Charles A. Cushman, 94, of Fairfield

Charles A. Cushman, 94, of Fairfield passed away at 1:30PM on Thursday November 7, 2024, at Fairfield Senior Living and Rehab. Charles was born on November 15, 1929, to Harlan and Mary (Wright) Cushman at Springerton IL. He grew up in the White County area where he became an outstanding student and athlete. After graduating from high school with honors, he joined the Army and served with a headquarters detachment in Germany and France.

After being honorable discharged with the rank of sergeant, he returned home and married Anita Tucker who was also from Springerton. Charles and Anita moved to Fairfield where they raised their three daughters- Dixie, Kim, and Lisa, who all graduated from FCHS. Charles attended SIU at Carbondale and graduated with high honors.

Charles began his teaching career at Boyleston School where he served as principal, teacher, and coach for ten years. He moved to Merriam School where he served as teacher and coach for twenty years. While at Merriam he won two Class S State Championships in basketball. He also won Teacher of the Year and Coach of the Year honors. Charles also taught at Frontier Community College for several years and received Teacher of the Year Honors there.

Charles touched the lives of many students in the Wayne County area. He was a friendly man with a good sense of humor. He was an avid fisherman and a die-hard St Louis Cardinal fan. He will be missed.

Charles is survived by his three daughters- Dixie, Kim, and Lisa; a special son-in-law Robert Locke; six grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; two sisters- Dorothy South of Enfield and Shirley Carter of Norris City; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, wife- Anita, sister- Joyce Smith, Norma Etienne, and June Rister, brothers- Larry and Carl Cushman.

A Graveside service will be held at 11AM on Friday November 15, 2024, at Maple Hill Cemetery with military rites provided by the Anthony Wayne Post #176 American Legion and the Wayne County Post #4535 VFW. Visitation will be from 10AM until the time of service on Friday at Maple Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the VFW post #4535 at will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral home which is in charge of the arrangements.