DAVID DEAN SHICK

2/20/39 – 10/25/25

David Dean Shick, age 86, of Charleston, Illinois passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025 with his loving wife, Dana, and children, April Marchuk and Mitchell (Joda) Shick at his side.

Dave was born February 20, 1939 in Charleston, Illinois to Robert (Bob) and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Shick. He had seven siblings, brothers Russell, Ronald, Robert and Richard and sisters Gerine (Easter), Alberta (Alexander) and Treva (Chism). He was the last survivor of this close and loving family that grew up on the North end of Charleston. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves behind step-son Keith (Amanda) Bryant, 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren who cherish the memories and time spent with a grandpa who loved them so.  His son Lonnie and step-son Randy predeceased him.

He could often be found with a grandchild on his lap reading a book, visiting the park or Fox Ridge, going on special summer vacations where each grandchild got to pick the destination, and even taking a grandchild to ride an elephant.

Dave graduated from Charleston High School in 1957 where he made many close and life-long friends. He was an all-around great athlete lettering in several sports, but his favorite was basketball.  He was one of the best long-range scorers in the history of CHS basketball and in his senior year, lead his team to the Illinois Elite 8. Following high school, Dave started his own construction business and took great pride in the homes and businesses that he and his workers built and remodeled in this community. During his tenure on the Coles County Board, Dave's experience, efforts and dedication led to the successful restoration of several courtrooms at the historic Coles County Courthouse.

He loved to hunt and fish with his family in his younger years and later in life became an avid golfer with an effective, but somewhat unorthodox golf swing.  Although he did not realize this when he was young, he was a wonderful Karaoke singer and was often requested by friends, family, and strangers to sing old fifties songs, with Johnny Cash as a favorite.  He could be found with his nephews, The Easters, singing Karaoke at events and nursing homes in the community.  He traveled all over the world, and on his many trips throughout the US and Europe, enjoyed meeting new people, experiencing the cultures and, of course, eating the food.

Dave was an amazing friend, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He was loved by so many and shared his love through kind words and humor.  He always had a joke, good or bad, for any occasion and introduced himself to strangers with a funny story or an often-repeated joke.  During his last few weeks, he didn't complain to his doctor but did ask her to slow down because "when the Lord calls him forth, he'll probably come in fifth."

Dave was a member of the Christ First Church in Charleston.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the church, 1706 Community Drive, Charleston, Illinois, with the Funeral service honoring and celebrating his life beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Jared von Kamp officiating.  Entombment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.  Memorials in his honor may be made to: Christ First Church.  Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.