Charles Dale Travelstead of Carbondale
Charles Dale Travelstead, 74, passed away Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, at Century Assisted Living in Carbondale due to complications from Alzheimer's.
He was born Oct. 10, 1944, in Creal Springs. He attended schools in Creal Springs, Marion and SIU. He married the "love of his life," Anne Elizabeth Brames, on April 19, 1994, in Jamaica in a sunset wedding.
He is survived by his wife; two children, Gregory Hunter Travelstead of Aurora, Colo., and Jeffrey Scott Travelstead of Corvallis, Ore. (wife Billee) and his "adopted daughter," Tabetha Mitchell; four grandchildren, Austin (Cody) Travelstead of DeSoto (wife Crystal), Jacqueline Hopkins of Chester, and Ian Travelstead and Lily Travelstead of Corvallis, Ore.; sister Mary June Boren of Benton; many nieces and nephews; many wonderful cousins; his loving forever caretaker, Tabetha Mitchell, whom he referred to as his "adopted daughter'; and his constant companion and "co-pilot," his dog Petey, whom he adopted from St. Francis Animal Shelter in 2012.
He was predeceased by his father and mother, Kenneth and Myrtle Travelstead; nephew Brad Boren; his first wife, Anna L. Travelstead, who is the mother of his sons, Scott and Greg; and many loving and supportive cousins.
He retired from GTE in 2000 after 38 years. He lived and loved every minute. He then bought a California Closets franchise, which served Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. He sold that in 2004. He then recreated himself as facilities director at Brehm Preparatory School in Carbondale. He was affectionately known as "Grandpa" to the students. He loved his position at Brehm but retired at age 66 due to illness.
During his extensive career, he was a member of the Lions Club for over 20 years, the Downtown Steering Committee, the Carbondale Business and Development Council, the Chamber of Commerce Executive Board and the Memorial Hospital Advisory Executive Board.
He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Jackson County Country Club and Stone Creek since it opened in 2000. He was a 20-year Mason. He was a loyal supporter of SIU Athletics for over 40 years and loved all SIU Athletics and coaches. He was finally able to fulfill his "life's dream" in 2005 when he moved to a home on the golf course at Stone Creek. He proudly served on the Stone Creek Board for four years and on the Buncombe Water District for six years after being appointed by the Jackson County Board.
When he was 12, he was selected to attend the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pa. He was very proud of this experience.
Per his wishes, there will be no services. We would like to express gratitude to Tim and Tabetha Mitchell, who have been there for him during this terrible journey of Alzheimer's disease. Words can never express how much their love and support has meant.
Remembrances may be sent to St. Francis CARE Animal Shelter in Murphysboro or Bald Knob Cross of Peace fund in Alto Pass.
To summarize Charlie's life: Listen to the words of the Frank Sinatra song "My Way." It so describes Charlie.
Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements.