Mr. Rufus A. Charles

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Mohorn Baptist Church for Mr. Rufus A. Charles, 91. who entered eternal life on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Opelousas General Health System surrounded by family and loved ones. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Rev. Nicholas Thomas, Pastor of Mohorn Baptist church will officiate the Celebration of Life. On October 12, 1933, in Washington, LA, Rufus was the first-born of Russel and Mary M. Charles -- he and his brother Philip were reared in a Christian household and baptized at the Mohorn Baptist Church under the late Rev. Sam A. Crowder. Rufus seriously accepted the role of big brother to many -- his parents often took in family, friends, and sometimes strangers - helping to feed, shelter, and rear – a trend that continued with his own family. A lifelong member of the Mohorn Baptist Church, he served as Superintendent of Sunday Schools, a deacon, trustee, and choir member. He was educated in the St. Landry Parish School System graduating from Plaisance High School. Following high school, Rufus enlisted in the Army where he served for 2 years. Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge, he enrolled at Texas Southern University. During his college days, Rufus married the love of his life, Mae Resa White – on June 28, 1958. Their families had been friends all of their lives. Their 66-year marriage produced five children, Pamela S., Paul D., Vickie E., Karla A., and Carmen M. Rufus had a long career in the insurance industry. He was from the old school where your insurance agent made house calls – selling and collecting premiums from customers’ homes. Many times the phone rang at home from a customer reminding him to “not forget to come collect my money.” He also spent some time as a substitute teacher. Ever civic /social justice-minded, Rufus was engaged in many Civil Rights activities, civic organizations, and Masonic organizations. He was a member of the NAACP; He held leadership roles in Ghadur Temple #161 Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine; RB Jones Sr. Consistory #298 United Supreme Council 33rd degree; Charlie E. Lewis #82 Holy Royal Arch Mason; He was a lifetime member of Keystone Lodge #196 Prince Hall Masons. In celebration of his lengthy service, a local Lodge was named after him and his close friend – Charles - Guidry Council #5 Royal and Select Master. He was also a member of American Legion Post #514. He was an original signer of the Home Rule Charter for St. Landry Parish, and he also ran for Alderman at Large in Opelousas. Rufus spent a lot of time with youth. He served many years as a Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 166 and Cub Scout Pack 385 with substantial assistance from Mrs. Anabelle Winfrey. He served as PTA president at all of his children’s schools – and continued to serve even after they had moved on. People always commented how Rufus had impacted their lives and many talked about how he had gotten them jobs – even before helping his own children gain employment. He was also a lover of the outdoors – an avid hunter and fisherman he also loved to tell tall tales about those successes. Rufus leaves to treasure his memory his beloved wife, Mae Resa, his children Pamela, Paul, Vickie, Karla (Ron Gauthier), and Carmen (John Guilbeaux, III); Nine grandchildren – Andre’ P. Charles (Laqwanda); Christian S. Taplin-Hills (Kelvin), Charles Omar Taplin (Gabrielle), Anastasia K. Charles, Ashley T. Taplin, Christopher M. Taplin, Evan A. Antoine (Rachel), Maya L. Guilbeaux, John A. Guilbeaux, IV.; Twenty-three (23) great-grandchildren, and a host of great-great-grandchildren. His Sister-In-Law Ollie Charles and nieces Charmaine and Raichelle and his brother- and sisters-in-love; his sister-cousin Ellar Louise Lavine Arvie; h is beloved God-daughter Emily (Lionel) Sam; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law and extended family and neighborhood Children. He also considered the children of their friends – Joseph and Hilda Guidry -- as bonus children after their parents died. He never met a stranger, so this list could go on forever – 91 years worth of relationship building. The family requests visiting hours be observed on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 817 E. South Street. Visitation will resume on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Mohorn Baptist Church from 10:00 A.M. to 10:45 A.M., 219 Cosay Road (Plaisance Community). Share words of comfort with the family of Rufus A. Charles on his Permanent Life Tribute Page at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net. Be the first to post your most treasured memory of Rufus. Show your support by sharing a personal message or story, meaningful photo or video, or record a video message using your webcam. On behalf of the family, we encourage you to share your personal experiences and preserve the memory of Rufus A. Charles for future generations to come. Final arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 817 E. South Street, 337-942-2037.

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Mr. Rufus A. Charles

October 12, 1933 - April 4, 2025