Charles Allen

CAIRO, Ill. -- Charles "Chuck" Allen, 69, of Cairo, formerly of Port Reading, New Jersey, died Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in Mississippi County, Missouri.

He was born Sept. 16, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, son of Hayes and Julia Yatchyshyn Allen.

Charles was a mechanic and painter at an auto body shop.

He was a veteran of the United States Army and worked as a military policeman.

Charles enjoyed fishing, barbecuing, was an avid NASCAR fan and loved animals. He was a member of BPOE Lodge 651.

He is survived by a daughter, Crystal Allen-Irvan of Wickliffe, Kentucky; two granddaughters, Caitlyn and Madison Irvan of Benton, Kentucky; loyal riding buddy Kip; and many special friends he considered family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service will be at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 3, 2014, at Mound City National Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 178 and the Illinois National Guard.

A celebration of life service will then be held at Sixth and Commercial streets in Cairo. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Second Hand Angels in memory of Charles Allen.

Crain Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.

To leave online condolences visit crainsonline.com.