Charles Joseph Alles

Charles Joseph Alles, 92, was called to heaven on July 29, 2018. Charles was born in his family’s home in Mt Vernon, Indiana on May 1, 1926 to Gladys Marie Basler and Louis Albert Alles, owners of Alles Brothers Furniture in Mt. Vernon. Charlie grew up in his hometown and after graduating from Mt. Vernon high School in 1944, enlisted in the Navy where he served his country in the Pacific Theatre, during WW II. Soon after, in 1946 he began working for Alexander Funeral Home in Evansville, Indiana. Realizing that he would make this his career, he attended the Indiana College of Mortuary Science. Upon graduation, in 1948, he became a funeral director at Alexander’s where he comforted families in their time of grief for 67 years. Being able to help these families was an important part of his life. In 1949, Charlie met his future wife on a blind date arranged by Mary and Leroy Singleton. On August 26, 1950, Charlie married Mary Jacqueline Schmitt at St. Theresa Catholic Church, where his longtime childhood friend, Father Robert Deig, celebrated the wedding mass. The couple started its family on West Franklin Street before moving to Russell Avenue where they raised three children and made many lifelong neighborhood friends over a period of 60 years. Charlie and Jackie were members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church (now part of St. Boniface Parish) for over 65 years and were active in the school and parish. Charlie was a past president of the parish council and school PTA. He took pride in being a crew member of the “heavenly dusters” and helping count Sunday collection contributions as a member of the “A” team with Mel Kneer and Urban Wolf. Charlie and his wife Jackie were nominated to join the Brute’ Society representing all parishioners of Sacred Heart. As past president of the West Side Optimist Club (1957-1958), Charlie began placing the American flag on the graves of all West Side Optimist Club members each Memorial day. He continued this practice until very recently being the patriot he was and a true Eagle Scout. Charlie was past president of the Evansville Funeral Directors Association and a longtime board member of St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. He was an original member of the Mater Dei Booster Club where he enjoyed working the honor banquets held in the school cafeteria. He also was a former volunteer with the Catholic Education Foundation. In his leisure, Charlie gardened, danced in the Coterie Club, played tonk and bridge and attended his grandchildren’s school and sporting events. Until recently, Charlie was the primary caregiver for his wife Jackie. He would always say how proud he was in the way she was dealing with her dementia. The family wishes to thank all of those persons, who through many acts of kindness, allowed Charlie and Jackie to remain in their home until recently. Since mid-March, the staffs of West River, Midwest Internal Medicine, Deaconess Hospital Units 7500, 4800, and 4600, Urological Associates, and Kindred Hospice were always there to help with our family’s needs and we appreciate their thoughtfulness to all of us. Charles was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Jane in 2004; parents, Gladys and Louis A.; brother, Louie, and cousins Mary Frances and Herman Alles of Henderson, Kentucky. Charles is survived by his wife, Jackie; sons, Charles Jack (Marcia) and Gary James (Kim). He is also survived by grandchildren, Ashley, Charles William, and Greg Alles and several Godchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the tuition funds of Westside Catholic School or Mater Dei High School. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM, Friday August 3, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2701 W. Franklin St. with burial in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery where military rites will be conducted. Friends may visit 2:00-7:00 PM on Thursday at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 W. Illinois St. and Friday 9:30 AM until time of service at the church. Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.