Charles was born in Canmer, Kentucky to the late William P. and Ida M. (Tinker) Barbour. He made his transition to Heaven on January 21, 2019 in Miller’s Merry Manor.
Charles attended school through the 8th grade and then helped his father on their farm. He moved to Marion later in his life and met and on November 5, 1966 he married Jerry Ann Black. This union brought daughters, Deloris, Cheryl, Recca and Carla. Mrs. Barbour preceded Charles in death on September 12, 2012.
Charles worked for Malleable for 20 years, for 10 years he worked as the first black guard for the Grant County Sheriff’s Department and for 25 years he worked for Indiana Michigan Power. Charles was known as “Charlie” from co-workers and friends and was known to “say it like it is” or he would sit quietly and observe others.
Charles enjoyed collecting model cars, traveling and being with family and friends. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports. He was a faithful member of Bethel AME Church where he was actively involved until his health failed.
Charles was loving and caring and leaves to cherrish his memory his wife, Bobbie Henderson, daughters, Cheryl L. Smith and Recca M. Black, both of Marion; Carla J. Barbour, Indianapolis; son/grandson, Cyle Smith and special daughters, Terri Smith, Carol Jenkins, Tedra Dixon, Renae Flowers and Kathy Lamb; step-daughters, Faye Homes, Donna Hawes, Sybil Abdul-Rahman, Leslie Knighten and Dannille Patterson; sister-in-law, Sue Ann Barbour, Elizabethtown, Kentucky; brothers in law, Ronnie Reeder, Youngstown, Ohio and Gene Burgess, Marion; special friends, Rick and Carol Frieszell and Melba Smith; grandchildren, Billy Barbour, Corey Black, Jeremaine Smith, Cyle Smith, Charles Barour-Neal; 24 great-grandchildren; adopted daughters, Denice Henderson, Shannon Cannon and Sherry Liddel and a host of extended family and friends.
Charles is preceded in death by his wife, Jerry Ann Barbour; his brothers, Robert and Raymond Barbour, sister/daughter, Myrtle Deloris Barbour, step-daughter, Arlena Black, son, Martin Lee Barbour, step-sons, David and Robert Black and grandson, Leeric Smith.
A celebration of Charles’ life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, February 2, 2019 in Bethel AME Church, 324 West 10th Street, Marion, Indiana with Pastor Gregory Bonds officiating. The family will welcome visitors from 11am until the service begins at 1pm. Owen-Weilert-Duncan Funeral Home, Marion Chapel, 2722 South Washington Street, Marion, Indiana was entrusted with the arrangements.