Charlie James Oldfield's Obituary
February 24, 1919 – January 24, 2017 Ever-efficient Bee took just 3-1/2 weeks preparing their place in Heaven, and on Jan. 24, 2017 at a spry 97 years young, Charlie wasted no time in following her. Born and raised in Van Zandt Co., TX, Charlie yearned for experience beyond picking cotton and strumming the guitar he crafted from an egg crate. At 22, he found it. Drafted, he boarded a bus and reported for duty. Date: Dec. 6, 1941. One year of service suddenly became “the duration,” and this young man who’d never been more than 60 miles from home traveled coast-to-coast training to repair B-17s bombers. He worked his way up the ranks to become Master Sergeant and line chief with the Army Air Corps serving in the 487th Bomb Group of the 837th Squadron in Lavenham, England. (When he returned to visit 50 years later, Charlie felt sure no one would remember. Instead, he received the tearful reception of a returning hero. He was welcomed to a commemorative room still maintained to honor the US soldiers who had given so much to protect their freedoms.) Honorably discharged on V-J day, this good-looking, good-natured young man sought his “fortune” in Dallas. To him, this meant tithing to his church, supporting a family and saving for old age, in that order. Opportunity knocked selling lumber, and better yet he met the love of his life, Bee. His friendly, easy ways made him a natural salesman and a cherished husband. He was a quick responder to Bee’s “honey- dos,” in fact to anyone’s request for help. He was a kindly and devoted father and friend. His gentle, humble spirit filled a room. He retired after 35 years with Oak Cliff Mirror & Glass but stayed busy. Never could you find a more cheerful soul, whether tending the church’s yard (well into his 80s), walking at NorthPark (enough miles to reach Istanbul and back), playing golf (which might tap his sailor instincts) or wood crafting something useful in his garage shop (dishes, lamps and an altar for his church). Music was his mainstay, playing by ear – fiddle, harmonica, guitar, mandolin and others –and always singing. “How much is that flea-hound in the window” and “On a hill far away stood an old Chevrolet” were favorites. Even after losing his home of 54 years to fire, the singing never stopped. No doubt the “Hey Hey” song carried him all the way to Heaven. Charlie is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Beatrice Oldfield. He is survived by daughter Melinda O’Neal & husband Pat; daughter Holly Hughes & husband Joseph V, Jr. Grandchildren Amy Brossette & husband David, Kerri O’Neal, Joseph Hughes III & Kathryn Hughes; great-grandchildren Abby, Jackson, Chris & Emily; and faithful friend Maria Palacios. Visitation, Restland: 11:30-1 Fri., Jan. 27. Services, Central Lutheran Church: 10:00 Sat., Jan. 28. Viewing 30 minutes prior to service; reception then graveside services immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Charlie Oldfield Memorial at Four Mile Lutheran Church (P.O. Box 5004, Mabank, TX 75147) or Central Lutheran Church (1000 Easton Rd., 75218). Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
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