Charles Clifton Faircloth

Charles Clifton Faircloth, age 86, passed away at home on Friday, August 12, 2011, due to health and heat related issues.

"Charlie" or "Cliff" to some, was born on May 15, 1925, in the small community of Kervin, Texas, to Berry Allen, and Gladys Bell Faircloth. Charles attended Longview schools and then graduated from Pine Tree High School in 1943. He proudly served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Navy and served from 1943-46 as an Aviation Metalsmith.

Making law enforcement his career, Charles went to Texas Highway Patrol school, and in 1950, was assigned to Marshall for a brief period before transferring to Mt. Pleasant where he lived and worked for 13 years. Moving to Longview in 1963, he changed his area of service to the local police department. Reaching the rank of lieutenant, Charles served with distinction and received many awards including Officer of the Year in 1970. His long 23-year service as a security guard with the Longview Viewettes will be remembered by many Lobo fans. The 24-year police veteran retired from the department in 1987, but continued serving in Longview as a city volunteer for several years before totally retiring to enjoy his banjo- making and watching his beloved Cowboys and Texas Rangers.

Charles was preceded in death by his sisters Retha Belle Kokenzie and Dorothy Jo Reyes and brother James Berry Faircloth. Left to share his memory are his daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Larry Howell of Dallas, grandsons, Matt Howell and Cody Howell and his wife Julie and great grand-daughter Gracie Kay Howell; brother Floyd Faircloth of Longview and sisters Rose Marie and Gladys Yvonne Bunt of Carthage.

Funeral Services will be at Lakeview Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, with a brief visitation at 10:00 followed by the service at 11:00. Reverend Kenneth Mills will deliver the service and pall bearers include Matt Howell, Cody Howell, Tommy Kokenzie, Rick Hawkins, Bill Gross, and Billy Jo Ferguson. Serving as honorary pall bearers are Hershal Hutcheson and Glen Ivy.

The family would like to extend their love and gratitude to the cafeteria staff of Longview Regional Hospital who showed love, compassion, and respect to Charlie for years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.