Charley Hetterson

January 4, 2016

SOUTH BEND - Charley Hetterson lived a wonderful life. He was a husband, father, son, brother, “papa”, cousin, friend, and gentleman. He was gracious and kind, served his country with honor and made a difference to the lives of many. He was quick with smart comments and jokes that would put a smile on your face. He loved to fish, read the newspaper, and watch the political talk shows. He was old school wise, mellow in character, and enjoyed his shot of scotch. They don't make them like that anymore. Simply put, he was outstanding! As he sat restfully in his recliner, his son-in-law, Charles Pumpuni, sensed the need to hold his hand in prayer. This would be the final touch and final voice Charley would know. He passed away on the first Monday of the New Year, January 4, 2016, with 80 years of a memorable life behind him.

Charley was born in Inverness, Mississippi, to Hurie Hetteson and Savannah Butler. He was raised by his uncle, Charley Fant, until he moved to South Bend at the urging of his stepmother, Margie Hetteson, Hurie's wife, in the early 1950's.

After graduating from South Bend Central High School, he joined the Air Force where he attained the rank of Master Sergeant. After his retirement from the military, he completed a second career as a Xerox equipment technician. He last worked as a security guard for AlliedBarton in 2013.

He was married for 45 years to Martha Hetterson who precedes him in death.

Charley leaves behind three children, Ronda Hetterson (Charles Pumpuni) of Springfield, Virginia, Rodney Hetterson of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Rachelle Hetterson of Lexington, Kentucky; his sister, Saundra Hetteson, and brother, Ronald Hetteson of South Bend (yes, we know their last names are spelled differently. A simple mistake on Charley's birth certificate accounts for the different spelling). Additional survivors of Charley Hetterson include his three grandsons, Kojo, Kweku, and Kofi Pumpuni of Springfield, Virginia; his brother-in-law, Bruce Holloway of South Bend; and his cousins, Kathy Brown, Beverly Johnson, Mitchell Davis, and Jonathan Davis, Jr., of South Bend. Charley had many friendships, and he will be missed by his friends, neighbors, former colleagues, and other relatives. In addition to his wife,

Charley was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert and Della Holloway.

Funeral services will take place at Kaniewski Funeral Homes, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN 46628 on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing and visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. The family extends a special thank you to Capital Caring, Ms. Gifty Asante of Thrive At Home Health Care and their neighbors who provided support and kindness during Charley's final months.

Broken Chain

We little knew that day
God would call your name. In life we loved you dearly.
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn't go alone, for a part of us went with you the day God called you home.
We're left with loving memories of the time we had with you, and feel your love around us in everything we do.
Our family chain is broken and our lives are not the same, But as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.

Written by Ron Trammer, www.rontrammer.com

Published by South Bend Tribune from Jan. 7 to Jan. 13, 2016.

01/28/2023 EJS