Mr Charles Edward Philipp

Charles was born on March 23, 1940 in Anguilla, Mississippi, to the late Mary Jane Philipp and George Stanford Evans. He was nurtured and taught the principles of life by his late maternal grandmother, Rosie Green. His parents, brothers Herbert, Robert, Dwight, George, Eugene, and Raymond; and cousins Louis and I.D. preceded him in death.

Charles spent his early years in the Mississippi Delta. He excelled academically and athletically in football and graduated from Sharkey County Training School in 1959. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and continued his education through several Air Force opportunities and later at Yuba City Community College.

He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and was baptized by Reverend V. T. Taylor and joined Christian Light Missionary Baptist Church in Anguilla where he participated in church programs including the Busy Bee Club and Sunday School. He was active member of the Pleasant Grove Community Church for many years.

Charles was united in Holy Matrimony to Susie Campbell on September 2, 1962 and together they began a 48 year journey and built a loving family.

Attaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, Charles completed 12 duty stations and numerous

temporary duty assignments including: Basic Training, Sheppard AFB, Texas; Barksdale AFB, Louisiana; Puerto Rico; Columbus AFB, Mississippi; Shemya AFB, Alaska; Beal AFB, California; The Republic of Vietnam; K. I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan; Ramsteim AFB, Germany; Warner Robbins AFB, Georgia; RAF Croughton, England; and Vandenberg AFB, California.

During his exemplary military career he was recognized with numerous awards and commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award.

He was honorably discharged on December 31, 1984 and continued his career with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District retiring in 2004 after 19 years.

Charles’ adventurous spirit, love of horse and respect for history led him to join and remain active in the Buffalo Soldiers Association. He was passionate about sharing the contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers, serving as president of the Sacramento Chapter for many years and participating in re-enactments throughout the area. He also loved good food, horses, travel, sports, exploring flea markets and increasing his inventory of tools.

Charles rode into the bright sunset to eternal life on Monday, December 20, 2010 following a short battle with brain cancer. One of his greatest joys was that of was being “Papa” to Maya and Nikola. Charles’ life will be cherished by his wife of 48 years, Susie; two sons: Anthony and his wife Rebecca of Lincoln, California; and George and his wife, Laureen of Folsom, California; four granddaughters: Maya and Nikola Philipp and Melissa and Miranda Williams; one brother, Anthony Richardson of Greenville, Mississippi; special cousin Steve Evans and his wife Selina (Sacramento, CA); his maternal aunt Carrie Bell Johnson of Anguilla, Mississippi; mother-in-law, Corine Watts Lovette of Anguilla, Mississippi; aunts Bettie Watts Evans of Anguilla, Mississippi Dorothy Z. Edwards of St. Louis, Missouri; and Thelma Freeman of Kalamazoo, Michigan; six brothers-in-law: Clarence Campbell (Chicago, IL), Charles Lovette (Los Angeles, CA), Barry Lovette (Hollandale, MS), Earl Lovette (Biloxi, MS), Michael Lovette (Rolling Fork, MS), Joseph Lovette (Vicksburg, MS); and six sisters-in-law: Alberta Simpson (Las Vegas, NE), Geraldine Lovette Williams (Memphis, TN), Lucille Lovette and Donna Lovette Anderson, Barbara Lovette, and Brenda Lovette (Anguilla, MS). Charles’ memory will also be cherished by his close Evans family cousins, including Geneva Bishop (Chicago, IL); Cleveland Watts (Natchez, MS). Sidney Cole (St. Louis, MO) Carolyn Hackett (Jackson, MS), King Evans, Jr. (Anguilla, MS), Lynn Evans (Memphis, TN), Dora Sisney (Jackson, MS) and Carl Evans (Biloxi, MS); devoted cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends who will miss his wise counsel, quick wit, helping hand, infectious laugh and loving presence.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 23rd from 4 until 7 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home, 400 Douglas Blvd., Roseville, CA 95678. Graveside services will be held on Friday, December 24, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd., Dixon, CA 95620. (Directions to Cemetery Below) A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Pleasant Grove Community Church, 1730 Pleasant Grove Rd., Roseville, CA 95747. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Sacramento Unit at 1765 Challenge Way #115, Sacramento, CA 95815. Condolences may be mailed to Lambert Funeral Home, or online at www.lambertfuneral.com.

Directions To Cemetery:

From Sacramento head West on US 80 towards the Bay Area. Travel approximately 20 miles until you get to Dixon's Midway Road. Turn left at the top of the freeway ramp and go back over the freeway. Travel about 1 mile and the cemetery is on the right side on 5810 Midway road. There is only one public entrance. The service is at 9:30, but they require you to be there at the cemetery 30 minutes prior to the service. Services will be outside under a covered pavilion, so dress warmly.