Charles H. Earlin, 88, of Collinsville, Ill., born Feb. 18, 1926, in East St. Louis, Ill., died Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014, at his residence.

Charles enjoyed playing the guitar, watching western movies and listening to country music. He was a World War II Army veteran and saw action in the Battle of The Bulge. A life member and past commander of VFW Post 5691 in Collinsville, Ill., District 12 Commander from 1985 to 1986, district service officer for many years, and VAVS at both John-Cochran and Jefferson Barracks Hospitals; and was also a member of Blind Veterans Association in St. Louis, Mo. He retired from ConRail (Penn Central) Railroad after 32 years as a welder.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lillian Earlin; and parents, William H. and Frances, nee Masterson, Earlin; a brother, William A. Earlin; and a sister, Mildred Feher.

Surviving are his wife, Frieda, nee Simons, Earlin; a daughter, Gail (Ron) Wilson of Edwardsville, Ill.; a son, Gary (Katie) Earlin of Belleville, Ill.; a step-daughter, Sharon (Rev. Roy) Hubbard of Cedar Hill, MO.; four grandchildren, Christine (Dennis) Carr of Columbia, Ill., Charles (Robyn) M. Earlin of Highland, Ill., Koren (James Fort) Earlin of Caseyville, Ill., and Emily (Pierce) Ford of Belleville, Ill.; 11 great-grandchildren; and close friend, Terry Jenkins of Marissa, Ill.

Memorials may be made to metro East Humane Society and Blind Veterans Association. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014, at the funeral home with Rev. Roy Hubbard officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.