Charles "Charlie" L. Hood

Charles L. Hood “Charlie”

January 20, 1928 – December 20, 2023

St. Louis, MO

Hood, Charles L. “Charlie” age 95 of St. Louis, Missouri sadly left us on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.  Preceded in death by his parents Roy and Ruth Hood and two brothers James Hood and Paul (Nadine) Hood and survived by sister-in-law Blanche Hood. 

Beloved husband of Elsie Hood for over 73 years; loving father of Charles E. (Sharon) Hood, Christine L. (Norman) Mizell and John W. Hood; cherished Grandfather to Cindy (David) Simmons, Jolene (Daniel) Ashcraft, Matt (Lori) Mizell, Jeff (Allison) Hood; adored Great Grandfather to Kendra, Elyn, Brynn, Carmyn, Chelsea and Dean. 

Charlie grew up, the youngest of three boys, in Junction City, Kansas. He held various part-time jobs in high school including working on the railroad and selling newspapers to German POWs at nearby Fort Riley. Charlie joined the United States Army Air Corps and served during the transition to the United States Air Force in Wichita Falls and San Antonio, Texas. He moved to St. Louis, Missouri after being honorably discharged from the Air Force and eventually began his career with the United States Post Office. During his career at the Post Office, he also held various jobs including a long-time part-time job at the front desk of the Carondelet YMCA. In 1950 Charlie met Elsie Dukek and fell in love. They married after a nine-week courtship. Charlie and Elsie were married for over 73 years. Charlie was a Boy Scout leader for both Charlie and John and included two trips to Philmont among their adventures. He retired from the USPS in 1987 and kept very busy in retirement traveling the world with his bride, square and round dancing, making many stained glass pieces, doing yard work, and enjoying time with family. 

Charlie was appreciated for his dedication to family and his “crazy” sense of humor. He saw humor in many things and had a slightly different way of looking at/evaluating things in life. His family will miss some of the “interesting” characteristics like his love of snakes, fishing, and willingness to attempt anything. Charlie was one of the “Greats” and will be sorely missed by his loved ones as well as everyone who had the opportunity to know him.

Charlie's visitation will be held Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 4-8 p.m. at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County Chapel, 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO 63129. His funeral will take place the following morning, January 10, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ Oakville. Interment in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.