Charles Edwards

Charles Edwards, age 89, passed away October 27, 2019 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born March 12, 1930 in Seminole, Oklahoma to the late Archie and Irene (Bruner) Edwards. The second of nine children, he attended Plenty Fay grade school (on the river) and Douglas High School in Wewoka, Oklahoma. He married Bettye Jo Rutledge on February 17, 1976 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Charles accepted Christ as a young adult. He served at Founders Church of Religious Science in Los Angeles, California for 30 years. He was raised by his Granddad, Archie Edwards, who never called him by his name, instead, calling him “little boy”. He loved nothing more than talking about his childhood growing up down home. Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army before graduating high school. He served in World War II during the Korean Action. In Mago-ri, without thought for his personal safety, he crawled through enemy lines, disarming mines and booby traps to clear a path for his unit that was attacked the following day. Because of his contribution, the mission was a success and inspired his comrades. For this deed of heroism, Charles was awarded the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry. He served the remainder of his tour of duty in Fairbanks, Alaska and remained there for 15 years. In 1967, Charles relocated to Los Angeles, California. In 1968, he went to work for Farmers Insurance as central warehouse manager. He also worked for Deusth Fastner Co. and ITT Corporation in Glendale, California. Charles coached Pop Warner Football in Culver City, California. He later went into the Bail Bond business from which he retired. Charles is a life member of the American Legion of Tyler, Texas. He also served as President of the 117th Vermont Avenue Neighborhood Watch, was President of Watts Chamber of Commerce, served on the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Crime Prevention Panel, was past Pacific Director of the California Bail Association and was Past Parliamentarian for Professional Bail United States. Chuck leaves to celebrate the love of his life, his wife, Bettye Jo. In 1970 working at Farmers Insurance, one day in the lunch line he was behind a young lady. Being the out going person he was, he said "Hello my name is Chuck Edwards". She turned and said "So what is your claim to fame?" Chuck and Bettye Jo, united in holy matrimony Feb. 17, 1976. Siblings; Freddie Edwards (Sarah deceased) of Tyler, Texas, Geraldine Rhodes (JB deceased) of Dallas, Texas, Debra Lewis of Los Angeles, California, Shirley June Ballard (deceased), Archie Lee Edwards (Lois) deceased of Edmond, Oklahoma,  Johnnie Mae Johnson (Joseph) of Shamrock, Texas, Bobby Edwards (Lois) of Abilene, Texas and Clyde Edwards (Daisy) of Dallas, Texas. He also leaves to celebrate a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. A special thanks to a dear friend, Emanuel Johnson of Las Vegas, Nevada. Thanks for always keeping in to touch. And to my sister Sandra Davis (Cookie) Joseph and Jerome, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Thank you for being by my side through this journey. From your little four legged ever so spoiled doggies. "To our DODO, WE LOVE YOU and WILL MISS YOU". Your little girl, Pretzel and your little boy Sparky. Charles the Man: Truly a man's man, Charles believed "Your word is your bond". He lived the life he loved and love the life he lived. He did it his way! Family oriented, Charles had genuine concern and love for his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was always the go to person if you wanted to know past family history, or just needed advice whether you wanted to hear it or not. You could count on him to call a spade a spade. If you ever debated Charles, you know that he was opinionated and could get under your skin (if you so let him). He would have the last say and would hang up the phone in a minute. Know that he loved you all. As a person who loved sports, losing his eyesight to diabetes was not easy for him. Donald Lee thank you for always calling to tell him what games were coming on. Family viewing for Charles will be from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2019 followed by the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. at the Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel, 1001 N. Milt Phillips Avenue in Seminole, Oklahoma with Belva Ross officiating. Burial will follow at the Bruner Cemetery, west of Little, Oklahoma. Pallbearers will be Donald Ballard, Ronald Ballard, Laman Thomas, Gary Williams, Chris Edwards and Kevin Pickett. Honorary Pallbearers will be Freddie Edwards, Bobby Edwards, Clyde Edwards, Kenneth Rhodes, Donald Lee Rhodes, Brandon Blount, Walter Edwards, Joseph White and Jerome Davis. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: November 4, 2019, 1:00 PM Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel located at 1001 N. Milt Phillips Avenue, Seminole, OK 74868