Obituary for Charles L. Garde Jr.
Charles Garde, age 87 died October 25, 2022, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. Charles was born on April 24, 1935, in Joplin, Missouri.
According to Charles, he was an "Irish, Catholic, whiskey drinking, former Altar Boy."
Growing up in Joplin, Charles graduated from high school and completed two years of Junior college. During high school, Charles joined the ROTC. This was the beginning of his military career.
In 1956, Charles joined the Navy. For two years he served on the USS Cacapon A052 as an MP. While serving with the military Charles sent all of his wages home, saving his money to further his education.
Upon his honorable discharge, Charles returned home to complete his education. Charles graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business from Pittsburg State. At this time, Charles moved to Kansas City, to "seek his fortune". His first job was for Phillips 66, followed by Ford Motor Company.
In 1964, Charles moved to Springfield, Missouri and went to work for E.A. Martin Machinery Company, as a Sales Promotion Manager. There he assisted in keeping their many customers well informed of the latest product developments and services. In June of 1984, Charles transferred to Lowell, Arkansas, where he opened a Caterpillar Store for the company. After 22 years of working for E.A. Martin, Charles retired.
At the same time that he started for E.A. Martin, Charles joined the Seabee's. He served with the Seabee's for 22 years, dedicating all his vacation time to military service. Retiring as EOCS C. Garde USNR.
Charles was the father of three sons from a previous marriage, Steven Charles, John Thomas, and James Mathew. He had one grandson, Caleb Garde.
In 1984, Charles met and married Carol K., Charles enjoyed being a stepfather to Mark, Melissa, and Myra Shoffner. After joining Wesley Methodist Church in 1990, Charles started teaching Sunday school class. The class was named the "Dogwood" Class, after the two dogwood trees on the east side of Wesley Church.
Charles was predeceased by his parents, his aunt and uncle who raised him, Roy and Teresa; his son, John Thomas, and his beloved sister, Marcia Ann.
He is survived by his wife, Carol K.; his sons, Stephen and James; stepchildren, Mark, Melissa and Myra Shoffner; his grandsons, Caleb and Zeb; granddaughters, Amanda and Paula; and great-granddaughters, Alexis and Octavia.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Wesley United Methodist Church with Pastor Gary Griffin officiating. Visitation to follow in the church. Committal service with military honors will be at a later date in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at ww.hhlohmeyer.com.
According to Charles, he was an "Irish, Catholic, whiskey drinking, former Altar Boy."
Growing up in Joplin, Charles graduated from high school and completed two years of Junior college. During high school, Charles joined the ROTC. This was the beginning of his military career.
In 1956, Charles joined the Navy. For two years he served on the USS Cacapon A052 as an MP. While serving with the military Charles sent all of his wages home, saving his money to further his education.
Upon his honorable discharge, Charles returned home to complete his education. Charles graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business from Pittsburg State. At this time, Charles moved to Kansas City, to "seek his fortune". His first job was for Phillips 66, followed by Ford Motor Company.
In 1964, Charles moved to Springfield, Missouri and went to work for E.A. Martin Machinery Company, as a Sales Promotion Manager. There he assisted in keeping their many customers well informed of the latest product developments and services. In June of 1984, Charles transferred to Lowell, Arkansas, where he opened a Caterpillar Store for the company. After 22 years of working for E.A. Martin, Charles retired.
At the same time that he started for E.A. Martin, Charles joined the Seabee's. He served with the Seabee's for 22 years, dedicating all his vacation time to military service. Retiring as EOCS C. Garde USNR.
Charles was the father of three sons from a previous marriage, Steven Charles, John Thomas, and James Mathew. He had one grandson, Caleb Garde.
In 1984, Charles met and married Carol K., Charles enjoyed being a stepfather to Mark, Melissa, and Myra Shoffner. After joining Wesley Methodist Church in 1990, Charles started teaching Sunday school class. The class was named the "Dogwood" Class, after the two dogwood trees on the east side of Wesley Church.
Charles was predeceased by his parents, his aunt and uncle who raised him, Roy and Teresa; his son, John Thomas, and his beloved sister, Marcia Ann.
He is survived by his wife, Carol K.; his sons, Stephen and James; stepchildren, Mark, Melissa and Myra Shoffner; his grandsons, Caleb and Zeb; granddaughters, Amanda and Paula; and great-granddaughters, Alexis and Octavia.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Wesley United Methodist Church with Pastor Gary Griffin officiating. Visitation to follow in the church. Committal service with military honors will be at a later date in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at ww.hhlohmeyer.com.