Charles Joseph DuBois, Sr.

Charles “Charlie D.” Joseph DuBois, Sr.

Charles "Charlie D." Joseph DuBois, Sr. passed away on October 30, 2024, in Beaumont, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 4, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Pastor Phil Phiffer, of Peace Lutheran Church in Groves where he was a member. Burial will follow at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park in Orange, next to his daughter Meredith. Military Honors will be performed by the South East Texas Veterans Group.

Born August 15, 1948 in Kaplan, Louisiana to Cleveland R. and Joycie Mae (Curl) DuBois. He is preceded in death by his daughter Meredith Rene', his parents, brother Cleveland F. DuBois, stepfather A.J. (Joe) Schahn and step-mother Mathilde (Mire) DuBois. Mother and fathes-in-law Frances and Earl Bilbo. He is survived by his siblings Inez Mouboules and Linda Bright of Vidor, Texas, Brenda Narada of Page, Arizona and A.J. (Hot Rod) Schahn of Morgan City, Louisiana and their spouses.

He is survived by his wife, Rachel Ann Bilbo DuBois whose love for him never wavered. From their first dance in high school to the final dance of their lives they always saved the last dance for themselves. Son Dr. Charles J. DuBois, Jr.-PhD and wife Sonya, his two grandchildren, Kimberly Ann and Benjamin Pierre DuBois who brought a new meaning and much joy to his life. Their voices, laughter, hugs and kisses always brightened his day. He loved them "big much".

His love of God, country and family were the greatest blessings of his life. 

A 1967 graduate of Little Cypress High School who served his country in the U.S. Army and Vietnam reaching the rank of Sergeant E-5. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/3 stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Army Commendation Medal. While serving with the 630" Combat Engineering Company he received the Vietnam Civil Action Medal 1969 and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medal 1970 with 2 Oak Clusters. He participated in the Tet 1969 Counteroffensive and the Tet 1970 Spring Counteroffensive Campaigns. When he returned from Vietnam he attended Lamar University.

Charles worked at the B.F. Goodrich Plant in Orange and in 1980 transferred to a new plant being built in Convent, La. where he was the Maintenance Supervisor of the Electrolysis, Chlorine, EDC and Brine plants. He retired in 2005 and he and Rachel began a life of Rving with friends, visited 41 states and moved back to Orange in 2010. He enjoyed wood working, making furniture and working in the yard. He could often be found working on the needs of his church as a Trustee. He was always ready for the weekly Margarita meal with friends. Being with Rodney and Charlotte Girlinghouse was always a special time and Rodney cooked him the best breakfast whether at their home or at Charles and Rachel's home. The passing of Rodney left a void in his heart.

Charles was a member of the South East Veterans Service Group which provides military honors to deceased veterans. Charles was haunted by the memories of Vietnam but found comfort when in fellowship of fellow veterans, those whom he served with and their annual reunion in Branson and being reunited with O.C. and Diane Cooper, Roger and Sharon Beverly, Bruce and Barb Snapp, Michael Beatty and John and Jo Ann Blechschmid.

Charles was grateful to his mother and father-in-law who received him as a son. He had a special fondness and thankfulness to Lloyd and Ella LeBlanc and James and Grace Estillette who supported, encouraged and shared their homes in the difficult times of his youth.