Charles "Buddy" Litchfield, III

Charles “Buddy” Litchfield, III, of Cary, Illinois formerly of Crystal Lake, Illinois and Blacksburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully with his sons by his side on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the age of 71.

He was born March 29, 1950 in Beaufort, SC, the son of Charles Litchfield, II and Inez Smith. The family lived at Camp LeJeune Marine Base, Savannah, Georgia, Cherry Point Marine Base and Quantico Marine Base. Throughout these moves, Buddy loved playing pick up baseball and was very studious, especially in math.

Buddy received two master’s degrees, one in history from Virginia Tech and one in library and information sciences from University of Illinois. As a serials and research librarian at the Virginia Tech Graduate Library, he helped many professors and students with their research projects. He was recognized for 35 years of service prior to retiring in 2012.

In addition to his passion for libraries and reading, Buddy was a musician and lover of live music; a loyal friend willing to help in any way; avid traveler who was drawn to the beach; passionate gardener, canner, and maker of homemade delights; dart thrower and bar regular; hiker and lover of the outdoors; scotch connoisseur who was willing to try any drink once; and avid Virginia Tech, Chicago Bears, golf, tennis, and baseball fan.

Buddy is survived by his sons, James (Leah) Litchfield of Crystal Lake, IL and Aaron Litchfield of Richmond, VA; his granddaughters, Elena and Vivienne; siblings, David (Carol) Litchfield of Bristow, VA and Miriam Litchfield of Savannah, GA; his mother, Inez Smith of Savannah, GA; and former spouse and friend, Kathryn Martens of Crystal Lake, IL.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles.

Celebration of Life gatherings will be held in the Crystal Lake area in mid-June and Blacksburg area in mid-July.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Buddy’s memory to support the Without Warning Alzheimer's Support Group at Rush Office of Philanthropy, 28057 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1280 or visit http://rush.convio.net/BLitchfield ; or to the Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 W Paddock St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

For online condolences visit www.davenportfamily.com or call 815-459-3411 for information.