Charles Franklin McGrath

Memorial services for CSM (Ret) Charles F. McGrath 73, of Kempner will be at 11 AM on Friday, May 13, 2011 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove. Inurnment with full military honors will follow at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. He was born on March 2, 1938 to Owen Stoup and Rachel Simpson Stoup in Mansfield, Ohio and passed away on May 10, 2011 in Temple, Texas.

Mr. McGrath retired from the Army October 31, 1981 at the rank of Command Sergeant Major with 23 years’ service. He received the National Defense Medal: Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Service Stars: Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device: Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry/Palm; Purple Heart; Combat Infantryman Badge; Silver Star; Bronze Star Medal 1/oak leaf cluster; Army Commendation Medal 4 oak leaf clusters; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal Clasp, silver 2 loops. He had a book about him by Col. Bill Hoponski called “One Hell of A Ride”. He was selected the Drill Sergeant of the Year for the Army. He was very active in the VFW and held many offices locally and nationally. He was a life member of VFW 8577, Life Member of American Legion Post 582, Life Member of DAV Chapter 29, and Life Member of the Purple Heart, and was a charter and life Member of the Sergeants Majors’ Association. He also worked 20 years for Ft. Hood Family Housing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Bobby Fife and a Great Grandson Samuel Scott. Survivors include his wife Tudy McGrath, daughter Kelly Fales, Grandchildren Casey, Danni Jo, Tori Turnbo and great grandson Braylyn: daughter Terry Herron, grandchildren Megan and Logan: son Kelly Fife and wife Julie and grandson Nathan: daughter Michelle Dixon and husband Howard, grandchildren Kelseigh, Shon and Jacen: Brother David McGrath and sisters Linda Beck and Jeanne McGrath: daughter in law Victoria Fife and grandchildren Beth, Sarah, Chris, and Robert.

Honorary pall bearers are Rick Durkee, Daniel Sellers, Steve Henderson, Roger O’Dwyer, Brian Smock and Tim Sawyer.

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