Charles Bourquin

Charles Bourquin

1946-2015

Charles Kenneth Bourquin was born on Feb. 22, 1946 in Dallas to Lillie Mae (Nichelson) and Ernest Edward Bourquin. He passed away peacefully on July 30, 2015, in Canton.

Charles was preceded in death by both parents; his brothers, Bobby Boker and Edwin Bourquin; sisters, Ola Mae Monico, Burnice Yates, and Lois Reynolds, and his granddaughter, Natalie Ann Whitehead.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Patricia (Patti) Lemley Bourquin; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bert and Bea Bourquin, Johnny and Brenda Bourquin, and Howard and Pat Bourquin; children and spouses, Susie (Bourquin) and husband, David Dorman, Charles K. Bourquin II and wife, Angela and Chad Bourquin and wife, Sherri, all of Canton; grandchildren, Holly Telford, Ryan Dorman, Teddie Owen, Christian Bourquin, Johnathan Bourquin, Carley Bourquin, Erin Bourquin, Wyatt Bourquin, Kayden Bourquin, Zach Melton, Kelsey Heddin and Nevin Heddin; great-grandchildren, Zephan and Ariah Telford as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family, friends, and an assortment of animals.

Charlie grew up in the Mesquite area and spent time much of his time at the Mesquite Rodeo Arena. He competed in bareback riding on the rodeo circuit and in later years took up bull riding as well. Charles also rode and trained race horses when he was in his late teens and 20s. In later years, he was a team roper and excelled in that event. His love of horses and rodeos continued his entire life and it was a love he was willing to teach anyone who wanted to learn.

On March 31, 1967, Charlie married the love of his life, Patti, after a brief courtship. He joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union in 1970 and retired from active work in 2002. He has remained a member of the IBEW for more than 45 years. After retirement, Charlie worked for his brother-in-law, JT Lemley in the produce business.

Charlie was a Charter Member of the New Frontiers Cowboy Church where he began his relationship with Jesus and was baptized in the baptismal trough. He worked tirelessly helping establish and build the church and its arena ministries. However, his favorite part of the church was his Sunday assignment to the children’s nursery and Sunday school. Children love Papa Charlie and flocked to him wherever he went.

Charlie’s favorite things included hunting, fishing, raising and training horses, and raising and naming his chickens. He enjoyed sharing these loves with his many grandchildren. He also loved to travel, most recently visiting Alaska where he loved the much cooler summer weather.

Charles Bourquin was well-loved and never met a stranger. He will always be remembered by many names, husband, Dad, Uncle Charlie, Papa, Papa Charlie, Mr. Charlie, and Short Stack. He will remain in our memories and we will see him again soon.