Reverend Claude Charles Sr. went to his eternal rest on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 12:26 p.m. He was born on April 16, 1948, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to the late Arthur and Lelia Charles. He was the eighth child of seventeen children.

At the age of 17, Claude moved to Houston, Texas, where he began building a life rooted in hard work, faith, and perseverance. Over the years, he worked several jobs, including attending barber college and working as a janitor and welder, before beginning his career with the Metropolitan Transit Authority in his early twenties. He went on to faithfully serve at Metro for nearly 48 years as a bus operator. His job became more than a career; it became a ministry. Through the thousands of routes he drove, the countless passengers he met, and the many co-workers he served alongside, Reverend Charles touched lives in ways that only eternity can fully reveal. He had thousands of stories, loved to smile and talk, and somehow, in almost every conversation, Jesus was going to come up. He was known as a dependable, hardworking man who showed up early, worked late, and took pride in doing his job well. He was also a proud grandfather who loved talking about his grandchildren every chance he had.

Reverend Charles began his walk with Christ at an early age. After moving to Houston, he joined Greater Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Leo Daniels. He later became a member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church, where he was ordained to preach under the leadership of Pastor Will Simon Jr. Reverend Charles later went on to pastor God's Holiness Temple Church in Franklin, Louisiana. His calling to ministry was not limited to the pulpit. Whether he was in church, at work, with family, or in the community, he carried the Gospel with him. His brothers affectionately called him "Preacher Man," a name that reflected both who he was and how he lived.

Reverend Charles Sr. leaves to cherish his memory his children from two unions, Yalanda Charles, Ashley Charles, Apostle Claude Charles Jr. (Ruth), and Kelton Charles (Velinda), all of Houston, Texas. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Kiara Charles, Samaria Gunter, Demarquis Myles Jr., Ariyah Myles, Mikaela Begelton, Ja'alyn Benard (Caffery), Zachary Branch, Chloe Charles, Isaiah Charles, Sarah Charles, Hezekiah Charles, Nehemiah Charles, Valorie Clay, Kelton Charles II, and Aaron Charles; and great grandchildren Caine Joseph Benard and Cyzah Joseph Benard,

He also leaves to cherish his memory his brothers, Thomas Charles (Mary) and Milton Charles Sr., both of Houston, Texas, Arthur Charles Jr. (Annie Mae) of Four Corners, Louisiana, and Henry Charles of St. Martinville, Louisiana; his sisters, Corestine Robertson of Four Corners, Louisiana, Lelia Charles of Baldwin, Louisiana, and Selina Charles of Franklin, Louisiana; one sister-in-law, Golden Charles; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church family, co-workers, friends, and all who loved him dearly.

Reverend Charles was preceded in death by seven brothers, Arthur Charles III, Leonard Charles, Leroy Charles, Clifton Charles, Melvin Charles, Wallace Charles, and Robert Charles; along with his sisters, Yvonne Charles and Annie Mae Smith.

Reverend Charles impacted the lives of thousands of people over the course of his life. From the church house to the bus route, from family gatherings to everyday conversations, he used every space God gave him as an opportunity to encourage, witness, laugh, teach, and love. He was a man of faith, a man of work, a man of stories, and a man who deeply loved his family.

Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time for the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 10, 2026 at Church of the Champions, 12922 Cutten Road, Houston, Texas 77066.

Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time for the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.,Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Macedonia Baptist Church, Prevost Road, Franklin, Louisiana 70538|