Charles Leslie Singleton of Springfield, MO passed away in his home at the age of 103 on Sunday, March 26, 2023.  Charles was born on June 27, 1919 to Lucille May Davis Singleton and Charles Edward Singleton in St. Paul, MN.  He has resided in Springfield since 1954.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Anna Dondene Reighley Singleton (2009) and his son, Theodore Leslie Singleton (2005).  He is survived by his daughters Anne Cox of Springfield and Harriette Fields (Tom) of Frederick, CO: six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Charles was a storyteller and an avid hobbyist.  Two of his most favored hobbies were photography and whittling.  He also loved to camp, boat, fish, and travel with his wife in their retirement years together.

Charles enjoyed a 20 year career in the United States Army, initially serving in 1938 in the F Troop of the Second Cavalry at Fort Riley, KS.  He was an excellent marksman on horseback.  During World War II, Charles was stationed in Naples, Italy where he served in the USA Infantry Air Corps Ordnance as a mechanic.  In 1949 to 1952 as a mechanic foreman, he was stationed in Japan where his wife and children joined him.  Charles also served in the USA Infantry as a platoon Sergeant in Korea, 1956/57.

As a Master Sergeant, Charles retired from the Army in 1961 after serving as an ROTC instructor for eight years at what was at that time, Southwest Missouri State College.  Charles enjoyed a second career of 16 years of civil service as a Correctional Officer at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield.

Family services will be held at a later date where internment will occur at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO.