Charles Leonard Wurster

Oct. 27, 1924 – May 29, 2015

VIDALIA — Memorial services for Charles Leonard Wurster, Jr., 90, who died May 29, 2015, will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Vidalia with the Rev. Bill McCullin and the Rev. Perry Gardner officiating.

A fellowship gathering at the church for family and friends will follow the service.

Mr. Wurster was born on Oct. 27, 1924, in Jonesville, the son of Mildred Beard and Charles Leonard Wurster Sr.

Mr. Wurster served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in England during World War II and worked in communications during the Invasion of Normandy.  He was active in the community as a charter member of the Lions Club. He was the organizer and director of Jonesville Bank, now Southern Heritage Bank. He served on the Jonesville Town Council for 28 years and served as Chief of the Jonesville Volunteer Fire Department for 18 years. Mr. Wurster founded Wurster Oil Co. in 1952, which he owned and operated until he retired in 1996.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert Wurster and Albert Wurster; grandson, Robert Ryerson; granddaughter, Charli Deanna Knapp; and son-in-law, Kirk Bean.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Verna Lou Barnes Wurster; four daughters, Lynda Deniger and husband, Ronald, of Abita Springs, La., Mildred Bean of Corinth, Texas, Cynthia Cimini and husband, Roland, of Alexandria, Charla Knapp and husband, David, of Vidalia, and “adopted” daughter Diane Thornton of Pineville; grandchildren, Patricia Cazenave and husband, Mike, Damon Bean and wife, Kim, Renee King and husband, Jay, Erica McLendon and husband, Jonathan, Ryan Cimini, Chelsey Knapp, Shayne Knapp and wife, Rachel, Darren Knapp, Nathan Knapp and “adopted grandchildren” Angela Thornton Moore and David Thornton; and great-grandchildren, Mikhail Cazenave, Tristan Cazenave, Hailey Wilson, Lane King, Kinley King, Jase McLendon, and soon to be born, Roman Knapp; brother, Cecil Wurster of Rancho Mirage, Calif.; and sister-in-law, Cherie Wurster of Natchitoches, La., the wife of Albert Wurster.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Vidalia Mission Fund at 100 North Hickory, Vidalia, LA 71373.

Online condolence may be sent to youngsfh.com.