Official Obituary of
Charles Lee "Charlie" Bruce
July 26, 1956 ~ December 28, 2024 (age 68) 68 Years Old
Charles Bruce Obituary
Charles Lee "Charlie" Bruce Obituary We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Charles Lee “Charlie” Bruce, 68, of Energy, formerly of Mount Vernon, Illinois. Charlie passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Herrin Hospital.
Charlie was born on July 26, 1956, in Mount Vernon, Illinois. In 2018, he married Olena Vsevolodivna Liszewski, sharing several wonderful years together. Charlie graduated from Mount Vernon Township High School in 1974, where he was actively involved in theater and drama, including a memorable performance in The Wizard of Oz. He was also known for his talents as a master of ceremonies for various high school events. Charlie spent time with the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour and proudly became the first bowler in Mount Vernon, Illinois, to achieve a perfect 300 game. His voice became familiar at K&L Raceway as an announcer before he transitioned to an on-track official role for several years.
Charlie's dedication to his work was evident as one of the original employees at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mount Vernon in 1981. He served as the Director of Supplies for over 30 years, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Later, Charlie worked in Environmental Maintenance with Rome Community School District 2 in Dix, Illinois. Upon retirement, he fulfilled his dream of working part-time at a golf course, enjoying his time at Crab Orchard Golf Club in Carterville, IL. When Charlie wasn’t working, he could often be found on the golf course, indulging his passion for dirt racing and all things speed, or passionately cheering on the Miami Dolphins—sometimes with a bit of vocal enthusiasm directed at the TV.
Charlie is survived by his devoted wife, Olena Vsevolodivna Liszewski of Energy, IL; his brother, Paul Bruce of Sessor, IL; his children and their spouses: Christopher Bruce and Annie of Coral Gables, FL; Matthew Bruce and Whitney of Mount Carmel, IL; Shannon and Randy Phillips Jr. of Mount Vernon, IL; and six cherished grandchildren: Kaylea, Keegan, Titus, Tobiah, Hattie, and Brooks.
Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Donna, and Charles Bruce, along with his sister Pam Estes.
His unwavering kindness, generosity, and devotion will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home, located at 201 S. 13th Street, Herrin, IL 62948. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.
Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102 for more
information.
Services
Visitation
Saturday
January 4, 2025
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home
201 South 13th Street
Herrin, IL 62948
Funeral
Saturday
January 4, 2025
3:00 PM
Johnson-Hughes Funeral
Home
201 South 13th Street
Herrin, IL 62948
Charlie was born on July 26, 1956, in Mount Vernon, Illinois. In 2018, he married Olena Vsevolodivna Liszewski, sharing several wonderful years together. Charlie graduated from Mount Vernon Township High School in 1974, where he was actively involved in theater and drama, including a memorable performance in The Wizard of Oz. He was also known for his talents as a master of ceremonies for various high school events. Charlie spent time with the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour and proudly became the first bowler in Mount Vernon, Illinois, to achieve a perfect 300 game. His voice became familiar at K&L Raceway as an announcer before he transitioned to an on-track official role for several years.
Charlie's dedication to his work was evident as one of the original employees at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mount Vernon in 1981. He served as the Director of Supplies for over 30 years, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Later, Charlie worked in Environmental Maintenance with Rome Community School District 2 in Dix, Illinois. Upon retirement, he fulfilled his dream of working part-time at a golf course, enjoying his time at Crab Orchard Golf Club in Carterville, IL. When Charlie wasn’t working, he could often be found on the golf course, indulging his passion for dirt racing and all things speed, or passionately cheering on the Miami Dolphins—sometimes with a bit of vocal enthusiasm directed at the TV.
Charlie is survived by his devoted wife, Olena Vsevolodivna Liszewski of Energy, IL; his brother, Paul Bruce of Sessor, IL; his children and their spouses: Christopher Bruce and Annie of Coral Gables, FL; Matthew Bruce and Whitney of Mount Carmel, IL; Shannon and Randy Phillips Jr. of Mount Vernon, IL; and six cherished grandchildren: Kaylea, Keegan, Titus, Tobiah, Hattie, and Brooks.
Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Donna, and Charles Bruce, along with his sister Pam Estes.
His unwavering kindness, generosity, and devotion will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home, located at 201 S. 13th Street, Herrin, IL 62948. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.
Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102 for more
information.
Services
Visitation
Saturday
January 4, 2025
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home
201 South 13th Street
Herrin, IL 62948
Funeral
Saturday
January 4, 2025
3:00 PM
Johnson-Hughes Funeral
Home
201 South 13th Street
Herrin, IL 62948
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Services
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