Charles Ralph Loftis

Charles “Charlie” Ralph Loftis, 92, of Carterville, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the CLC at the Marion VA.

Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 23, 2026, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m., with the VA Chaplain Becky Capps officiating. Burial with military rites by the Navy Honors Team and the Carterville American Legion Post and Herrin VFW and American Legion Post will be in Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy.

Memorial contributions can be made to the CLC at the Marion VA or to the Carterville Lions’ Club.

Charlie was born on May 21, 1933, in Gainesboro, Tennessee, to Mary Cora (Hawkins) and Vernon Martin Loftis. He married Geraldine Marie Smith on December 22, 1953, in Gainesboro, Tennessee. She preceded him in death on March 5, 2014.

Charlie is survived by his children, Marty (Irma) Loftis, Greg (Peg) Loftis, and Lisa (Craig) Donna; grandchildren, Brandon Loftis, Jason (Kate) Loftis, Tyler Loftis, Amanda Loftis, Nicole Loftis, Scott Stearns, and Bradley Donna; great-grandchildren, Luke and Patrick Loftis, Paige, Kaitlin, and Charlie Stearns, Jocelyn Stearns, and William and Beau Stearns; plus special extended family, Katrina Stearns and her son, Lou, Andrea Libertone, Bethany Stearns; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a brother; five sisters; and grandsons, Ryan Loftis and Brian Stearns.

Charlie honorably served his country in the United States Navy, retiring after 23 years of dedicated service, including overseas deployment during the Vietnam War. His commitment to serving others continued long after his military career ended.

Following his time in the Navy, Charlie devoted himself to emergency medical care. He served as a trauma coordinator at Pinckneyville Hospital and at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale. He later worked for the State of Illinois with the Department of Mines and Minerals and the Department of Public Health as an EMT Coordinator. In that role, he was instrumental in developing and implementing EMT training programs, helping to shape and strengthen emergency medical services throughout the region, including support for local fire and ambulance departments.

Charlie was a faithful member of Crainville Baptist Church and an active member of the Carterville Lions Club. He also volunteered with the VA, continuing his lifelong dedication to fellow veterans. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, reading, traveling, and, most of all, spending cherished time with his family—especially his grandchildren.

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