Charles Bostic

Charles Odell Bostic, son of the late George and Rex Marie Nichols Bostic, was born June 20, 1932, in Micola, Missouri, and departed this life Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Cape Girardeau.

Charles married Irene Koester Bostic on July 18, 1959, in Maywood, Illinois. She preceded him in death May 18, 2013. Charles married Wanda Tibbs on Jan. 8, 2014.

Charlie served his country well as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, an elite paratrooper, proud soldier and later serving in the Missouri National Guard. Charlie loved his country and showed it by actions and not just words. He was quick to salute the flag he served and to place his hand over his heart to prove it.

Charlie and Irene fostered more than 450 children over 25 years.

Survivors include his wife, Wanda; children, Duane (Lindy) Benes of Silverhill, Alabama, Debby (Jim) Stokley of Kennett, Missouri, Cindy (Ramon) Mendoza of Carlsbad, New Mexico, Chuck (Sandy) Bostic of Cape Girardeau and Christine (Stewart) Mayberry of Jonesboro, Illinois; stepdaughter, Angela (Mike) Morgan of Cape Girardeau; 10 grandchildren, Erik (Claire) Benes, Joseph (Abbey) Stokley, David (Tammy) Barani, Michael (Nikki) Stokley, Benjamin Bostic, Dustin (Katie) Mayberry, Amanda (John) Morlan, Allison (Lance) DeBrock, Brandon (Danielle) Mayberry and Timothy (Stephanie) Barani; stepgrandchildren, Amanda, Cody and Trayton Morgan; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by five sisters, Molly Inman, Margie Kennedy, Jean Wright, Georgia Pierce and Mae Darnell; and a brother, Johnny Doyle Bostic.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday at Mount Auburn Christian Church in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial service will follow the visitation at the church, with Pastor Casey Elmore officiating. Inurnment will take place at Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Mount Auburn Christian Church in Cape Girardeau.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau.

To view the obituary and/or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.