My Grandma Jewel (mother to Daddy, Charles, Marjorie, Carolyn, and Mitch) passed away on my 16th birthday. We spent Jonathan's 1st birthday at the visitation for Marvin's dear Mama. We buried Marvin's Dad on Mary Ann's birthday (his granddaughter/Marvin's niece). I think it just reinforces a deep connection. Certainly, I never celebrate a birthday without thinking about my Grandma Jewel. There is perhaps something sacred about the sharing of these days - the blending of joy and sorrow.
Below are some photos of Uncle Charles. Each one brings to mind a family story or a special memory of a very special man.
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| I love this photo of the 3 brothers - Mitch, Jack, and Charles |
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| Here they are again a few years later. :) Mitch, Jack, and Charles |
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| Grandma Jewel with her children Mitch, Marjorie, Jack, Charles, and Carolyn |
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| Ilene & Charles, Sue & Jack, Carolyn, Marjorie & Ernest, Janice & Mitch |
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| The 5 siblings at the dedication of Magruder Hall Jack, Carolyn, Marjoie, Charles, and Mitch |
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| Uncle Charles making music with his oldest son, Charles III |
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| Known far and wide for his fish frying skills! He made the best funnel cake, too! |
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| Charles and his bride of almost 64 years, Ilene |
Funny story about the picture below that I just have to share here. This was during the family reunion of 2002. We were gathered at Truman in the Georgian Room having dinner and family 'entertainment'. These three had planned this performance from 'O Brother, Where Art Thou' as a surprise and slipped out to a downstairs bathroom to get into costume. Someone unrelated must have seen them and got concerned, calling campus police. When the police arrived, they called to Daddy from the door of the Georgian Room, not satisfied that all was truly okay until Daddy actually walked out of the room to confirm it. (He was President at that time and they had to be absolutely certain there was no threat.) Nope - it was just Uncle Charles, Cousin Ernie, and Uncle Mitch doing anything for the benefit of entertaining the family! And their performance was hilarious!! I have it on video somewhere and need to dig that up and put it online.... :)
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| Charles, Ernie, and Mitch preforming 'I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow' at the family reunion in 2002. :D |
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| Presenting Mama with one of his prize cabbages from his garden. |
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| Charles, Mitch, and Jack had many fun 'Guys Weekends'. This particular year they met cousin Jane for dinner and she fit right in. ;) |
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| Jackson sure enjoyed spending a day at the Iowa State Fair with Uncle Charles in 2003. Finishing off with all the corn on the cob he could eat was pretty impressive! |
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| Charles, Jackson, and Ilene at the Iowa State Fair |
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| I love this photo of Charles |
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| Charles and Ilene |
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| We were all proudly in attendance when Charles gave the Memorial Day 2006 speech at the courthouse in Milan. Wanda is also pictured on the right. |
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| The 5 siblings in front of their home church - Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Lentner, MO Mitch, Carolyn, Jack, Marjorie, Charles |
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| Charles, Carolyn, Mitch, Marjorie, and Jack at the Lentner post office (just before it was torn down to widen the highway) |
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| Elaine, Glen, and Charles Charles and Glen grew up together and sustained that close friendship throughout the years. |
Uncle Charles and Marvin had a special connection from the very beginning. I remember taking Marvin to a family reunion before we were married. Uncle Charles immediately befriended Marvin and when the reunion was over he just flat out asked when we were getting married! :) He was already welcoming Marvin into the family with open arms.
When our wedding came around we found ourselves in a potential dilemma... there was an ice storm sweeping through the southeast and both our maid of honor and our best man were trying to navigate the storm and drive up to be in the wedding with us. We didn't know if they would make it through. Uncle Charles came to Marvin and offered to stand in as his best man as a backup. That meant the world to Marvin. As it was, both Sandra and Bob were able to make it up and the wedding went on as planned. But how special to know that once again, Uncle Charles was welcoming Marvin into the family with such open arms.
When we built our house Uncle Charles came down to help Marvin do all the plumbing. What a generous act of kindness. And I do believe they had a terrific time together. :)
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| Charles and Marvin installing plumbing in our house |
For many years, the three brothers (Charles, Jack, and Mitch) would go on a 'Guys Weekend' once or twice a year. They took the horses and spent a long weekend relaxing, riding, and cooking/eating. It was a much anticipated event. Eventually, Marvin, the boys, and others were invited to join in - an honor they won't forget.
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| Charles with Dick & Bob, the Haflinger team, in front of Lowman Chapel in Shelbina during a 'Guys Weekend' |
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| Charles cooking ribs for 'Guys Weekend' dinner. :) |
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| Marvin, Mitch, and Charles on one of the 'Guys Weekends' |
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| In front of Lowman Chapel during a 'Guys Weekend' (Daddy taking the photo) |
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| Charles wouldn't let Marvin sit on the sidelines during the Veterans ceremony at Silver Dollar City. :) |
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| Charles was serenading Ilene at Silver Dollar City - singing 'Ain't She Sweet' :) |
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| Charles and Jack at Chris & Wanda's 4th of July celebration |
There are so many more that I could have shared, but I had to just make myself stop. All of these photos make me smile remembering wonderful times. Charles lived a rich and full life and our hearts are full of precious memories. Please keep my dear Aunt Ilene and all the family in your prayers.
Here are more good memories...
One of my favorites, for sure -
Many 'Guys Weekends' over the years. I was able to document several of them, at least partially.
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