COLLINSVILLE, IL- Charles Michels, 93, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Cedarhurst in Collinsville, IL. Charles was born March 16, 1924 in East St. Louis, IL to Charles Albert and Maggie Marie Hunter Michels. He was raised in Caseyville, IL.

His family moved from Caseyville, IL to Detroit, MI. From there, he enlisted with the United States Navy from 1943-1946, during World War II. He enlisted with the Naval Air Reserve in 1950, and was discharged honorably in 1954, with rank of Boatswain's Mate Second Class during the Korean Conflict. He also served in the U.S. Naval Detachment No. 3110 at Marseille, France in the European Theater during WWII. He received the European African Middle East Ribbon with one invasion star, victory medal, WWII American Theater, Combat Action Ribbon, Certificate of Honor form the French Government and Campaign Ribbon with medal from the French Government.

He married Elaine Marie Fields; she preceded him in death on December 31, 1978.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Dorothea M. Buskirk and Frank "Butch" Byer.

Charles is survived by his son, Douglas C. Michels of Greenville, IL; a very special friend, Betty Eberle of Collinsville, IL; sister, Myrna Marie Michels of O'Fallon, IL; sister-in-law, Kathy (Larry) Eads of Glen Carbon, IL; and nephews, Paul Buskirk of Belleville, IL, Donald Ray Buskirk of Collinsville, IL, Andrew and Devon Eads of Glen Carbon, IL; and great-nephews, Colin and Jack Eads.

He worked at the Collinsville United States Post Office as a letter carrier and was the first valet for female jockeys at Cahokia Downs and Fairmont Park Racetracks at night. When he retired from the post office, he also left the racetrack and worked part-time as a customer greeter at the Collinsville K-Mart store.

Charles was of the Protestant faith. He was an active member of numerous local organizations, which include: VFW, Kahokian Memorial Post 5691, National Association of Letter Carriers, Masonic Lodge #712, Scottish Rite Masonic Bodies of Belleville, IL, honorary member of the Legion of Honor of the Demolay, Masonic Lodge 712, Member of Ainad Shrine Center, Collinsville Shrine Club, and Ainad Golden Agers, Booster of the Year (1997), awarded in appreciation by the St. Clair Association Vocational Enterprises.

Memorial donations may be made to Tri-Cities Area Association for Handicapped, Inc. Additional condolences may also be sent to the family through this online guestbook.

VISITATION: A visitation for Charles will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2018 from 4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, IL.

FUNERAL: A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, IL. Interment will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL, where military honors will be rendered.