Charles F. Elking

Charles (Chuck) F. Elking, 91, of Hillsboro, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023 at his home.  

He was born Dec. 17, 1932, in Lima, the son of the late Frank J. and Cecilia (Miller) Elking. 

Raised on a farm, “Charlie” developed an appreciation for hard work and always willing to help family, friends and neighbors. As a young man, Charlie and his buddies formed the Chickasaw Gang, a group that forged friendships that literally lasted a lifetime. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and loved his country. He retired after a long career as a respected diesel mechanic. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.  

The words "great man" are overused and probably cliché but certainly apply to this life well-lived. Described by those who knew him as encouraging, jovial and always knowing just the right thing to say to everyone he met, he never knew a stranger. His stories will be told by family and friends for years to come about the way Charles lived his life and was able to affect and impact everyone he knew. Charles was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hillsboro. Steadfast in his faith, his family is comforted by the knowledge that he is in heaven to be with his Lord. 

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lillian G. (Akers) Elking, whom he married Feb. 3, 1973. Within three months they were married, which created a blended family of 10 children. Their home became a welcome place for a collection of all cousins, neighbors, family and countless friends.  

He is also survived by nine children, Mary (Ed) Elking of Seminole, Fla., Janice (Jim) Anter and Charlene Highlander, both of Bethel, Julia Dewitt of Wilmington, Tracy Vanhouten of Hillsboro, Wade (Shellie) Elking of Leesburg, Tonya (Greg) Turner and Shane (Alisha) Elking, both of Hillsboro and Shannon (John) Brauner of Chillicothe; 26 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.  

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by a son, Larry Elking; three grandchildren, Cinnamon Elking, Devin Dabe and Christopher Turner; a son-in-law, Richard Dewitt; and several siblings.  

Visitation will be 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4 at the Turner & Son Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Military honors will be accorded at the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be 1 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church. Father Michael Paraniuk will be the celebrant. Burial in the Westboro Cemetery will take place at the convenience of the family.  

Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 26345 Network Place, Chicago, Ill. 60673-1263 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.   

To leave an online condolence to the family, visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.