Herbert Lee Charles

Herbert Lee Charles was born in Opelousas, Louisiana to Delsa and Hector Charles on March 31st 1943. Herbert was the son of a sharecropper and the third child born of the Charles family that grew to 10 siblings, with his 3 brothers and 6 sisters.

Herbert was raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana and at the age of 17 set out on what truly became an adventure, leaving Lake Charles to help a family friend with a cross-country drive to California, never calling Lake Charles home again, while making his way in various cities across the U.S assisting with a religious singing tour. Herbert’s travels in this time of his life were very influential in his spiritual growth and how he lived his life.

After a few years on the road, Herbert was settled down in Las Vegas for a while, but soon after calling Las Vegas home was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War in 1965. As a soldier Herbert became a paratrooper as part the 101st division, and advanced to the rank of Sergeant E5 in a short period of time as a soldier in battle. Herbert was awarded the Bronze Star for his performance in the Army.

Upon completing his military service and returning to the States, Herbert met Bettye while visiting his family in Lake Charles. Herbert and Bettye got married in Austin, Texas on May 23, 1967 and set out west, where they established their home in Los Angeles.

Herbert greatly enjoyed his family and attending church. From hosting gatherings at his home, to traveling cross country to visit his sisters, brothers and cousins, to attending church functions, Herbert was always spending time with people that meant a lot to him. Of great importance to Herbert also was his church life, where he throughout his life, continued to grow his faith in God.

Herbert worked in truck transportation operations for 18 years and refinery operations for 12 years until he had a heart attack at the age of 52 and retired.

Herbert’s death was preceded by the death of his parents Hector and Delsa Charles, two brothers Dudley and Ronald Charles, and two sisters Pat and Joyce Charles. Herbert leaves to celebrate and cherish their great times and memories his wife, Bettye Jean Charles, his two sons Pajett and Duttch, and his grandchildren Kiajett and D’Andre Charles. Herbert is survived by his brother Mallory Charles, sister’s Ester Stills, Wanda Charles, Delores Fontenot, all from Lake Charles, Louisiana, Janie Dominique from Greensboro North Carolina, and a large host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends that will greatly miss him.