Charles R. Dolbeare

Charles Dolbeare, age 77 of New Canton, IL passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at his home outside El Dara. He was born January 17, 1948, in Hannibal, MO to Lloyd and Kathryn Taylor Dolbeare. Charles married Mona K. Sagner February 17, 1996, and she survives.

Charlie was a life-long resident of Pike County, proud lifetime member of the Democratic Party and El Dara Masonic Lodge #388 A.F. & A.M., graduate of Barry High School and WIU. His parents helped him start a custom hay business as a teenager to pay for college, after which he began a career in public service, serving his fellow citizens as Pike County Supervisor of Assessments for over 24 years and helping Senator Vince Demuzio develop the Illinois Farmland Assessment Bill of 1977. He was a founding member of Golden Road Band, playing “a little country and a little rock” which he referred to as “Crock”.  However, his dream job was to sing bass with the Oak Ridge Boys. In 1978 he started Golden Road Productions, a stage, sound & lighting company providing various services; from microphones for local high schools, to complete concert productions for artists such as John Conlee, Charlie Daniel’s Band, and the Oak Ridge Boys, to driving on tour for Trace Adkins, Josh Turner, and Rodney Carrington. For the past 19 years Charlie also partnered with his son Matthew, on Dolbeare Farms & Custom Harvesting. 

His mother said the only mistake she made with him, was teaching him there was no such thing as a stranger. He will be remembered as a hard-working, easy-going, curious, and generous friend to all, who loved a good conversation and was never afraid to share his point of view (the right one!)

Charlie is survived by his wife, Mona Dolbeare; children, Andrew (Ruth Phillips) Dolbeare of Barry, IL, Matthew Dolbeare of Barry, IL, Barbi (Rusty) Harrison of New Canton, IL, and Kathryn (Bobby LaRoche) Dolbeare of Quincy, IL; grandchildren, Liam Hamilton, Bailey Hamilton, Declan Harrison, Carlen Graham, Rachel Phillips, and on the way, Adeline LaRoche; sisters-in-law, Cindy (Gary) Bolles and Joni (Neil) Arter; and honorary daughters, Shelbey Syrcle and Cora Calvey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Kathryn Dolbeare. 

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL with interment to follow the service at Taylor Martin Cemetery in El Dara, IL. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Friday, November 28, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with Masonic Service conducted by El Dara Masonic Lodge #388 A.F. & A.M. held at 7:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to be made to Taylor Martin Cemetery or El Dara Masonic Lodge #388. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry is handling the arrangements.

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