Charles Birk

Charles Birk, 53, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Tamms, Ill., died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born April 13, 1958, in Cairo, Ill., to Charles E. Birk Sr. and Shirley Hornback Birk. He and Teresa Simmons were married Oct. 13, 1993, in Cairo.

Charles was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. He was a riverboat master pilot more than 30 years. He was a member of Masonic Lodge 111 in Jonesboro, Ill. He truly loved his children, grandchildren and his puppy Max, and was an avid Cardinals fan.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa Birk of Cape Girardeau; mother, Shirley Birk of Cape Girardeau; four children, Carmen Birk-Martin (Todd) of Olive Branch, Ill., Kyle Birk of Thebes, Ill., Stacey Clover (Brad) of Jackson, Jeff Beasley of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Gena Oxford (Raymond) of McClure, Ill.; a brother, Gary Birk (Yvonne) of Tamms; seven grandchildren, Breyden Martin, Logan and Brandon King, Caleb, Kyle, Abby and Brock Clover.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to service time Saturday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Paul Short officiating. Burial will be in Lindsey Cemetery at McClure.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.