Charles Black, 89

Born: Aug. 26, 1923

Died: Sept. 12, 2012

 

Charles Henry Black, 89, of Elkhart and formerly of Edwardsburg, passed to his rest Sept. 12, 2012, at his home, after multiple age-related illnesses.

Charles was born Aug 26, 1923, in Jones, the son of Robert M. and Elva Charity (Smeltzer) Black. He had lived in Edwardsburg and Elkhart. Most of his life, after he spent 20 years in the US Army, retiring as a major. He was wounded in Europe during World War II, receiving a Purple Heart.

Charles worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance as an agent. He spent time working for Sears in sales and customer service. Also of recent years, he was working for Naquin Chevrolet in Elkhart, before his retirement and ill health.

Charles married May 25, 1947, in Albion to Wilda Maxine “Tootie” Dohse, and she passed Nov. 8, 1996, while they lived in Edwardsburg.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Randolph and Kathryn Black of Redford, and two grandchildren, Colin Black of Phoenix, Ariz., and Alexis (Michael) Black-Pyrkosz of Fenton. Other survivors are three sisters: Clara Macumber of Elkhart, Vera Glasow of Arizona and Mary Lydon of California

He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church of Elkhart and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. When he lived in Edwardsburg, he was active in the American Legion and led the military rites for many fellow veterans at their burials.

Friends and family gathered at Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, 26863 W Main (U.S. Highway 12) on Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m.

The service of remembrance was Monday, Sept 17, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home, where all gathered for one hour before the service. Officiating was the Rev. Laurence Smith, pastor of his church.

Interment followed at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, 61453 M-51, north of Niles, where he will be laid to rest by his wife, “Tootie.” The United States Army Honor Guard rendered full military rites for his service to his country.

Memorials may be made to the choice of the donor, in memory of Charles H. Black.