May 11, 1939 – September 19, 2017
Charles Leon Redden, 78, of Fulton passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at Fulton Nursing and Rehab in Fulton, Missouri. Born on May 11, 1939 in Hartsville, South Carolina to Leon and Benzie (Staggs) Redden, Charlie grew up in South Carolina where he developed his love of outdoors and anything to do with hunting, fishing, swimming, and archery. He had many friends from Hartsville High School where he graduated in 1957. His competitive swimming skills were well known and he challenged and won numerous races, most with younger athletes. He trained with non-stop swims in the entire 7 mile lake Robinson near Hartsville, South Carolina. Charlie studied forestry at Clemson University before returning to Hartsville and graduating from Coker University with a degree in business. From there, Charlie held management positions in Hartsville, Aiken, and Greenville, SC, and an overseas assignment with Daniel Construction Company, planning major building projects in Saudi Arabia. This allowed him, upon returning to America, to realize his dream of building a beautiful waterfront home on Lake Champetra in Missouri. Charlie and his constant companion, a large golden retriever, hiked, hunted, and fished vast stretches of Missouri, where he eventually became project manager for the State of Missouri. His love of deer hunting led to a business deal with another avid hunter and investor. The two combined resources in the purchase and building of what would become one of the state’s largest and most successful deer hunting clubs, located in Fulton, Mo. This finally allowed Charlie to do what he had wanted to do all his life, be a part of nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors every day. Charlie’s health declined due to Alzheimer’s in 2015, which confined him to assisted living facilities. However, he often visited his beloved outdoors with friends. His passing provided relief to his spirit to again return to nature. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving brothers are Curt Redden and his wife Petra of Hattiesburg, Ms., and Dave Redden and his wife Jan of Washington, Texas. A Celebration of Life, led by Pastor Don Daniels, is planned for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Hams Prairie Christian Church. Condolences may be left for the family on this site.