Charles Elwin Garges, 82, of Exeter California, passed away peacefully in his home on March 3, 2023. He was the eldest child of eight, born on June 11, 1940, to Charles Elmer Garges and Audrey Louise Garges in the small town of Randolph Iowa. 

Charles Elmer and Audrey Louise, moved to Taft, California in the mid to late 1940’s. The family of 10 moved from Taft to Tulare and set down roots. This was where Charles met the love of his life, Jennie Cleaver (Garges), in 1955 at the age of 15. On November 15, 1958, at the age of 18 Charles and Jennie were married. It wasn’t long before the newlyweds packed up and moved south to Los Angeles to begin their lives. Charles taught himself how to weld and was a master at the art of welding to say the least. With the skills and knowledge, he opened what would be first of many businesses, Garges Welding.

Charles sold his shop in Los Angeles, and moved to Visalia, California to be closer to family. This is where Jennie and Charles would start a family, consisting of two sons, Charles Ray Garges and Kennie Floyd Garges. They would also go on welcome and gain guardianship of a young lady by the name of Debra Sousa (Kennedy). They lived in Visalia for a short time before moving to Exeter, California.

He would go on open several businesses; Diesel Service Center in Farmersville, Diesel & Gas Performance in Visalia, Garges & Sons Sanitary Welding in Exeter, and his last business venture prior to his passing was opening a powder coating business, A-1 Powder Coating in Tulare.

Charles loved to travel and make memories with his family. As his kids grew and had their own kids, he became a grandfather to Brian Garges, Charles Ray’s son and Kennie William Garges, Kennie’s Floyd’s son. These would be the only two blood grandkids he would have. With that said this did not mean he and Jennie did not have an army of kids of whom they called their own; nieces, nephews, in laws (even if they divorced) you were still and always will be a part of the family. Charles was big on family in his later years and would find any excuse to BBQ with everyone or go out to dinner.

Along with his love of family he also had a love for classic and sports cars. Most notable would have to be the Torch Red 2022 Corvette he purchased and had for less than a year. He could be spotted cruising around town in his “Lady in Red” always wearing his white full brim hat.

Charles is proceeded in death by his parents Charles Elmer and Audrey Louise Garges, his wife of 58 years Jennie Garges, and brothers Larry and Gail Garges. He is survived by his siblings, Jim, Darryl, Joanne and the twins Sharon and Karon; son’s Charles Ray and Kennie Floyd wife Jodi, daughter Debra Kennedy; grandson’s Brian Garges wife Alicia, and Kennie William wife Emily; honorary granddaughter Crystal, and great-grandchildren Brandon, Avery, Austin and soon to arrive, baby boy along with several nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be held prior to graveside services at Millers Tulare Funeral Home from 9:00am to 12:00pm, located at 151 North H Street in Tulare. Graveside services will be held at Tulare District Cemetery North on March 16, 2023 at 1:00pm. Celebration of Life to follow graveside services all are welcome to attend.

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