Charles Robert Sechrest — Sunrise March 17, 1938, Lawrenceville, Illinois, to Verus and Flossie Nuttall Sechrest — Sunset May 6, 2016, Foley, Alabama.
Survived by loving wife, Barbara; daughter, Sheila; perfect son-in-law ,Craig Schoen; grandchildren, Will and Emily Schoen; sister, Norma Tiek; nephews and nieces, David Tiek, Robert “Bob” Tiek, Melinda Linton, Margaret Gustafson, Jill DeStefano, Jayne Durrenberger, Leo DePaola, Dante DePaola and Chuck Plummer.
Educated at now Rose-Hulman, he moved frequently across the country, working in safety and efficiency as a mechanical engineer. So his daughter could attend all of high school in Bay Minette, Charlie worked for Kaiser Aluminum there and on Pinto Island.
He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, National Rifle Association, Alpha Tau Omega, United Methodist Men, church league softball, Junior Achievement, school P.T.A, church and band booster groups.
He received his 50-year pin from Dobbins Masonic Lodge 164 and was a 32nd degree Mason, Scottish Rite, Valley of St. Louis, the latter attained with his father in 1968.
Charlie was a lifelong church musician, band member, musical theater performer, director, artist, competitive shooter and inventor.
He sang for hundreds of weddings, funerals, pageants, groups in Carnegie Hall, in England and in the local Coastal Chorale.
Retired, he volunteered to complete his church’s building project and spearheaded efforts to repair his childhood church, Otterbein United Methodist.
Charlie Sechrest loved our Lord, family, friends, singing, joking, sending emails, celebrating his St. Patrick’s Day birth and completing the monthly A.S.M.E. and Rose engineering quizzes.
God’s mercy took our sweet Charlie Home.
Honorary pallbearers are Foley United Methodist choir members.
Visitation is scheduled Wednesday May 11 at 9, funeral at 10 at Foley United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Bill Watts officiating.
Masonic Rites and the 14th Degree Rose Quarry Service will follow at the graveside at Elberta Town Cemetery.
Services provided by Mack Funeral Home.
