Charles E. Fleming

KEWANEE – Ret. Brigadier General Charles E. Fleming, 75 of Cuba, IL, formerly of Kewanee, died at 5:24 p.m., Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Cremation will be accorded and a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 15 at Saint John Paul II Parish in Kewanee followed by a committal service and inurnment at 2:30 p.m. at the Rock Island National Cemetery where military honors will be accorded. Celebrant will be Fr. James Yeboah. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 14 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with recitation of the rosary at 4:30 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Honor Flight of Peoria or to the Cuba Fire Protection District. The funeral home will maintain compliance with COVID regulations and requires that all guests wear a mask for the safety of all those attending.

He was born February 3, 1946 in Kewanee, the son of Dr. Charles L. and Ruth S. (Steinmeyer) Fleming. He married Gayle M. Gamble in 1968 and they had been married for 53 years. She survives as does his son, Robert Fleming of Kewanee, his daughter, Nichole (Brian Watson) Fleming of Joliet, a sister, Patricia (Edwin) Peterson of Neponset, a granddaughter, Aurelia Watson who was his pride and joy, several nieces and nephews and his faithful companion, Ellie. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Carol Richards.

Charles graduated from Kewanee High School in 1964, from the University of Illinois in 1968 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, from Western Illinois University in 1982 with a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and from United States Army War College in 1995. He taught for Kewanee Schools, was a principle and Superintendent of Schools for the Cuba School District and was the founding Assistant Commander of the Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville.

He honorably served his country in the Army National Guard from 1970 to 2005 obtaining the rank of Brigadier General. He assumed duties as Assistant Adjutant General in September of 2001. He served as the principal assistant to The Adjutant General in all matters pertaining to supervision and management of the Illinois Department of Military Affairs and the Illinois Army National Guard. General Fleming was commissioned as a transportation officer through the state Officer Candidate School (OCS) Program. General Fleming commanded the 33rd Area Support Group and had served in various command and staff assignments from the platoon to the State Area Command level. Throughout his military career he achieved many awards and decorations including; the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

Charles was of the Catholic faith and thoroughly enjoyed his work and his service to his country. But most of all he loved his family.

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