Charles W. Taggart, 90

Born: Feb. 25, 1922

Died: Jan. 15, 2013

Charles W. Taggart, 90, of Dowagiac, passed away at 8:26 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, at home with his family by his side.

Charles was born in Dowagiac, the son of Frank and Eva (Emmons) Taggart, on Feb. 25, 1922. He called Dowagiac home all of his life.

Charles served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army in the European, African and Middle Eastern Theater of Operations.

For his duty, he was awarded two Bronze Star Medals for meritorious service.  Because of his service to the country, he was a life member of Dowagiac American Legion Post 563.

On June 14, 1952, he married Polly “Pat” Schoff.  They had six children together, and family was very important to him.

He was an avid fisher, hunter and golfer, which were activities he enjoyed with his children and grandchildren.

He retired from Bendix after 30 years. After retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife to Hawaii and California. They enjoyed frequent trips to “the boat,” the casino in Michigan City, Ind., as well.

He was also a beloved regular at Wahoo restaurant in Dowagiac.

His wife preceded him in death on Aug. 31, 2003.

Surviving Charles are: his children, Sandra (William Kratz) Reid of South Bend, Ind., David (Donna) Taggart of Dowagiac, Alan (Lynn) Taggart of Niles, Judy (Scott) Kurzhal of Gobles, Sheri Merwin of Ray City, Ga., Patti Kolden of Dowagiac and Bruce Taggart of Honolulu, Hawaii; a sister, Dorothy Hilliard of Dowagiac; 12 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

His wife, parents, five brothers, three sisters and two grandchildren precede him in death.

Charles’ family will gather with friends on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where military honors will be rendered at 2.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Charles at www.yazel-clark.com.