Deacon Douglas Charles was born in Lake Arthur, Louisiana on January 17, 1933 to the late Marchell and Beulah Charles.  He departed this life on January 25, 2016 at Jennings American Legion Hospital.

He was a resident of Lake Arthur and a member of Antioch Baptist Church, where he served as Head Deacon and Superintendent of Sunday School. He attended Jefferson Davis High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1953. He was a retired truck driver from Farm Supply, Park maintenance from the Town of Lake Arthur, and custodian for Antioch Baptist Church.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Dorothy Charles; three sons, Kirk Charles of Lake Arthur, LA; Claude Charles of Houston, TX; Marshall (Valerie) Charles of Lake Arthur, LA; two daughters, Janet (Jaffus) Hardrick of Miramar, FL; Angela (Harold) Lewis of Sugar Land, TX; two godchildren, Cheryl Ann (Mickey) Woods of Bossier City, LA; Barbara Brown of Lake Arthur, LA; 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Lillie Charles of Lake Arthur; Albertha (Jessie) Guidry of Jennings, LA; one brother-in-law, Albert LeBlanc of Milwaukee, WI; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Marchell Charles; two brothers, Hennan Charles and Edgar Charles; four sisters, Helen Chaney, Annie Mae Davis, Lillie Mae Chaney, and Shirley Mae King.

Funeral service will be at 12 noon on Saturday, January 30, 2016 in Antioch Baptist Church, Reverend Michael Williams, Pastor will officiate.  Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery with Millitary rites accorded by a U.S. Army squad from Fort Polk, LA. under the direction of  Semien-Lewis Mortuary, of Jennings.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. Saturday in the church until time of Funeral service.