Charles Taggart

Charles W. Taggart, of Dowagiac, passed away at 6:00 pm on January 15, 2013, at his home with his family at his side. He was 90 years old. Charles was born in Dowagiac, the son of Frank and Eva (Emmons) Taggart, on February 25, 1922. He called Dowagiac home all of his life. Charles served his country during World War II in the United States Army in the European, African, and Middle Eastern Theater of Operations. For his duty, he was awarded 2 Bronze Star Medals for meritorious service. Because of his service to the country, he was a life member of the Dowagiac American Legion Post #563. On June 14, 1952, he married Polly “Pat” Schoff. They had six children together, and family was very important to him. He was an avid fisher, hunter and golfer, which were activities he enjoyed with his children and grandchildren. He retired from Bendix after 30 years, and after retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife to Hawaii and California. They enjoyed frequent trips to “the boat,” the casino in Michigan City as well. He was also a beloved regular at Wahoo restaurant in Dowagiac. His wife preceded him in death on August 31, 2003. Charles is survived by his children, Sandra (William Kratz) Reid of South Bend, IN, David (Donna) Taggart of Dowagiac, Alan (Lynn) Taggart of Niles, Judy (Scott) Kurzhal of Gobles, Sheri Merwin of Ray City, Georgia, Patti Kolden of Dowagiac, Bruce Taggart of Honolulu, Hawaii, a sister, Dorothy Hilliard of Dowagiac, twelve grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, 5 brothers, 3 sisters, and 2 grandchildren. Charles family will gather with friends on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel. Military honors will be rendered at 2 p.m. Saturday. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Charles at www.yazel-clark.com.