Charles Arthur Rue, 83, of Lake Charles, La., passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023.
A visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Friday Feb. 18, 2023 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the funeral home. The following day, Saturday, Feb. 19, visitation will be held at Trinity Baptist Church beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 11 a.m. with The Rev. Steve James officiating. Interment services at Magnolia Cemetery in Westlake will directly follow. Pallbearers for his services will be his grandsons.
Charles is predeceased by his parents, Aubrey Arthur and Helen Boyer Rue. He leaves to honor his memory, his wife of nearly 50 years, Virginia Vincent Rue of Lake Charles; three children, Cary Andre Rue and wife Joanne of Stafford, Va., Rhonda Nicholson Bonsignore and husband Joe of Baton Rouge, William “Bill” Stevens Nicholson II and wife Kobey of Schertz, Texas; five grandchildren, Hayden Rue, Will Peterson and Jacob, Joel and William Nicholson; his brother, Kenneth Rue and wife Diann of Lake Charles and their three children. He also leaves dear friends who checked on him regularly, David Kirby, Bennie Bourgeois, and Dr. Dennis Fletcher.
Charles was born in Westlake, La., on April 26, 1939, lettered in basketball for Westlake High School and worked at Conoco holding various positions retiring at age 59 as an Instrument Technician. He served in the Army National Guard until October 1959. Charles loved his LSU Tigers, never missing an opportunity to watch them play. He also loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. A highlight for him were opportunities to hunt in Africa and Canada.
Throughout his life, Charles gave much to others. He went on mission trips to China, Africa, Honduras and Haiti. For many years he volunteered as a court appointed special advocate (CASA) which protects the rights of abused and neglected children. He was a long-time member of Trinity Baptist Church where he sang in the choir. His baritone will be missed.
Mr. Rue will be most remembered for his belief in and support of his children, his passion as an outdoorsman and in sharing those experiences with his son. Also, for creating many memorable travels with his wife throughout the United States and beyond.
Memorial donations in his honor may be made to CASA, c/o Family and Youth, 220 Louie Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 or Trinity Baptist Church, 1800 Country Club Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70605.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.