Charles LaRue Swinney Jr.
Charles LaRue Swinney Jr., 89, of Du Quoin, passed away at 4:38 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 at the St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro.
Charles was raised in Marion, Ill. and graduated from Marion High School in 1943. From 1943 until 1945, he served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was proud of being in the Navy V-12 Program at Norfolk and Richmond. Charles attended the University of Richmond for two and a half years. He then attended Southern Illinois University for two years, receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1948. Charles attended University of Illinois and received his Master of Science Degree in 1949. He received his certification in Guidance & Counseling and in Educational Supervision and Administration from Southern Illinois University during the summers from 1950 until 1957. In 1963, Charles attended the National Science Foundation Program at Baylor University. In 1964 and 1965, he attended the National Science Foundation Program at the University of Missouri - Rolla.
Charles was a classroom teacher at Du Quoin High School from 1949 until 1965, teaching in the subject areas of Chemistry, Physics, Mining Technology and Biology. From 1965 until 1974, he was Assistant Principal and Guidance Director, serving in this position for nine years. He served as the Du Quoin High School Principal from 1974 until 1986. In June of 1986, Charles retired after completing 37 years on the Du Quoin High School Staff. This is the longest period of continuous service for any one person on the Du Quoin High School Staff. He loved teaching and talked about how many lives he had touched as a teacher. In Charles' own words, he reflected on his time as an Administrator at Du Quoin High School and the areas that his efforts were directed toward: "Not only maintaining and continuing to develop strong academic programs but also programs that would serve all students. During my tenure as Principal, Special Education Classes were begun along with programs for students with serious learning disability problems. Working with special teachers in these areas, we were able to keep many students in school through graduation, who otherwise would have dropped out of school. Also we greatly expanded vocational education and brought in many new programs such as computer science and technology. One of my greatest satisfactions is in still seeing a large number of the excellent faculty at Du Quoin High School who came into their positions through my recommendations to the school board. My concern at all times was to maintain the strongest teaching staff possible because that, more than anything else, determines whether or not you have a good school. I always felt that though facilities, equipment, materials, etc. were important, the one thing that would insure excellence in education was the Class Room Teacher.'
In 1987, he began working part-time as an Educational Consultant for the Egyptian Educational Service Center and the Jackson-Perry County Regional Superintendent's Office. This work involved the 14 school districts in Jackson-Perry Counties with services relating to school learning assessment planning, school improvement plans, state assessment in the areas of reading, math, language arts and science.
Charles was also involved in the community. He was past Chairman of the Perry County Chapter of the American Cancer Society and was a present member of the board. He was past President and present member of the Du Quoin Rotary Club. He supported and worked with the Du Quoin Reading Literacy Program. Charles was an active member of the Du Quoin First United Methodist Church and past Chairman of the church Administrative Board. He was a member of the Du Quoin Library Board and in 1999 he became President of the Library Board. Charles had served three years as President of the South-Western Egyptian Athletic Conference. He served nine years on the Legislative Commission of the Illinois High School Association. While still teaching, he served as the Legislative Representative from Perry County to the Illinois Education Association. Over a period of 21 years, he served as a member of approximately 45 North Central Association Evaluation Teams for high schools throughout Illinois. He was a member of the Du Quoin Elks Lodge, Du Quoin American Legion and Perry County Retired Teachers Association.
Charles was always telling his daughter, Jane, he had a wonderful life.
He was born June 19, 1925 at Marion, Ill., the son of Charles LaRue and Callie (Logan) Swinney.
He married Margaret L. Christensen on Aug. 18, 1948 at Marion, Ill. and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, one daughter - Jane E. Swinney of Morris, Ill., one nephew - Eric Jones, and one niece - Maryann DeMunbrum.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son - Dale Swinney and one sister - Norma Heyde.
Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Du Quoin with Rev. Jarrett Wells, Rev. Roy Smith and Rev. Fred Bishop officiating.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in Du Quoin.
Graveside rites will be at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Rosehill Cemetery at Marion, Ill.
Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery at Marion, Ill.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the United States Navy.
Friends may make memorials to the donor's choice or to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.