Charles William Klepzig

Charles William Klepzig, 91, of Westlake went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, June 25, 2011. Charles was born January 15, 1920 in Springfield, Illinois to Charles Henry and Helen Davidson Klepzig. Orphaned at nine years old, he came to live with his uncle and adoptive father, Willis Klepzig, in Westlake in 1930. He graduated from Westlake High school in 1937 and married Marian Kelley in 1940. He served his country in the U.S. Navy Amphibious Forces in the WWII Pacific Theater. After the war, he and Marian raised their four sons in Westlake and were faithful members of the Westlake First Baptist, Westwood Baptist, and Lake Charles First Baptist Churches, where he served as Sunday School teacher, usher, deacon and on various committees over the years.

He worked as a machinist at CitCon for thirty-five years, and spent three years at the Cities Service Syncrude plant in Canada. He retired in 1982. Charles enjoyed RV Camping, square dancing, gardening, and playing games with his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. He was an active volunteer with the St. Patrick Hospital Mended Hearts Program, a member of American Legion Post 370, and a charter member of the International Association of Machinists Local 161.

He is survived by Marian, his wife of 71 years, and his four sons, Charlie, Robert and wife, Dixie (Moncrief), Jim and wife Katie (Willett), and John and wife Marty. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Mark, Michael, Doug, Kelley (Thomas), Kevin, and Jennifer, and six great grandchildren.

His funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday, June 27, 2011 at Hixson Funeral Home of Westlake. Rev. Wayne McEntire will officiate. Burial will be in Westlake Memorial Park in Westlake. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-8 p.m. and again on Monday beginning at 8 a.m. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com