2016 Second Extraordinary Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 15
BY SENATOR COLOMB
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of Wilfred "T-Will" Charles.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the citizens of Louisiana
and community of Lawtell have learned of the death of Wilfred "T-Will" Charles on May
28, 2016, at the age of ninety-five; and
WHEREAS, Wilfred Charles was born to the late Ulysses and Theresa Powell
Charles on November 23, 1920, in Arnaudville, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Wilfred "T-Will" Charles as he was affectionately known to family,
friends and loved ones, was a lifelong resident of Lawtell, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Wilfred "T-Will" Charles was a World War II veteran serving as a
Private First Class (Pfc) in the Army Air Forces from 1942 through 1946; and
WHEREAS, he was honorably discharged in 1946 and decorated with the American
Theatre Ribbon Victory Medal, after being stationed in France and in other areas overseas;
and
WHEREAS, Wilfred "T-Will" Charles was married to Irene White and to this union
four children, Elsie Charles, Paul Charles, Joseph Olan Charles, and Joseph Mitchell Charles
were born; and
WHEREAS, at the untimely death of his first wife, he met and married Irene
Simmons Comeaux and gained six more children, Alvin, Ruthie, Dorothy, Shirley, Leroy
and Sidney, whom he raised and loved as his own; and
WHEREAS, Wilfred "T-Will" Charles was an active member of Holy Family
Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, he was well known in the Lawtell neighborhood and many adopted him
as their dad, grandfather, uncle, but most importantly as everyone's friend; and
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WHEREAS, Wilfred "T-Will" Charles was a "jack of all trades" with the ability to
do electrical, plumbing and carpentry work and in his spare time, he loved to fish and tend
to his garden; and
WHEREAS, Wilfred "T-Will" Charles was preceded in death by his parents, two
loving wives, four brothers: Maurice Charles, Allen Charles, Innis Charles, and Junius
Charles; three sisters: Mary Henrietta Charles Fountain, Nola Mae Brooks, and Francis
Charles Barlow; and two daughters: Shirley Charles and Sidney Williams; and
WHEREAS, the death of Wilfred "T-Will" Charles has left a substantial void in the
Lawtell community and a sense of loss in the citizens whose lives he touched; and
WHEREAS, his memory shall live forever in the minds and hearts of all those who
knew and loved this extraordinary man and public servant.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Wilfred "T-Will"
Charles and respectfully acknowledges with gratitude his service to this country, his church,
and the tremendous pride and honor that he will forever bring to the Lawtell community, the
state of Louisiana, and the United States of America.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of Wilfred "T-Will" Charles.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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