Dorene, My Prayers are with you and your Family.

Charles was dedicated to his faith in Jesus Christ.  He was committed to Glynlea Grace United Methodist Church even through challenging times.  We will miss him.

From his Glynlea Grace UMC Family

Pop, You know how much I loved you and how much we loved each other.  I hate that you are gone so suddenly just when it seemed that recovery from your broken ribs was just around the corner. I recall the excitement in your voice when you found out that you would be doing your rehab at the same nursing home as Mom.  You were so glad that you could once again be with each other.  
I am so proud of the role that you took on as caretaker for Mom so many years ago and how much you hated that you could not care for her at home anymore.  Your daily visits to the nursing home were cherished by you both.
We have so many shared memories there is no way to list them here.  Only God knows why He puts people in our lives that have a profound affect on us.  Thank You Lord, for bringing Pop into my life.  Just as you did for many others, you made a big difference in my life and for that I truly and humbly thank you.

December 05, 2011 
I am deeply saddened and affected by Chucks passing. I have often said I had two fathers in my life, and he was my adopted one. I cannot tell you how many times I would go to his house after a spat with my wife, needing a shoulder to cry on, and he would instead make me tough it out. Sometimes, like a corrected child, I would "rebel" over his advice....I wanted things MY way. I could not see he was loving me like his son and giving me wisdom. Thank you Chuck, I did take your advice to heart and now have the love of a beautiful wife, loving children and grandchildren who give me that "You don't know what you're talking about look" I so often gave you. He would often tell me of the war. I was always so impressed with his exploits. But he never bragged about it. Instead he talked of the friends he lost and the hell THEY went through. Until recently, I had no idea he had been in actual battle for such a short time. His stories of others made me feel he was there from day one until the last day. HE never told me that, his words painted such a vivid picture, I drew that up in MY mind. Hero worship at its finest. And that is what he and his brothers were....hero's. They didn't want to hear it, because as he said many times, they "were just doing their jobs". But I am able to write this because of them. I have this right and honor because of Chuck and his sacrifices. I was honored and privileged to "follow" him into the Army years ago, and it is a badge of honor to have served, not with him, but for him. I only followed his lead. And his grandson Keith, who I had the chance to "grow up" with, made him proud also. The Air Force has one good man in him. Keith, never stop being Chucks grandson....he wanted you to grow up to be your own man, and what a man you turned out to be. A huge part of that was due to your Grandfathers hand. In closing, I know it seems like I'm gushing about Charles Vanderpoel, but I am only saying thank you to a man who, only because he loved me for no other reason than he chose to, made me the man I am today. I am truly proud to have known him, and carry him with me in my heart every day. One last thing I'd like to share....Every year on Veterans day, without fail, I would call his house. When he answered the phone, I would say "Thank you" and hang up. No other words were spoken. He knew it was me. He also knew I was not thanking him just for his service, but for being my daddy....so Chuck, once again, for now and evermore....THANK YOU buddy...."You got that right"!!!! 
~ Paul Davis,

OBITUARY

Charles "Chuck" VanDerPoel

11 February, 1928 – 3 December, 2011

Hardage - Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery

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