Lester (Les) G. Charles , a man of integrity and unwavering strength and a long-time resident of Oak Park, passed away at home at the age of 101 on April 3, 2026. He was the beloved husband of the late (2017) Betty (LaDuke) for 74 years, building a life defined by loyalty and love. His memory is cherished by his children: Jeffrey (the late Lee Annette Roy) of San Jose, CA, Leslie (Greg) Carnacchi of Milford, MI, Scott (Patty) of Reno, NV, Mark of Gardnerville, NV, Caroline (the late Rick) Rapp of Ray, MI, and Jennifer (Ron) Charles-Davis of Berkley, MI. He is also survived by his beloved 7 grandchildren: Malissa (Stephen) Etie of Morgan Hill, CA, Ryan (Janelle) Charles of Morgan Hill, CA, Christopher (Francheska) Carnacchi of Novi, MI, Sara (Jared) Jonckheere of Milford, MI, Emily (Jordan) Bishop of Oakdale, PA, Marco Carnacchi of Howell, MI and Daniel Rapp of Ray, MI. Survivors also include his dear great-grand children: Ryleigh and Madison Etie, Mason, Aiden and Tyler Charles, Giovanni and Matteo Carnacchi, Kennedy, Mia, Emerson, and Stella Jonckheere, and Jack, Liam, and Owen Bishop.

Les was born in Detroit, MI on May 27, 1924 to Florence (Schaefer) and Riley Charles. He graduated from Clawson High School in 1941. He was the oldest of 4 children: two sisters, Shirley (Peter) Krebiehl and Sandy (Ken) Swann and a brother, Donald (Karen) Charles all of whom pre-deceased him.

After meeting on a blind date, Les and Betty were married ten months later on December 19, 1942. Soon after, Les entered the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1943. He was a Registered Michigan Land Surveyor and worked for Guaranty Survey Company in Detroit (and later Royal Oak) for 52 years. He was also a devoted and beloved Boy Scout Leader for Troop F8 (later Troop 1208) in Ferndale, MI for decades.

Betty graduated from Denby High School in Detroit in January 1943. After staying home to raise their children, Betty worked for the Ferndale School District as a classroom paraprofessional and following retirement, she and Les delivered Meals on Wheels. They were long-time, active members of the First United Methodist Church in Ferndale. In their post retirement years, both of them enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy, traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. 

 
His presence was a gift to all who knew him and both his and Betty’s memory will continue to provide strength to those they leave behind.

A memorial service for Les and interment of his and Betty’s cremains will take place on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 10:00 am at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI.  Immediately following the service there will be a luncheon at Anna’s House 780 N. Milford Rd, Milford, MI 48381.  Please RSVP to Jen at jcharles1014@gmail.com no later than July 1st.  Arrangements by Spaulding & Curtin Funeral Home, in Ferndale, MI.