361st Fighter Group stationed in Bottisham, England. Though he flew both the P-47 and P-51, he much preferred the speed and maneuverability of the P-51. He met his future wife, Geraldine Phillips while on leave in Washington, D.C. They married in 1944. After the war he remained in the Reserves, retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel. Mr. Cummins joined Sears Roebuck & Company in 1948 and was transferred to Wheaton in 1956 where he and Geraldine raised their family.

Mr. Cummins in survived by wife, Geraldine, his daughters, Susan (Charles) Balsiger and Jane (Robert) Neisendorf. Along with his grandchildren, David, Daniel and Jeffrey Balsiger and Katherine and Rachel Neisendorf and great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Andrew and Blake Balsiger. He was preceded in death by his son, Ned Cummins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 5 at 3:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. Interment will be held privately.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633.

Information and guest book is available at hultgrenfh.com or call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.