Charles Vittitow, age 84, a resident of Princeton IL, went to be with the Lord on May 7th, 2020. He was born July 30th in Rotan, Texas to Lonnie and Era Vittitow.

Charles grew up in Texas and joined the Navy out of high school. On leave from boot camp at Great Lakes Navy base, he went to the Chicago Theater where he met Marlene Smith, his future wife. It was love at first sight and they spent every available moment together before he shipped out to serve on a submarine in Japan for two years. They were married on April 30th, 1958

They lived in Chicago where he worked for Sears Roebuck and company for 31 years. Charles was a Lapidarian and created beautiful things with semi-precious stones. Jewelry, tables, vases and other things out of jade, agate, opal and other stones. Later he took up wood working, building furniture and scroll saw wall hangings, jewelry boxes, mirrors and ornate shelves for all of his children, grandchildren and friends. He was a master of both crafts, winning 1st place ribbons in every craft fair he entered.

Charles was led to the Lord by his son-in-law Howard Kern who was trying to help him cope with the trauma of his son, Curtis, being paralyzed in a car accident. He, like his wife, loved the Lord and was burdened much for all of his family and friends that didn't know the Lord. He served where ever he was able in all of the churches he attended, as a fix it man, doing carpentry work, mopping floors and anything needed for building upkeep. He also started a church library in his church in Princeton.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa (Howard) Kern of Wheaton and Mitchell (Debbie) Vittitow of Antioch, Illinois, seven grandchildren, Christina, Nicholas, Jeremie, Amanda, Jessica, Katie and Charles, great-grandchildren, Rebekah, Corban, Tristan, Oliver, Penelope, Keegan, Anthony, Evelyn, Marlene, Ethan, Jose, Chloe, Mikayla, and Cody and nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his son, Curtis Vittitow

A memorial service remembering both Marlene and Charles will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the College Church Commons , Washington & Seminary Streets in Wheaton, followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m.

Memorials may be directed to Caring Network, 1200 Roosevelt Rd. Ste 114, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.