Charles Chenier

1924 - 2018

Charles Chenier

OPELOUSAS - Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 732 N. Union St., Opelousas, LA for Charles Clifford Chenier, 93. Charles Clifford Chenier was born October 27, 1924 in Opelousas, Louisiana to his loving parents Theodore and Alberta Chenier. He was called home on September 23, 2018.

Charles lived an amazing life; one full of love, lifetime experiences, and family. He is most remembered to the public as one of the last surviving "Red Tail" Tuskegee Airmen who served in the 332nd Fighter Group during World War II. For his service he was recognized by the President of the United States with the Congressional Medal of Honor, by the United States Congress, the Governor for the State of Alabama and a host of local organizations. Charles would often recall that even while he fought for his own country, he was still in a battle for his own civil rights. In fact, he was responsible for transporting students and community members from Tuskegee to countless civil rights demonstrations throughout the State of Alabama. His passion was demonstrated by his sense of service to his home communities of both Tuskegee and Opelousas.

Over his lifetime, Charles served in various leadership and administrative positions. He began his professional career as a physical education instructor and basketball coach at D.C. Wolfe High School. He also worked within governmental agencies such as TICEP, the State Health Department, the Tuskegee Job Corps, and was instrumental in the creation of the Alabama Head Start Program. He was also a master welder who instructed Veterans in the art of welding at the Veterans' Trade School prior to his post-secondary education.

Charles maintained an undying love for all things sports. He was an avid fan of Tuskegee University Football, served as an honorary coach and was also the team's official time keeper. He coached basketball for St. Joseph's Catholic Elementary School and could always be expected to know the latest NFL, MLB, NBA and College Sports Statistics.

If you know Charles, you know that he is a proud graduate of Tuskegee Institute and that he received his Master's Degree +30 at New York University. Despite those accomplishments his greatest pride was his three loving daughters. Charles was married to Margaret Develle Wright in 1951 and from that union Deborah, Brenda, and Lois were born.

All of this was witnessed most evidently at the many church and civic functions that Charles attended. He was a parishioner, usher, and member of the Son's of St. Joseph at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tuskegee and helped to spearhead several fundraising efforts for the congregation.

Upon the death of his first wife, Charles returned to Opelousas and later married Sonja Robinson were he embraced the role of step-father to Sonja Ann Gennuso.

It was often said that Charles "never met a stranger," and could talk about anything under the sun, including his love for music. He attended Holy Ghost Catholic Church and was active in the local chapter of the Knights of St. Peter Claver. Charles was an active member of the Opelousas community until his health declined in his twilight years. Even during his bouts of sickness, Charles was a shining example of love, laughter and life. He had an uncanny sense of humor and would keep those around him lifted up with laughter.

The family requests visiting hours be observed on Friday, September 28, 2018 from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. at Williams Funeral Home, Inc., 817 E. South Street, Opelousas, LA, 337.942.2037.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife of forty-nine years Margaret Chenier and his daughter Deborah Hughes (Samuel, deceased). Charles will be remembered fondly by his family: his wife of sixteen years Sonja Chenier; daughters, Brenda E. Washington (Aaron), and Lois M. Chenier, step-daughter Dr. Sonja Gennuso Bradford (William), granddaughter Jessica H. Bennett (Eric), great-grandson Eric Samuel Bennett, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.

Share words of comfort with the Chenier family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net

Funeral services entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037.