Charles Allan Shrum, age 66, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital. Charles was born February 4, 1959, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Jasper and Donna (Foes) Shrum. He was raised in Red Oak and Stanton and later served in the United States Army. Charles worked his entire life in the carpentry and handyman business. He was united in marriage to Deb Kester on June 24, 1978, in Emerson, Iowa. Charlie was a member of the Red Oak Eagles Lodge and enjoyed playing pool and darts. Most recently he made his home with his companion of many years: Denise Svoboda.

Preceding him in death were his parents; stepfather: James Askey; sons: Shane Shrum and Shaun Akers; brothers: Donald Shrum and Mike Askey; and sister: Deb Kirchner. Survivors include his companion: Denise Svoboda of Red Oak, IA; children: Shannon Handley of Stanton, IA; Shae Shrum (Jennifer Rains) of Stanton, IA; Todd Svoboda Fisher and husband Travis Fisher of Bellevue, NE; Adam Svoboda of Red Oak, IA; Tiffany Svoboda of Elliott, IA; and Tasha Svoboda of Elliott, IA; grandchildren: Drew, Connor, and Sadie Handley; Heavyn Aherns; and Nyvaeh and Rylan Shrum; sister: Pam Miller; sister-in-law:  Linda Askey of Red Oak, IA; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Friday, August 29, 2025, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Burial will be held in the Emerson Cemetery in Emerson, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 PM Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the family.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.