Charles was born on February 17, 1950 in Battlecreek, MI to Leon and Minnie Halstead. He was raised and received his education in the Sacramento community having been a graduate of Rio Linda High School with the Class of 1969.

Following high school, Charles enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War as an Infantryman until his honorable discharge in 1972.

Charles was united in marriage to Glenna on February 21, 1973 in Reno, NV. Following their marriage, the couple resided in the communities of Tracy and Manteca prior to settling in Modesto, CA.

Charles was employed as a Correctional Sergeant for the California Prison System, first at San Quentin Correctional Institution, Tracy Correctional and Avenal Correctional Facility where he retired in 1992.

Among his special interests, Charles enjoyed fishing, hunting, walking, gardening and playing cribbage.

He is preceded in passing by parents; his brothers, Leon Halstead and Robert Halstead.

Charles is survived by his wife, Glenna Halstead of Modesto, CA; his children, Tonya (Aaron Fontes) Halstead of Oakley, CA, Shawn (Kimberley) Halstead of Kings City, CA and Walter (Alicia Reynoso) Halstead of Soledad, CA; one brother and four sisters. Also surviving are his five grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2015, 10:30 a.m. at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 McCabe Road, Santa Nella, CA 95322. In his memory, donations to the American Cancer Society for Cancer Research, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73123-1718.

Published in the Modesto Bee.