Charles Edward Estep

Charles E. Estep Jr., age 67 of Macomb Township, died Thursday, January 16, 2014 at the Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit. He was born on December 15, 1946 in Ashland, Kentucky, son of the late Charles and the late Leola (nee: Craft) Estep.With thanks & praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Charles for his service to our country during the Vietnam War era. From January 1965 to January 1968, this brave 19 year old boy took the brave and unselfish plunge of enlisting in the military and answering the call to serve during a most difficult time in our nation's history. A decorated veteran and expert marksman, Charles took great pride in wearing the uniform of our United States Army. His prominent duty assignment was that of a Heavy Equipment Specialist & Driver, an important responsibility which spanned his entire 3 years of service. We honor his patriotism and the sacrifices made in helping to affect the cause of freedom to our common friends across the sea. Obviously, all that wartime training and hours spent behind the wheel of the many, mammoth vehicles he handled, it made perfect sense that the career path Charles chose was that of a long-distance car hauler. It's not a job for most people, but he owned the massive responsibility with immense fortitude from the experiences and knowledge he attained in the Army. Charles traveled countless miles in carrying out his work over the road, and boasted that he knew the west coast as familiarly as his own backyard. He was quite proud of his career, a dedication he extended throughout over 30 years of service.When he wasn't ridin' in the Big Rig, Charles' favorite ride was on a hog! Not the pink, curly-tailed kind,…but the manly, motorcycle versions. He didn't simply like his Harley-Davidson's, he had an immense passion for the finest ride on 2 wheels. Together with his fellow biker's, nothing spelled fun greater than the open road and the sound of a Harley breakin' the wind. It was truly "Hog Heaven" for Charles!Friendship and brotherhood meant a great deal to Charles. Not only amongst his biker family, but also through the special military associations he shared within the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW Menge Post), the American Legion, and with his Vietnam brothers at the Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter 154. These fraternal relationships provided a strength and support network that only those who served can understand,…and for which Charles respected and earned. For those who were lucky enough to share his company,…or life, the most constant memory of Charles will forever be that "fun-loving spirit" that poured out of him. Always joking,…always laughing, he had his own unique and genuine way of turning a frown upside down. If it was a lift you were looking for, the best medicine was simply hangin' out with Charles. He brought considerable joy into the hearts and lives of so many along the way, but none-so-much as the exuberance he instilled unto his precious grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He took great pride in these treasured gifts from God, loved them unselfishly and unconditionally, especially the little ones who could get anything they wanted from "Uncle Chuck."Charles leaves a unique and special legacy of love behind that will be a warm and welcomed embrace with each reflection shared. That love touched a multitude of lives and spoke volumes to the kind of man he strove to be,…a man who truly made a difference. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.Amongst those who have served our country and honor those as they return, a common phrase we've come to hear is "Welcome Home." And now,…Charles goes on to join his Lord in Heaven as those familiar words are echoed, "Welcome Home, my son." Go Rest High, Soldier. Charles was the beloved husband of Mary Jo. Dear father of Sonia DeMeyer and Charles (Jennie) Estep. Loving grandfather of Danielle, Victoria, Billy, and Andrew. Brother of Charlotte "Jo" (Ted) Menke, June (Ronnie) Lewicki, the late Colleen, and the late Deanna. Visitation for Charles will be held on Sunday, January 19th from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. His Funeral Service will be conducted at 12 Noon on Monday at the funeral home. Charles will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. A Committal Service, followed by military honors, will take place at 10:00am on Tuesday at the cemetery. Memorial donations are welcomed to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 154, 16945 12 Mile Road, Roseville, MI 48066. Please share memories of Charles at his memory book.