OBITUARY Charles E Syester December 8, 1927 – December 21, 2018 Dr. Charles Edward Syester went to his Heavenly Home on December 21, 2018. Charles was born December 8, 1927 to Robert and Ruth Gordon Syester in Sullivan County, Indiana. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Patricia Ann Easton Syester, and their children, Janna Syester of Concord, North Carolina, and Joel Syester of Missoula, Montana, as well as a host of other beloved family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joe Syester, and sister Mary Syester Street Funkhouser. Charles lived a Christ-filled life which was demonstrated by his impact on the lives of so many people, as well as his participation in church and community. He served his country in the Army at the end of World War II.
After graduating from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Charles taught 5th and 6th grade at Rankin Junior High School, and served as a Principal for one year before moving to Macomb, Illinois in 1963. Charles was a Professor of statistics and growth and development at Western Illinois University for 30 years. While teaching at WIU he completed his doctorate at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
He was instrumental in founding Maple Avenue Christian Church in Macomb, Illinois, and Campus Students for Christ at Western Illinois University, which will be celebrating 50 years of ministry in 2019. Charles had a great love of singing which was seen through his participation in Barbershop Harmony Society, church choirs, Kitchen Bands and every morning when he was shaving. Retirement from WIU in 1993 did not slow Charles down.
He enjoyed serving as an adjunct professor at Johnson Christian University in Knoxville, TN and pastored Old Bedford Christian Church in Blandinsville, Illinois. In 2009 Charles and Patty moved from Macomb, Illinois back to Terre Haute, Indiana where they were actively involved at North Terre Haute Christian Church. Charles served as an elder and was recently honored as elder emeritus.
Charles was a student of God’s Word and enjoyed participating in the Senior Seekers Community Bible Study. Charles and Patty had recently moved to Concord, North Carolina, to live with their daughter, Janna. Services will be held on Sunday, December 30, 2018, at North Terre Haute Christian Church, 3133 E. Park Avenue, North Terre Haute, Indiana.
Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a celebration of Charles’ life following at 7:00 p.m. Private family burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park on Monday, December 31, 2018. Charles and Patty loved and supported many missions and missionaries. Memorials in honor of Charles can be made to the ministry of Elder Orphan Care online at www.
elderorphancare.com or by mail to 349-L Copperfield Blvd. , Suite 211, Concord, NC, 28025.
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