Charles was born in Madison County, Iowa and was a laborer for Marquette Cement and also farmed.

He is survived by his children Don (Janet) Strable and Charlene Dudney of rural St. Charles, Phyllis (Leo) Heard of Des Moines and Maxine Simpson of Indianola; brother Rex Strable of Albuquerque, N.M.; sisters, Ruth Henson of rural St. Mary's and Helen Whitlow of Winterset. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily Strable and a son Jerry.

Visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 7 at Overton Funeral Home where family will be present to greet friends from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be designated to his church.