Petty Officer Herbert Charles Obituary in Opelousas at Ford & Joseph Funeral Home

Obituary For Petty Officer Herbert Charles

OPELOUSAS - Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Community Chapel Church of God In Christ, 1606 W. College Ave., Opelousas, LA for Petty Officer Herbert Charles, affectionately known as “Butch and Bookie”, 69, who entered eternal rest on Friday, October 15, 2021 in Houston, TX.

Rev. Frank L. Ford, Pastor of Community Chapel C.O.G.I.C., will be officiating the funeral service.

He served in the United States Navy for 23 years as a Navy Seal. After his military retirement he became a JROTC instructor at Opelousas High School and after moving to Houston he was also JROTC instructor at Madison High School in Houston Texas, where he again retired.

Herbert “Bookie, Butch” Charles leaves behind: a loving wife , Carolyn; his children, Shaun Charles (Beatrice), Duaun Charles (Tanya) and Tiffany Charles (Marcus); step children, Terrell Thomas, Pamela Thomas, Carlos Thomas (Chianti), Demetria Thomas and Wyatt Thomas (Latoya); special Daughter, Ebony Thornton; two brothers, McKinley Charles Jr. (Cassie) and Harold Charles (Joyce); four sisters, Rose Dorrah, Gertie Gail Fenelon, Linda Faye Charles and Marlene Zeigler; grandchildren, Jharod Johnson, Shaun Charles Jr. and Jazmine Charles; step grandchildren, Chatzsity Thomas (Kristopher), Ebony Thomas, Tyreik Mosely, Darius Ayodele, Jacobi Moore, Taylor Verrette and Erin Thomas; two great grandchildren; two Goddaughters; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, McKinley and Lillie Mae Lavergne Charles.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Community Chapel C.O.G.I.C.

** Please be advised we will adhere to the safety measures and precautions provided by the state of Louisiana due to COVID-19. Masks are required for those who will be in attendance. **

Words of condolences may be expressed at fordandjosephfh.com

Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 907 N. Market St., Opelousas, LA, (337) 942-6750, is in charge of arrangements.

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Petty Officer Charles, DC1, was also my mentor. I will miss you very very much also. He was a key role model in my life, my first SEAL instructor. His influence tempered my anger and restored my smile after 14 years without one. Few people could light a room by simply being there, fewer still have lit my world. His picture was a great one, it is how I will always remember him; smiling. He taught me that everyone has problems and everyone has a history, but it shouldn't hold anyone back. If someone is holding themselves back then help them out of their funk. My third SEAL instructor was Herbert's instructor. I realized it when their stories matched. That was an awesome day. I pray I will follow his lead; I'm trying my best. RIP Petty Officer Charles. Thank you for being you.

DC1: I still can't believe you're gone...I miss you very much..and there's a huge hole in my heart.. I'm glad I saw able to attend your Home going Service and pay my Final Respects to a my Mentor, whom I greatly respect and always will.. deepest condolences to your family...I will never forget everything you taught me...I love you...rest in peace..

My Deepest Prayers and Condolences to the Charles Family. Butch was an awesome classmate. And so nice and sweet.He Wii be missed. RIP Butch. Fly High,🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💔. Brenda Green.BPB8FQ

Lin I was sorry to hear of you and your family lose. May he rest in peace. Buck

Praying for the family during this time of need. You have my sympathy.

I just found out about Herbert "Butch" Charles passing. He was a positive role model, friend and leader to me growing up in Opelousas , LA. I thank his family for sharing him. Melvin White Chesapeake,VA

The family have my deepest condolences and prayers. A great friend, classmate and fellow shipmate of mine's. RIP Friend 🙏🙏🙏 a really cool brother

DC1 Charles was like a father to me...he taught me about Honor, Courage, and Commitment (Navy Core Values), the very same values I hold today...he was so much more than my ROTC Instructor, Mentor, but he was also my friend. I Salute You my friend, Bravo Zulu (Job Well Done): Thank you from the bottom of my heart...I am who I am because of you...

Rest in peace cuz you finally got your wings

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Ford & Joseph Funeral Home | Opelousas, LA