Charles Placker

Funeral services for Charles Placker, 92, of Apple Springs will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Groveton with Brother Matt Sharrock and Reagan Williamson officiating. Interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Groveton.

Charles Placker, lovingly known as Daddy Boy to his kids and grandkids, caring brother, and friend to many, entered God’s heavenly kingdom on March 29, 2024. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Groveton.

Charles was born on December 9, 1931, to John Henry and Sally Placker in Diboll, Texas. He was the youngest of four children. He spent his childhood and teenage years growing up in Diboll, where he excelled in every sport. He was the captain of the football team and also the pitcher on the varsity baseball team. He was often the top scorer on the basketball team. The students also voted him Mr. Diboll High School in 1950.

In 1953, Charles was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He trained in Fort Bliss as an antiaircraft artilleryman. He proudly served his country, earning the Korean Service Medal with the Bronze Star, the UN Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. While he was in Korea, his faithful mother would meet his best friend, Nathan Edward’s mom, each morning under their tree to pray for their sons’ safe return.

Soon after returning from the Army, he met and married a beautiful East Texas girl named Eloise. Their marriage produced a lifelong love that lasted over 66 years. They raised three daughters, Hilda Evans, Laura Placker, and Gina Guidry, and were also blessed with a bonus daughter, Beverly Luce. Also, from a previous marriage, daughter, Kim Chapman and two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Rachel. But his biggest joy was his grandkids. He loved being Daddy Boy to all of them.

Charles was a successful small business owner his entire adult life. He owned and operated Quality Wholesale Tires for over 40 years. During those years, he was a friend to many while serving the East Texas area and providing tires to other small businesses.

Charles and Eloise loved traveling with friends and family. They never missed an opportunity to enjoy a cruise or almost any adventure. They especially enjoyed their monthly 42 club parties with Groveton friends and RV road trips with the Worshams, Dues, Domineys, and the Kennedys. Many evenings were spent talking and planning their next big trip.

As an avid hunter and fisherman, Charles loved being outdoors. He especially loved walking through the woods in Diboll, near where he grew up. He always believed that we should leave nature better than we found it. He said that he felt closest to God when he was outside.

Charles was preceded in death by his loving wife, Eloise Placker; parents, John Henry and Sally Placker; siblings, Wallace (Bubba) Placker; sister, Margie Baker; and son-in-law, Jimmy Guidry.

Charles is survived by his sister, Johnnie Simpson, daughters and sons-in-law, Hilda and Kris Evans, Laura Placker, Gina Guidry, Beverly and David Luce and Kim Chapman and Derrell. Grandchildren: Kristal and Josh Enyart, Hillery Evans and fiancé, Kurt Schmidtchen, Jessica and Michiel Bridges, Lauren and Brandon Morton, Jacy Guidry, Darby and Tyler Griffin, Holly and Matt Knippa, Amanda and Billy Bennett, Cody and Susan Luce and Rachel and Elizabeth Chapman. He was also blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren and many family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Morton, Journey Tinsley, Michiel Bridges, Josh Enyart, Matt Knippa, and Jason Due.

The family would like to thank Lilianna Espinoza Hernández for more than ten years of dedicated love and support and the Groveton Nursing Home for the outstanding care they provided, Daddy Boy.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon prior to the services.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.