Charles Ivan Prior, Jr. – Benton IL

Charles Ivan Prior, Jr., 72, of Benton, passed away at 12:02 a.m., Friday,  December 1, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.

Ivan was born on December 30, 1944, to Charles and Mary (Parkhill) Prior in West Frankfort, IL. On September 27, 1969, he married Ginger Cremeens and they made their home outside of Benton. Ivan started as a coal miner in 1971 at Inland Steel, Sesser, IL and continued working in the mining industry for 25 years. In 1987, he became a proud business owner for 31 years.

He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict from 1967 to 1969 where he was the recipient of the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and Device and Expert Badge Pistol.

Ivan attended Rescue Freewill Baptist Church in Whittington, IL. He was a HAM Radio Operator since 1964 and a member of the Franklin County Amateur Radio Association.

Ivan loved his grandkids dearly and enjoyed traveling with his wife Ginger.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 48 years, Ginger, his mother, Mary Marie Prior of Thompsonville, IL; one son, Matt (Leslie Beth) Prior of Benton, IL; one grandson, Luke Prior of Benton, IL; one granddaughter, Sedona Mae Prior of Benton, IL ; one brother, Paul Prior of Newburg, IN and one sister, Peggy (Gary) Clark of Pittsburg, IL. He is also survived by one niece and many nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Ivan Prior, Sr.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 4, 2017, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 4, 2017, 2:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Rev. Gary Clark and the Rev. Bryant Harris, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Phillips Cemetery, Ewing, IL, with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Army Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Tuesday School at Rescue Free Will Baptist Church.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.