Charles Louis Buatte

Charles was born to Joseph F. and Bessie (nee Branom) Buatte on May 31, 1923, in Sparta, IL. He married Grace Agnes Jungewaelter on June 12, 1943, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Charles worked for the Department of Army of Corps of Engineers in St. Louis District for 40 years. He was a lifelong member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. He was a the Knights of Columbus #3790 where he served 2 terms as the Grand Knight. He also served a 4 year term as district deputy of southern Illinois Fourth Degree. He was a member of VFW Post 3553, American Legion Post 487, and the Chester Boat Club. He was in the U.S. Army-Air Corp during World War Two serving from 1943 to 1945. He was a POW in Germany for 5 months. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Air Medal with One Cluster, ETO Ribbon, two Battle Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. After returning to his family in Chester IL he was active in the community. He was on the Popeye Picnic committee for many years. He initiated the construction of the town’s Welcome sign and served on the city zoning board. He is the father of six children, the grandfather of 16 children, great grandfather of 19. He is a brother to 2 sisters; Irma Cavanaugh and Alberta Thompson.