Charles Ray Shinn

Charles Ray Shinn, 73, of Belleville, IL, born Saturday, September 10, 1949, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his loved ones.

Charlie owned and operated Bed & Biscuit Country Kennel since 2010. He took great pride in caring for and getting to know his furry friends and their owners. Prior to that, he worked as a truck driver for 30+ years hauling a variety of goods, mail and flour. Immediately after high school, Charlie served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Bronze Star Medal.

Charlie is fondly remembered by family and friends as charismatic, witty, humorist and charming. His friends called him “Good Time Charlie.” He had a million dollar smile and loved to entertain his family at gatherings. As a sports fan, he enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Freeburg High School Football team, attending horse races and going on an annual fishing trip with his guy friends.

Additionally, Charlie enjoyed listening to smooth jazz and blues music. He had an excellent wine tasting palate and enjoyed sharing his feelings and thoughts with those around as he sipped.

Charlie, along with his cherished sweetheart Cheryl Yarber, owned an antique car that they named Doozie and enjoyed taking it out for afternoon rides.

Charlie was a Christian by faith. His family was very dear to him and he cherished every moment spent with them.

He is preceded in death by his:

• Father, Charles Shinn

Survived by his:

• Partner, Cheryl Yarber of Belleville, IL
• Mother, Kathryn Shinn of Clovis, CA
• Siblings:
  • Darren (Jeanette) Shinn of Clovis, CA
  • Cathy (Clyde) Dumstorff of Troy, IL
• Nieces and Nephews:
  • Lisa (Craig) Stoner of Columbia, IL
  • Kelly (Raymond) Wilson of Worden, IL
  • Jamie (Scott) Windsor of Collinsville, IL
  • Dylan (Yvette) Shinn of Clovis, CA
• Great Nieces and Nephews:
  • Lauren (Tyler) Dillon
  • Kaitlyn (Brandon) Meyer
  • Hannah Knaust
  • Connor Knaust
  • Hayden Windsor
  • Gavin Windsor
  • Reece Windsor
• Great Great-Nephews:
  • Brayden Meyer
  • Grayson Dillon
  • Calvin Dillon
  • Easton Meyer
• Special Bonus Family:
  • Jake & Amy Yarber and their children, Owen and Rook
  • Luke and Andrea Yarber and their son Cole

He will be deeply missed and will stay forever in our hearts.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Old Friends Horse Farm in Georgetown, KY or to the Belleville Dog Park.

Visitation: Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. at Kurrus Funeral Home.

Funeral: Funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 11th, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at Kurrus Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Dempsey officiating. Charlie’s wishes were to be cremated and an interment will be held at a later date at Brown Cemetery in Pocahontas, IL.