Charles M. Crays, 64, of Carlinville, died at his residence on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, at 7:50 p.m.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Crays was born on Oct. 24, 1961, in Carlinville, to Charles J. Crays and Dorothy Louise Johnston Crays. He married Darla K. Hankins Crays in Carlinville. He was retired after having been an iron worker. He was a member of the Carlinville Moose Lodge and Carlinville Masonic Lodge and he enjoyed helping others.
He is survived by his spouse, Darla Crays of Carlinville; step-children, Crystal (Clint) Downs of Louisiana, Toby (Denni) Paxton of Louisiana and Joey Paxton of Louisiana; grandson, Sawyer Downs; brother, Robert L. (Lettie) Crays of Carlinville; sisters, Linda L. Crays of Waggoner and Julie Ann Crays of Waggoner; and nephew, Matthew Crays.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials are suggested to Shriners Hospital, Carlinville Moose Lodge or Carlinville Masonic Lodge.
Online condolences may be left at www.kravanyafuneral.com.
