In Memoriam: Charles Pearson

    Charles Ashton Pearson ("Charlie," "Pawpaw") passed away peacefully on February 6, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was 77, and a lifelong resident of the Baton Rouge area. Born November 20, 1937 to Clem and Vivian Pearson, Charlie spent his childhood in North Baton Rouge, graduated from Istrouma High School, and married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Carole Newman, in 1956.
After his enlistment in the Marine Corps was cut short by injury, Charlie began his career in sales and management. He retired from an executive position at Sunbeam Bakery to fulfill his dream of owning his own business, Crossroads Grocery in Central. Following that successful venture, Charlie opened and managed several other stores before retiring in 2012. Charlie was well known for his hard work and ethical business practices that complemented his love of interacting with people. His other interests included coaching his girls' softball teams, playing cards, LSU football, sac-a-lait fishing, expert crawfish boiling, and especially spending time around his family.
    Charles Pearson is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Carole Newman Pearson (Gambi) and his daughters, the "Four Pearson Girls": Kayren Meyers and husband Eric, Kahne Prestridge and husband Bruce, Kristy Simmons and husband Jon, and Kim Edwards and Steve Edwards. Also 13 grandchildren; Ashton Meyers, Jonathan Simmons and wife Rachel, Crystal Hebert and husband Cody, Adam Meyers and wife Brittany, Andrew Simmons and wife Jane, Melissa Shows and husband Kaleb, Dustin Caraccioli, Elizabeth Lowrance and husband Austin, Michael Edwards, Kelli Caraccioli, Matthew Edwards, Thomas Simmons, and Madelyn Edwards; and 9 great-grandchildren, Kaeden, Bailey, Corbin, Dayton, Mason, Jude, Caroline, Kinsley and a boy on the way. Also survived by his siblings Clem Pearson Jr, Fabian Daigle, Birdie Wilson, Sandra Zachary, Darlene Tolar, and JohnPearson. Preceded in death by his parents and siblings Levinia Caston, Margaret Stevenson, Patsy Ford, Joyce Thompson, and Norma Jean Ortlieb.
    Charlie will be missed, but will be remembered for his love for his entire family, his legacy of children and grandchildren, and especially the deep devotion he shared with his loving wife.