Charles Burrus

Charles Burrus, age 92, of Williamsville, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Vonderleith Living Center in Mt. Pulaski, Illinois.

Charles was born in Springfield, Illinois on February 10, 1933, the son of Charles O. and Dorothy (Enos) Burrus.

He married Patricia Lofboom in 1959.

Mourning his passing are his wife, Pat; children, Michelle (Kevin) Schafer, Cindy (Rex) Partlow, and Jill Burrus; siblings, Nancy Dick, Carolyn Stone, Dorothy May Syler, and David (Elaine) Burrus; grandchildren: Erin (Brandon) Luparell, Carly (Jayson) DiManche, Eric Partlow, Amanda Partlow, Great grandchildren: Julian DiManche, Roman Dimanche, Marley Luparell, Kobe (Sydney) Partlow, Brody Osterbur, Silas Partlow, Fletcher Partlow and Avery Fogerson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother JW Burrus.

Charles attended Prairie School Elementary and Williamsville High school, graduating in 1951. He attended the University of Illinois for one year, and then served in the United States Army from 1953-1955. Upon discharge from the Army he went back to the University of Illinois to finish his degree, graduating in 1958 with a degree in Animal Science and Farm Management.

He returned to Buffalo Hart and began farming. He raised corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and oats. He also raised cattle and started his hog herd on outside pastures. He became one of the early innovators of confinement production in the hog industry, co-owning Sangamon Prairie Pork Farm with his son-in-law.

He was a member of the Sangamon County Pork Producers, Illinois Pork Council, Ducks Unlimited, Livestock Growers Co-op, and Buffalo Hart Presbyterian Church. Charles became a member of the Sangamon County Farmer Hall of Fame in 2021.

Charles was a pilot and member of the Slip & Skid club. He loved flying the plane that he owned for over 30 years. He was a lifelong learner, loved to read and travel, taking several trips throughout the U.S, Canada, and internationally.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Vonderleith Living Center Foundation.

Private services for Charles will be held at a later date.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be share at www.mottandhenning.com