Charles W. Avants

Charles, also known as Charlie, was born to parents Herman C. Avants and Cora (McMillion) Avants on September 2, 1941 in Delano, California. Charlie grew up as the oldest of three, being the only brother to sisters, Norma Ellis and Nima Cornwell. As a boy growing up in Delano, Charlie worked on the family farm, then he and his family moved to China Lake and eventually ended up in Ventura, California. Charlie began his sophomore year at Ventura High School and was quite the athlete, playing both football (where he was considered a legend) and baseball. The summer after he graduated from high school, Charlie met Vicki (Stevens) the love of his life. In the fall he attended Ventura College for two years and obtained an AA degree. Charlie had a love for surfing, so much so that he surfed the entire day of his wedding. On August 4, 1961 after spending the day surfing, Charlie and Vicki were married at College United Methodist Church in Ventura. Charlie and Vicki began their lives together and had two daughters, Kelene and Cynthia. Charlie started as a pipefitter at the age of 20 and worked his way up to plumber with the Southern California Pipe Trades Local 484 Union. Once he retired as a plumber, Charlie joined his wife’s side at the famous deli, The Lunch Basket. Throughout his life Charlie not only worked as a football and basketball referee for Ventura youth sports, he was a youth football coach. He loved to camp, watch sports, and was very eco-friendly. He always had a bucket under every sink in the house so he could later use it to water the lawn. Even in times of drought, Charlie always had the greenest lawn in the neighborhood. He loved any and all animals and was another Dr. Doolittle, always attracting the surrounding wildlife. When not enjoying the outdoors or working in his yard, Charlie loved sitting in his recliner with his cat, Ashley, on his lap while watching television or “resting his eyes”.

Seven months before Charlie’s passing, he and his wife joined their daughters and husbands, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for a Christmas trip to Hawaii. All 14 family members were able to visit Charlie’s sister-in-law, Carolyn, brother-in-law, Ron, and nephew, Shane in Hana. One week after returning from Hawai, Charlie was admitted to Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. After spending several weeks in the hospital, Charlie was released to home care with Community Care & Hospice.

Charles is survived by his wife, Vicki Avants of Ventura; sister Nima Cornwell of New Mexico; daughters, Kelene Clausen and Cynthia Neville; son-in-laws, Christopher Clausen and Daniel Neville; four grandchildren Destiny Perham-MacWhorter, Brittanny Perham-MacWhorter, Kyle Neville, and Camron Neville; two great-grandchildren, Christian Tamayo and Aubrey Tamayo; niece, Bobbi Ellis-Spoon, husband Doug, daughters Chelsea and Breanna; nephew, Michael Cornwell, wife Bo, children Dallee, Westley, and Tawnya; nephew Timothy Cornwell, children Kristen and Taylor.

A special thanks to owner Usha Kokatay, Mary Pao and especially to caregiver Jon Gevara from Ace Compassionate Care whose outstanding care, compassion and friendship provided our family additional fond memories of get-togethers and allowed us to cherish our final days at home with Charlie.

Charles W. Avants was under the care of Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory. He was cremated on Thursday, August 6, 2020 and was later taken home by his wife. Memorial services will be held on a later date. The family is grateful for all condolences, prayers, and thoughts.