Leo E. Charles

CHARLES - Leo E. Charles, 99, passed away on Tuesday September 29th, 2015 after a brief time in the hospital. He was born in Fon du Lac, Wisconsin on July 1st, 1916 to Rizzallah Charles and Mareja (Mary) Habaka Charles. He entered the U.S. Army during W.W.II at a young age. Leo received Congressional Recognition for his participation at the Battle of Normandy and the liberation of the region of France and of Europe. Leo was retired from the City of Jacksonville. He had been a long time member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and was an Usher for over 40 years. He was Past Exalted Ruler of the Jacksonville Elks Club and ran the clubs restaurant where many in the downtown workforce enjoyed his delicious black bean soup. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Leo was an avid fisherman and spent many hours fishing in St. Augustine waters.He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, George Charles and Alfred Charles Sr. and sisters Julia Hishmeh, Mary Charles, Josephine Charles. Leo was a loving, caring, religious person, and loved our Lord very much. He was devoted to his family. Not only was he a loving brother, but was also a father and friend. Leo will be deeply missed by all.Survivors include his; brother Joseph E. Charles and sisters, Genevieve C. Dudum and Jean F. Charles; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Friday October 2, 2015 with a vigil service at 7:00 pm at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd.A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 121 E. Duval St., Jacksonville, Fl. 32202. Interment to follow in the St. Mary’s section of Evergreen Cemetery. We want to thank our family and friends for their love and support through the years.