A memorial service for Charles Jenkins Naron, 81, of Marshall, Texas, will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 24, 2024, in the chapel of Downs Funeral Home. [SN1]

Charles was born on January 26, 1942, in Hughes Springs, Texas, to Warner Jenkins "Butch" Naron and Audry Lorena Griffin Naron and passed away on December 30, 2023.

His family moved around Texas during his early childhood and finally settled in Marshall where he attended grade school through high school and made lifelong friends.

He married Nell Robertson in 1963 and had two daughters, Lynn and Jan. The family attended First Baptist – Marshall for many years and formed a number of close friendships through the church. Charles and Nell amicably divorced in 1991 and remained friendly afterward, often attending the same family events. Later, Charles met Joyce Wilson and she became his longtime companion until his death.

Charles was a devoted and caring nephew to his aunt Alma Martin. He visited her twice a day from 1978 until her death in 2005. His faithfulness allowed her to live in her own home until she was 95 years old before having to move to a nursing home due to illness.

Charles was employed by Safeway as a Dairy Manager and then a Produce Manager for 22 years and took only one sick day during that entire time. He then worked for Marshall Pottery as the Red Clay Yard Manager for several years before he permanently retired. He loved working at the pottery where he met many people from all over the world. He also enjoyed being able to use his creative side to design various clay pot characters. In 2004, a Houston Chronicle article gave a shout out to him for designing a large Nativity scene made entirely out of clay pots. The Nativity scene was on display year-round at the pottery.

His favorite pastimes though the years included working on crossword puzzles (he did them in ink!); sketching people and cars; eating at Big Pines Lodge and IHOP (and many more places, as he loved going out to eat); watching game shows (Wheel of Fortune was number one, but he also loved vintage shows); religiously rooting for his Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys; feeding the many stray cats that showed up at his house in the country; listening to country music (especially Willie Nelson and the Statler Brothers); shooting BB guns with his grandson, Reese; and napping in his favorite recliner.

Charles is predeceased by his father, mother, and brother, Ray Naron. He is survived by his two daughters - Lynn Woods and spouse Steve Niemietz of Cedar Park and Jan Leckie and spouse Kenny Leckie of Garland; his longtime companion Joyce Wilson and her two sons - Jerry Craver and Billy Craver; two grandchildren - Reese Niemietz and Chelsea Tutza (spouse Matt Tutza); two great grandchildren Jayden and Taylor Tutza; a number of nieces and nephews; numerous bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many other extended family and friends.

Donations in his memory can be sent to Friends of Marshall Animals, PO Drawer V, Marshall, Texas 75671.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.