William Franklin "Bill" Charters

1920 - 2012

Bill passed away on April 9 at Sutter Lakeside Hospital. He was 91 years old.
Bill was born on August 20, 1920 in Woodland, CA. The third child and only son of Edward and Louise Charters. During the Depression, his dad worked many jobs to support his family and Bill always said he went to nine different schools during that time. He also attended Esparto High School and graduated in 1939.
In the fall of 1939 he joined the Marine Corps. Being small in stature, he always joked that the recruiting officer had him stand on a phone book so he would make height requirements. He served honorably for six years and was involved in many South Pacific conflicts. Bill was proud of being a veteran. He loved wearing his veteran's hat and sharing his experiences with other veterans. After the Marines he joined the Teamsters Union and went to work driving trucks for 32 years. During that time he logged 2,400,000 miles. He was an active CBer with a handle of "Bull Shipper."
In 1946 Bill married Gertrude (Trudy) Galbreath nee Quenzer. They enjoyed many years together raising Trudy's daughter, Evelyn and their son Wayne.
Bill retired from the Teamsters in 1976 and he and Trudy moved to Lake County. He worked various jobs in and around Clear Lake. In 1980 he went to work for Brown's RV Center. During this time he met Zola Stutler and they were married in 1985. They retired in 1990 and enjoyed many years of traveling before Zola's death in 2004.
Bill was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He donated to many charitable organizations and he loved collecting coins.
Bill is survived by his son Wayne, wife Angela and grandchildren William and Dominique; his step-daughter Evelyn Rodgers and grandchildren, William, Jerry, Edward and Dawnella and their spouses; step-daughter, Donna Dawson, husband Bill and step-grandchildren; niece Doris Myers, of Esparto and many other nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by first wife Trudy Charters and second wife Zola Charters. Bill, we will dearly miss you. You were loved very much by all of us.
Graveside services to be held at noon on Tuesday, April 17 at Capay Cemetery.