Charles R. “Chuck” Mays

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Last Updated on August 29, 2015 by cassnetwork

maysCharles R. “Chuck” Mays, 93, of Peru, formerly of Onward, passed away Thursday, August 27, 2015 in Dukes Memorial Hospital, Peru.

Born September 2, 1921,in Kokomo, he was the son of the late Olin S. and Mary Louise (Rolland) Mays.

He was a 1939 graduate of Onward High School.

On June 28, 1941, in Peru, he married Bessie “Marie” (Huddleston) Mays who preceded him in death on July 16, 2015.

In September of 1944, Chuck enlisted in the U.S Army and served two years in the European Theatre during World War II.

Chuck was the epitome of the Greatest Generation – fighting in a war to save the world then coming home to Onward to raise his family and start a business, Chuck’s Garage, where he was a mechanic. He was a humble man with a strong work ethic. Chuck had also served as the Town Marshal of Onward and was a hard-working member of the Onward Volunteer Fire Department.

Chuck was a devoted member of the Onward Christian Church and considered the members his extended family.He also belonged to the American Legion Post 418  in Walton. His warm smile and sense of humor endeared him to many friends.

Chuck is survived by two sons: Charles Allen Mays (wife: Lisa)of Walton, New York, and Gary Lynn Mays (wife:Sharon) of Peru; five grandchildren, Douglas, Dyanna, Danielle, Brian and Tonya Mays; three great-grandchildren, Amber Shotts, Adrienne R (Rush) Duepner and Andrew T Rush; two great-great-grandchildren, Dylan Marie Duepner and Ty Joseph Duepner; one brother, John (Margaret) Mays of Peru; three sisters-in-law Doris “Dot” Mays of Onward, Margaret (Marvin) Burkhardt and Mae (Paul) Brackeneimer; one brother-in-law, Randy (Melissa) Osborne, of Berea, Kentucky;and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Paul Mays; two sisters, Audrey Jane Osborne and Ellen (William) Morris; three sisters-in-law Esther (Carl) Schini, Irene (James) Hollarman and Anna (Gaylord) Musselman; four brothers-in-law Jason, Lewis, Howard and Leonard Huddleston; and one niece Sue Ellen Morris Branch.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Chuck Mays will be held at 11 a.m.  Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at Onward Christian Church with Pastor Bob Kellems and Lisa Mays officiating.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial, with full military honors, will follow in the Mays Cemetery, east of Onward.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Onward Christian Church.

You may share condolences and view his tribute video by visiting www.fisherfuneralchapel.com

Cass County Online