Charles R. Parent

Charles Robert Parent, age 63, of Osceola, passed away peacefully at 3:50 a.m. on September 4th, 2016 after a valiant battle with cancer. Affectionately known as Charlie and Chaz by his many friends and relatives, Charlie was born September 24, 1952 in Mishawaka, Indiana and resided in Osceola most of his life. Charlie went through the P.H.M. school system and was a Penn High School graduate of the class of 1972. He was proud to be associated with the American Legion as an auxiliary member of Post 308 in Osceola. Charlie was a member of the color guard which honored many veterans when they were laid to rest.

A multitude of area residents knew Charlie as Chaz, the man behind the counter at the O.C. Lanes bowling alley for many years. A generation of kids knew him as their bowling mentor. Chaz was later the head pizza maker at Trevi's restaurant in Osceola until his illness forced him to step down from that position. Other long term jobs he held were with the Hill White Trucking Company and in his early years as a concession stand worker at the Starlight Theater in Osceola. Charlie also served for many years with the Osceola Volunteer Fire Department.

Charlie was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, the Green Bay Packers football team, the Chicago Black Hawks and the Chicago Bulls. His dislike of the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs was also lifelong. Chaz was also an excellent bowler, and he was proud to have bowled a 300 game on three different occasions.

Charlie enjoyed life, and in particular enjoyed attending Green Bay Packer and St. Louis Cardinals games with friends Phil, Chris, Lenny, Gary and others. He had special friendships with several people, including Susie, Faron, Gina, Chris, Phil, Lenny, Gary and many, many others.

In particular, the Parent family would like to thank his dear friend Farrah for helping to put together a wonderful benefit for Chaz and for all of the loving support and help she generously gave during his time of need. To all the people who attended the benefit for Chaz, thank you from the Parent family for showing the love that kept him going during the battle he fought.

We would also like to thank Doctor McGrath and Doctor Reed and all of the support group at the Cancer Care Clinic, as well as the Cancer care group at Memorial Hospital of South Bend and the Hospice Care Group of South Bend. All were supportive and gave Chaz the very best of care.

Charlie was a gentle soul who touched many lives. He was known for his willingness to help whomever needed help, whenever it was needed. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Charlie was preceded in death by his mother, Doris (Longfield) Parent, his paternal and maternal grandparents, stepmother, Shirley Parent and many aunts and uncles.

Surviving Charlie are his father, Edward Parent, with whom he resided, as well as his siblings, David (Jennifer) Parent of Osceola, Debra (Tom) Buchanan of South Bend, Cheryl Ann (Mike) White of Edwardsburg, Michigan, James (Julie) Parent of New Carlisle, Shellie (John) Parent of Mount Vernon, Indiana, and stepsister, Teddi Swineheart of Elkhart. Surviving aunts and uncles include Vicki (Gary) Moorehead of Richmond, Indiana, Nora Herron of Arizona, Orville Perkins of Osceola and Margaret Parent of Osceola. Charlie is also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews.

Per his request, Charlie has been cremated. There will be a viewing on Friday, September 9th from 4 p.m.-7 p.m., with memorial service at 7 p.m. at the Zimmerman-Inman Funeral Home in Osceola.