Charles East, Jr.

Charlie died September 30, 2023 at his home in Baton Rouge. He was 73 years old. Born December 5, 1949, to Charles East Sr. and Sarah East, he lived in Baton Rouge all his life except for two years in New Orleans. He graduated with a journalism degree from LSU, then worked as a copy editor and reporter for The Times-Picayune. Afterward he was a founding editor of the publication Gris-Gris in Baton Rouge. Charlie was a respected advertising and public relations professional for 40 years before retiring. He received the E. A. "Pete" Goldsby Award for career advertising achievements. He served as president of the Advertising Federation of Greater Baton Rouge and as governor of the American Advertising Federation's 7th Deep South District, encompassing local ad federations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. He was president of LSU's Manship School of Mass Communication Alumni Association. In addition he received eight national Telly awards for outstanding television commercials and videos. Charlie is survived by his two daughters Rachel East Anderson and ex-husband Derek Anderson of Geismar, and Katie East Bajon and husband Brian Bajon of New Orleans, as well as four grandsons-James, Patrick, Benjamin, and William Anderson. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, October 9, 2023, with services beginning at 12 p.m., at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.rabenhorst.com.