Longtime Peoria journalist who reported across the world has died at 107
Charles L. Dancey, a former editor of the Journal Star, has died at age 107.
A native of Pekin and a graduate of the University of Illinois, Dancey died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. He had been a newspaperman since 1938. He was named editor of the Journal Star in 1958, and served in that capacity for more than 20 years.
Dancey began his career as a city-county reporter in Pekin, later covered the federal beat and the county courthouse in Peoria, the legislature in Springfield, and for intervals, the U.S. Congress. His work at the newspaper also included duties as a copy editor, editorial writer, superintendent of the news and mechanical departments, assistant to the president, and management responsibilities in connection with a Journal Star-owned TV station.
His editorial function took him repeatedly to the Soviet Union, the Middle East and Latin America, in particular, and on one occasion to Mainland China.
During World War II and the Korean conflict, Dancey served as a line officer in the Marines, and subsequently as a reserve colonel. He attended both the Naval War College and National War College.
As a member of the Sociedad InterAmericana de Prensa (inter American Press Association), he served as a member of the board of directors and the executive board.
In his home city of Pekin, Dancey served one term as city councilman and commissioner of police and fire departments.
He and his wife, Nina, had three sons. Nina preceded him in death in 2019.
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Former Peoria Journal Star editor and Pekin native dies at 107
