Charles C. Stidham

ARLINGTON -- Charles C. Stidham, 90, passed away Friday August 16, 2013 in Arlington. Graveside Service: 10:30 a.m Thursday in Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Pkwy., Arlington. Charles C Stidham served his country courageously in WWII. He was born in Rotan, Texas, April 24th 1923. He joined the military in 1942 and drove heavy trucks for the 78th infantry lightening division, cannon company, 309th infantry while stationed in Central Europe, western Germany and northern France. Two years after enlisting he took part in the Normandy invasion which opened the long awaited second front against Hitlers forces. This patriotic Texan was honored with a bronze star for his military bravery. Following demobilization Mr. Stidham returned to Texas where he was employed as a truck driver and iron worker over the years, he also served as a crossing guard and as a deacon of Bible Baptist Church. Mr. Stidham has shared a fulfilling marriage of 68 years with his wife Helen Rust Stidham with whom he had 7 children, a devoted Father, he raised them to have strong Christian values, and today he considers his children Myrna Baker, Helen Baxter, Charles Stidham Jr., Janet Auld, Roy Stidham, Lura Puryear, and Patrick Stidham to be his biggest accomplishment; in addition , his fine family includes 21 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. Charles Stidham sr exemplifies the valor and resilience of that proud generation of Americans who stepped forward to defend their country during one of its darkest hour. A devoted Husband, Father, grandfather and friend he was loved and will be missed by many.