Charles Dews

Throughout his 91 years, Charles Weber Dews lived the life of compassion and kindness. As a true and faithful believer, he served his Lord Jesus throughout his life. He was born to Margaret Louise Weber and George Spragins Dews on January 14, 1922, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Called by duty to his country and the desire for liberty and freedom for all, Charlie enlisted in the Army in 1940. Charlie served his country as a dedicated soldier during World War II. Upon his return from Italy, he continued and completed his college education at Henderson State College in Arkadelphia. As he earned his Bachelor's Degree, he met the beautiful and talented Blanche Drake. They married on August 17, 1947. Charlie and Blanche began their family the following year as the first of four daughters, Margaret Louise, was born in 1948. The Lord blessed this couple with Martha Drake, Ann Powell and Elizabeth Jane in the years that followed. In 1954, Charlie began a life-long employment with New York Life Insurance Company as a salesman, then, as an educator and trainer. During his career with NYLIC, Charlie earned his CLU. As Charlie and Blanche spent several years in New Orleans, they learned the art and joy of sailing on Lake Pontchartrain. Living near the Gulf of Mexico, Charlie developed a passion for fishing. One of his greatest delights was to take his daughters or a friend to the Gulf to trawl for shrimp or to catch his favorite Red Snapper.
Continuing in his work with NYLIC, Charlie and Blanche relocated to Dallas. As Charlie moved into retirement, he began serving as a Lay Chaplain at Baylor Hospital. With the artistic talents of his youngest daughter, Libby, Charlie and Libby developed a woodworking hobby and gift line: Wooden Wonders. Libby and Charlie made toys for grandchildren as well as toys and decorative items which supported the Junior League of Dallas. In 2001, Charlie and Blanche moved to Tallahassee to reside in Westminster Oaks Active Living Community. Charlie pursued his love for serving others as he helped Reverend Ray Tindall make daily visits with fellow residents, sharing treats and prayers. Many staff members lovingly addressed him as Mr. Charlie. The family would like to thank the entire staff of Westminster Oaks for the devotion and love expressed during Charlie's 12 years of residency.

Charlie is preceded in death by his oldest daughter: Margaret Louise.
He is loved and remembered by his wife of 66 years, Blanche, his daughters and their spouses: Martha D. Sappenfield of Columbus, OH, Ann D. Gleaton (Cal) of Tallahassee, FL, Elizabeth "Libby" J. Markham (Gary) of Athens, OH; six grandchildren and their spouses: Zachary Sappenfield, Anthony (Cassidy) Gleaton, Charles "Peyton" (Amy) Gleaton, Jacob (Emily) Sappenfield, Elizabeth (Kyle) Del Vecchio & David Gleaton; and four great grandchildren: Andrew Gleaton, Zachary Gleaton, Madeleine Sappenfield & Isaac Del Vecchio.

Family and friends will meet at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home
( 6th and Clay Streets) at 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 4, 2013, in Arkadelphia, AR, There will be a graveside service with full military honors at 11:00 am at Rose Hill Cemetery in Arkadelphia. The Reverend Kendall Land of First Presbyterian Church will be delivering a message of hope and assurance.