Charlie R. Rochester Sr.

Charlie R. Rochester Sr.
May 2, 1932-August 11, 2023
Charlie R. Rochester, Sr., age 91 of Monroe, passed away the evening of Friday August 11, 2023 in his home surrounded by loving family.
Charlie was born May 2, 1932 in Leoma, TN to the late Hosey R. and Mae B. (Bobo) Rochester. On July 22, 1951 Charlie married Betty J. McKissack. Sadly, Betty passed away February 6, 1997. Charlie was able to find love again, marrying Mary Castle (Meek) in 2006.
Charlie proudly served his country in the United States Army, serving stateside as well as in Korea. Upon being honorably discharged from the military, Charlie began a long and prosperous career as a die repairman, retiring from Kelsey-Hayes Wheel Co. in 1989. During his career, Charlie was a proud member of the UAW Local 78. In his spare time, Charlie was a frequent visitor to nursing homes. He loved to bring joy to people with the gift of song. He was a member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church where he belonged to the Joys choir. He was also a member of the Sounds of Joy. His favorite music was Southern Gospel. Charlie loved to travel and play cards. Above all else, Charlie loved spending time with family and friends. He was never one to shy away from a house full of people, no matter how loud they got!
To cherish his memory, Charlie leaves his loving wife, Mary Castle Rochester; son, Alan "Keith" (Cindy) Rochester; three daughters: Kim (Gary) Carmon, Nancy (Sam) Guich, and Vikki Rochester; three step-sons: Randy (Sherry) Castle, Bryan (Lisa) Castle, and Barry (Terri) Castle; two sisters-in-law: Jean and Pam Rochester; fourteen grandchildren; and sixteen great grandchildren.
Along with his parents and first wife, Charlie is preceded in death by his son, Charlie "Chuck" Rochester, Jr.; two brothers: Bobby and Don Rochester; sister, Lona Beard Westmoreland; and two brothers-in-law, Ronald Beard and Windell Westmoreland.
Family and friends may visit from 2-8pm at Rupp Funeral Home on Wednesday August 16, 2023. A celebration of Charlie's life will be held at the funeral home on Thursday August 17, 2023 at 11am. Pastor Stephen Stone will officiate. Burial with Military Honors under the auspice of VFW Post 1138 will immediately follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Charlie's honor are asked to please consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Online condolences to the family may be made through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com