Charles “Chuck” Daniel McWhorter, 63, of Lebanon, IL, born on March 30, 1961, in Albuquerque, NM, passed away at home on Friday, July 19, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Chuck graduated in 1979 from Thornton High School, Thornton, CO, and in 1983, he received a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Journalism from Colorado State University. In 1994, he completed graduate education in Communications at the American University in Washington, D.C.
A career Naval officer, Chuck entered service on May 13, 1983. He was “an officer’s officer” who served at sea and ashore. He was involved early in the Navy’s landing craft development of hover craft. His ability to communicate both in person and in media led to his later service as a Navy Public Affairs Officer, one of only a few officers selected for such sensitive duty. After uniform service, at Scott Air Force Base, IL, Chuck was involved in the development of cyber security programs for military commands worldwide.
Chuck loved life and those who he encountered along the way. His enthusiasms ranged from motorcycle mechanics, sailing, a koi pond in his backyard or a pot of beeny-weenies on a campfire. Those who were fortunate enough to meet him soon realized that his interest in them and their lives was genuine, a characteristic matched only by his humor. A true gentleman never makes anyone uncomfortable; this was Chuck.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Bryce and Norma Kathryn (nee Sturgill) and his late wife, Dianne McWhorter (nee West).
Chuck is survived by his wife, Debra McWhorter (nee Ficor); his son, Marcus McWhorter; his “bonus children” Corrina Wendel, Claire Wendel and Quinn Wendel; his close cousin, Bill (Denise) West, and their children, Joshua West and family, Jeremy West and family; Dianne’s mother, Ada Viola West (nee Reu); in addition to many dear friends, shipmates and colleagues.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation; https://t2t.org, United Service Organizations, or the American Red Cross; https://www.redcross.org. Condolences may be made online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2024, and again from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Schildknecht Funeral Home; 301 S. Lincoln Ave., O’Fallon, IL 62269.
A memorial service will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Schildknecht Funeral Home, with interment immediately following at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery; 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis, MO 63125.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.
