Charles "Chuck" Ray Flener

Charles “Chuck” Ray Flener, 81, of Springfield, passed away at 8:15am Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at St. John’s Hospice, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 4, 1935 in South Carrollton, KY to Herbert and Flossie (Phillips) Flener. He met, his wife of 60 years, Barbara Matthews, while serving in the Navy. They were married on November 26, 1955, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlestown, MA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Margie Tapp and a brother, Ernest Flener.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara; two daughters, BethAnne (Stephen) Pellegrini and Debra (Timothy) Marker, both of Springfield; three grandchildren, Dalton Ross, Blaire and Patrick Marker and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Chuck was a United States Navy Veteran, serving during the Korean War. He retired after 37 years of service from Gietl Bros., where he worked as an auto painter. He was a member of Sherman Church of the Nazarene.

Chuck and his wife Barbara loved to travel and took many trips to Florida during their time together and went on 29 ocean cruises with family and friends.

Chuck was an avid sports fan. He loved to watch, and participated in sports around town, especially in his younger years. He was a well-known pitcher in the Christian slow pitch league and participated in various bowling leagues in Springfield. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals and often made trips with his wife and family to Busch Stadium to watch a game. Chuck also loved to watch his grandchildren’s sports and could often be seen supporting Springfield Senators’ baseball or watching Glenwood High School Soccer.

Visitation: 4 – 7 pm, Sunday, July 24, 2016 at Staab Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: 12:30 pm, Monday, July 25, 2016 at Staab Funeral Home with Pastor Will Haworth officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.

Memorials may be made to the Sherman Church of the Nazarene or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.