Charles Gaston Spurlin

Charles Gaston Spurlin, age 70, beloved father, brother, and friend, returned to the Lord on Tuesday, August 28, 2007. He was born May 12, 1937, in the community of Alazan, Nacogdoches County, to the late William C. and Ada Christian Spurlin. He was a graduate of Nacogdoches High School, class of 1955; attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, and gifted saxophone player for the Swingin' Axes Jazz Band. Charles was drum major for the Eighth Army Band serving the U.S. Army Special Services in Korea. Upon returning to the U.S., Charles spent many years in Baltimore, Maryland, as the president of Seaboard Foundations (a division of McKinney Drilling), and was a voice for workers' rights. Eventually, he became an independent contractor who was instrumental in the design and implementation of many mobile telephone towers from Texas to the Carolinas. Outside of work, Charles was a member of the Masons and Shriners. His passions included restoring classic automobiles, discussing world affairs and spending time with his family. Many have said that Charles never met a stranger in his life, and he was adored by all that knew him for his charm, wit and loyalty to friends and family. He will be greatly missed. Charles is survived by his daughters, Adrienne Spurlin-Refsgaard, Copenhagen, Denmark, and Amanda (Eric) Warwick, Houston, Texas; one grandson, Nickolas Charles Warwick; brother, William Art Spurlin, Nacogdoches, Texas; sister, Jane (Jimmy) Smith, Henderson, Texas; and mother of his daughters, Jo Sharon Spurlin, Nacogdoches, Texas. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother; father; and sister, Mabel Zanolli. Funeral visitation for Charles G. Spurlin will be from 5 to 7 p.m., today at Laird Funeral Home, 2116 South Street, Nacogdoches, Texas. Graveside service will be at 10 am, Saturday, September 1st, at Alazan Cemetery, 1509 Durst St. Nacogdoches. There will be a memorial celebration to follow at Pine Creek Lodge, 341 Pine Creek Road, Nacogdoches, Texas. Honorary pallbearers will be Art Spurlin, Jimmy Smith, Clark Smith, Claude Smith, Zachary Zanolli, Rayford Butler, Gary Lynn Butler, Les Hunter, Jackie Hunter and Eric Warwick. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association. Laird Funeral Home.