John "Jack" Charleton

Jack Charleton was born in Chicago, IL on January 8, 1951, to Lois Marie and Samuel John Charleton. Jack passed away at Manor Court residence in Freeport, IL on December 1, 2023. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 9, at the United Methodist Church in Lanark, IL. Burial will take place in Lanark Cemetery, where Jack will be laid to rest with his parents.

Jack grew up in Chicago, IL and Elmhurst, IL, attending York High School in Elmhurst from 1973 to 1977 and working in the cafeteria of the school until 1981, when he and his parents moved permanently to Lake Carroll. Jack was a long-term resident of Lanark, IL (2001 to 2022) and of Lake Carroll, IL (1972 to 2001). He worked for over 30 years at the Rolling Hills Progress Center, and resided from 2012 to 2022 at Gordon Jones Terrace, Lanark, IL. Jack was a long-term member of the First Methodist Church, Lanark, IL where he and his family have worshipped since 1973.

Jack was a local ‘celebrity’ around Lanark. Always cheerful and friendly, Jack made the most of every conversation and each day. There was no one Jack didn’t like and his enthusiasm, optimism, and ‘can do’ attitude was infectious. As the Wizard of Oz said to the Tin Man, “A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.” No truer statement could be made about Jack. He was adored by all. Born with mental and physical disabilities, Jack never considered himself handicapped and lived a full, healthy, happy life.

Jack is survived by his brother, Daniel Henry Charleton (Miami, FL); and nieces, Sarah Danielle Charleton (Los Angeles, CA) and Alexa Malia Charleton (Anaheim Hills, CA); and nephews, Blake Charleton (Brooklyn, NY) and Ty Daniel Charleton (Sarasota, FL). Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Lois Marie.