Charles Edward Rau, age 78, born November 5, 1945, and raised in North Manchester, IN, has moved to his forever home – Heaven.
Charlie will be forever missed by his loving and devoted wife, Becky, of 47+ years, his 3 amazing children and 2 beautiful daughters-in-law –- son Tad (Karen) Rau, daughter Kelly Bisson, son Toby (Monica) Rau, 7 beautiful and handsome grandchildren; Jackson, Abbey, Amanda (Josh) Hooper, Maddie, Taylor, Sam, Jolee, sister Donna (Al) Zavasky, niece Shelly (Dan) Nagle, nephew Mike (Cathy) Rittenhouse, brothers-in-law Rendal (Sue) Wall, and Rod Wall, cousins John Thomas and Alan Kendall, several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, their families, and forever friends he’s accumulated along the way.
Charlie spent most of his working career in the Healthcare industry. On November 26, 1966, he was the youngest to manage the 1st Batesville Casket Distribution Center in Warsaw, IN. Being in sales (Hill-Rom Co, Batesville, IN starting in 1970 and Wieland Co, Grabill, IN, 2004), brought many lasting friendships and great memories. Five years of International travel with Hill-Rom added to his selling prowess. Later, Charlie co-partnered with Naomi Ford for 3 years in TN, selling to the healthcare industry. Charlie ventured out and started his own healthcare business, One Choice, and retired in 2015.
Charlie loved fishing his entire life. Whether it be riding his bike down to Pony Creek with his life-long buddy, Dick Tracy, and wetting a line or two, or fly fishing in Arkansas, or in New Mexico and North Carolina at Lifeway Conference Centers with Bill Diemer, or unforgettable fishing with son Toby in Wisconsin and the beautiful Gaston’s White River Resort in Arkansas . . . and who could forget the Canadian fishing expeditions with Steve Carlisle, Bill Diemer, and Tom Blackwell!
One of Charlie’s biggest blessings and joys in life were his many dear friends and special friendships whom he has always held dear to his heart. You know who you are . . . he cherished you and THANK YOU for sharing your life with him. He loved spending time with the kids and grandkids whenever the opportunity arose.
He enjoyed traveling home and abroad. One of his travel highlights was the Alaskan cruise in 2005, along with several friends from his home church, Church at Grace Park. Salmon fishing on an Alaskan charter with friends Steve and Bill was a trip to remember. Going to Ireland twice, 2012 and 2018, was high on his list of favorites and having the opportunity to develop a precious friendship with Tony and Pauline O’Connor and family. Tony’s won several national sheep-sheering contests; Charlie soon became a sheep-sheerer! A big blessing for Charlie was being ‘OPA’ in the Children’s Puppet Ministry in Germany’s 2012 Lifeway mission trip.
Yard work was fun for Charlie. He took pride in his creative landscaping. After Charlie became unable to work outside, he had a hard time letting others do “his” work – but thanks to dear friends like Dan Rutherford and Chris Robey, he certainly appreciated the special love and meticulous care they did and continue to do. A great big THANK YOU!
Who doesn’t like old cars? Charlie loved them! He knew quite a bit about cars and liked to read up on them. His 1st vehicle was a ’57 Dodge Coronet Convertible. He built his own roadster and raced boxcars.
Charlie played J-V basketball and loved Indiana basketball. A member of the Kiwanis Club, had a great interest in radio announcing, at one time he thought about being a forest ranger, skilled in English, writing, and penmanship. Charlie had an insane sense of direction. Dogs were among his best friends. He was part of the ‘Big Brother’ organization. He loved the out-of-doors, fun times mushroom hunting, great times with his hunting buddy, Ray Catron.
Charlie tried his hand at golf. He was invited by brother-in-law Rendal to play in the Roy Clark Golf Tournament in Oklahoma. Let’s just say, Charlie had a fun and memorable time!
Charlie was a faithful member of the Church at Grace Park, White House, TN, for 38 years and served as Layperson, Deacon, and Elder. He loved the Lord and trusted in Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Now, he has an even bigger smile and glimmer in his ‘Blue Eyes’ . . . Charlie’s seeing Jesus face-to-face and living a better life than we can ever imagine.
Among his favorite scriptures:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-7)
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Gal. 2:20)
When Charlie was aware that without God’s miracle of healing him on earth, he would be going HOME soon. He wrote:
I can’t sing! I can’t dance! I can’t even walk the aisle without breathing assistance! My next breath is truly God given . . . what about you? Do you acknowledge that God is the true sustainer of your life? When God calls you HOME . . . will you be ready?
Is it well with your soul? Is there anything you can do about it? Is it well with your soul?
What is your next step? Have you truly accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior or just given Him lip service? What will it take for you to do so if not already done? Must you wait for a catastrophe to occur? Do you have insurance policies for your life, home, auto, wife and children, and other valuables? Sickness/health?
I’m probably having a really good time in Heaven right now. I do NOT fear death . . . the King has already paid the price. NEVER use my death for not living your life to the fullest.
A word on Worship: an altitude of elevating my Lord by my actions, words, and deeds, acknowledging His supreme authority over ALL things.
Now, my friend, Jesus is calling me. He probably has some incredible things(s) for me to do.
In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated: CCS (Christian Community School), or Hospice of Southern Kentucky. Funeral service is scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2024 at 6 pm at the Church at Grace Park with Pastor Bob Cook and Pastor Josh Waugh officiating. Visitation is planned for Monday 4 PM to 6 PM at the church prior to the service. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN AND BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615) 672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
