Charles “Chuck” Skurat, 63, of Scheller, passed away April 2, 2013 at his home.
He was born January 22, 1950 in Chicago, to Charles Skurat and Bernice (Bennett) Skurat.
Chuck was retired from Burlington Northern Railroad and also did taxidermy work. He was a member of the Faith Assembly of God Church in Du Quoin.
He married Glenna (Zettler) Skurat on April 13, 1968 and she survives.
Chuck is also survived by his children, Jennifer (Randy) Neff, of West Frankfort and Chad (Diana) Skurat, of Scheller. Also surviving are grandchildren Mathew Skurat and Zachary Skurat, of Scheller; step-granchildren Christina Neff, Du Quoin, Elizabeth Neff, Du Quoin, Michael Hurt, Du Quoin, and four step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Kevin Skurat, Herrin, IL and special friends Tom and Mary Mansfield and Don and Carol Drysdale.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Never before has there been a man more loved and appreciated than this man, Chuck Skurat. A tremendous blessing to all of his family and many friends, he leaves a lasting mark on the hearts of all who knew him.
Chuck was a devoted family man who was always there for his wife, children, and grandchildren; and faithfully cared for his parents in their elderly years.
He loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, and practicing the art of Taxidermy. He had artistic talent in drawing and writing. He was a ‘jack of all trades,’ able to remodel your home, repair your car, or cook your breakfast. Anyone who knew Chuck, knows he had a great sense of humor which kept everyone around him happy and laughing.
Friends and family alike have often called upon his wise counsel for Godly advice during life’s trials or to simply have a friend to listen to the cares of the heart. Chuck’s greatest desire in life was to love God, love his family, and love people, which he did with great success. He had a servant’s heart evident by the efforts he made to help others.
Upon return from a visit to skid row in Vancouver Canada, his heart was moved with compassion and he began to distribute backpacks filled with blankets, food, water, and a Bible to anyone he found homeless here in southern Illinois.
Chuck was a founding member of Keet Waters Ministry, serving for seven years with his daughter, wife, and son-in-law. He had a vital role in sharing God’s Word with God’s Love among Pacific Northwest Coast First Nations of British Columbia, Canada, and a small portion of southeast Alaska. This ministry would not be where it is today without his willingness to travel thousands of miles, his ability to break the ice with strangers, and his many, many prayers. His prayers live on … the seeds he has sown will continue to be watered; they will continue to grow and they will bring forth a harvest!
Chuck was retired from Burlington Northern Railroad. He was a member of Faith Asssembly of God in DuQuoin, IL where he was a deacon for numerous years. He has run his race and finished the fight of faith, for now his eyes are beholding what he has lived for … his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Chuck will be greatly missed, warmly remembered, and always held dear in our hearts. We will not say ‘goodbye’ but instead, ‘See you later.’
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Ryan Harris and the Rev. Keith Filer officiating. Visitation will be after 5 p.m. Friday, April 5 at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL. Burial will be in Paradise Prairie Cemetery, west of Sesser.
Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is in charge of arrangements.
For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
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