Obituary of Charles R. Mays

Bedford – Beloved husband, Charles R. Mays, 69, of Bedford, passed from this earth on Monday, December 16, 2024. Born March 13, 1955, in St. Louis, MO. He retired after a 20-year career with the U.S. Army, ending his service as a Platoon Sargeant. He also retired as a Textile Foreman from the Terre Haute United States Federal Prison. Charles was a remarkable handyman and it was often said that he could have built a home with his contractor company, laughingly called “Better Than It Was” home improvement. He was an avid volunteer with State Parks and U.S. Fish and Wildlife for 11 years, serving from Vermont to Alaska and Florida to local State Parks. He loved camping with a passion all over the United States. Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Barbara Mays; children, Jamie (Scott) Lofton, Jon (Cathy) Mays, Jordan (Katherine) Mays; grandchildren, Zach, Paige, Cady, Christian and Kate; a sister, Brenda Dirden of Jonesboro, IL; a brother, Donnie Thompson of Anna, IL; sisters-in-law, Regina Dyke, Vickie (John) Vermillion, Terri (Josh) Neighbors and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Wallace; a sister-in-law, Maria Bailey and a niece, Erin Neighbors. A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Thursday, December 19th at Crossroads Community Church, 5000 Old State Road #37 N. in Bedford with Pastor Lyndon Hopkins officiating and Eulogy given by his beloved comrade, Bill Utterback. Military rites will be accorded by members of Gillen Post #33 American Legion. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.