Source: The Garner Funeral Chapel

Charles (Charlie) Joseph Tewell, 93, of Hannibal, MO, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2015, at the Willow Care Center in Hannibal.

Charlie was born to Mary Myrtle (Becky) Burditt and Billy (Judge) Tewell in Monroe County, MO, on March 2, 1922. He married Betty Burditt on December 11, 1954, and together they shared sixty-one years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; one son, Charles Larry Tewell, of Hannibal, MO; one daughter, Cindy (Terry) Hammock, of Hannibal, MO; Six grandchildren, Becky (Tony) Spurlin, Matt Tewell, Charles (Chip) Tewell, Nathan (Gabrielle) Hammock, Sarah Hammock, and Jacob Hammock; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Charlie worked hard in every job he held. He started working for Ford Motor, and then moved to Standard Oil, where he retired after nineteen years of service. He then worked for Big River Oil, where he gave them many years of faithful service before retiring a second time.

Charlie was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served for three years during World War II, and was wounded twice. For his military service, Charlie was awarded 2 Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal and a Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster. Charlie had the great privilege of participating in the Honor Flight in 2010, and was able to make the special trip to Washington D.C. with his grandson, Nathan.

He and his wife, Betty, spent a lot of time with their friends from church, and regularly went on outings with their Sunday school class. He was also a member of many groups including the D.A.V., AARP, American Legion, Good Fellows Club, as well as attending many of his Army reunions.

Charlie was a man who loved people. He had many friends, but he enjoyed talking to all people and getting to know their stories. He spent many happy hours recounting stories with his friends over coffee. Not only did he love his friends and getting to know people, but he had a deep love for his family. He was a constant companion for his wife, and it was one of his greatest joys to care and provide for her. He was a wonderful father, and that naturally turned into being a proud grandpa who spent countless hours investing in his grandchildren’s lives. Any event, whether music, sports, plays, or community events, he was there, giving them his love and support. He took the time to cut out every newspaper article that mentioned his grandchildren and placed it in a scrapbook. Family was what he loved most in life, and he carried out his roles as husband, father, and grandpa with the deepest love and devotion. He loved to laugh, tease, and joke, but it was always done in love.