Charles Joseph (Chuck) Dees

Charles (Chuck) Joseph Dees age 67 died near Panama City, FL on February 18, 2021 as a result of a single vehicle accident.

Chuck graduated from Litchfield High School in 1972. He started his professional photography career in the early 1970's while in service to the U.S. Navy as a still and motion picture photographer and was assigned to make training programs for pilots and anti-submarine warfare technicians. 

After his military service Chuck attended Santa Fe College in Gainesville FL where he studied multi-media communications. He also became an assistant instructor in the photography department there. Returning to Illinois in late 1979, Chuck started his own business in Springfield, IL producing educational video tapes and restoring historic photographs with contracts for the State of Illinois, Lincoln Library and other clients. He also worked for the Illinois State Police doing public relations and crime scene photography. Chuck most enjoyed his time as a public relations and wildlife photographer while working for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Chuck was passionate about evangelizing the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. He designed and built organic gardens for food pantries and taught classes in how to photograph and make videos of wildlife in nature. In his later years, Chuck enjoyed traveling and meeting people, and he looked forward spending the winter months in Florida every year.

Chuck was pre-deceased by his brother Rick and his parents, Roy and Betty Dees.  He is survived by brothers Tim (Rochelle) Dees, Frank Dees, Bill (Meg) Dees and Denis (Susyn) Dees, as well as several nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.  

A mass of Christian burial will be held at a later date with interment at Holy Cross Catholic cemetery in Litchfield.  Arrangements are through Becker and Sons Funeral Home, Mt. Olive. Memorials may be sent to Hearts United, Litchfield Food Pantry, or The Litchfield City Museum.

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