Obituary of Charles Bedtison

Charles H. Bedtison, 90, formerly of Essex Fells, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, at the Stratford Manor Nursing Home in West Orange. Visitation will be Thursday, Nov. 29, at 9:30 a.m. at the Preston Funeral Home, 153 S. Orange Ave., South Orange, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Holiness Memorial Park in Butler with full military honors. Born to Ms. Snowsie Washington in Jasper County, S.C., on Dec. 24, 1916, Charles was raised by his adoptive parents, Henry and Henrietta (Bolden) Bedtison. With the outbreak of World War II, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably from October 1942 until his discharge in February 1946. His service awards included the Good Conduct, American Service and the World War II Victory medals. Following his discharge, Charles was employed by several prominent families in New Jersey and nearby New York as a chef and chauffeur. He spent 35 years with his last employer until health issues forced him to retire at age 86. Charles was a very caring, generous and compassionate person. He loved to travel and had a special passion for opera. He attended many performances at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. He is survived by a large extended family. Charles also leaves a devoted friend of over 40 years, Ms. Lulu Robinson and her daughter, Candes Reid. Together, they worked tirelessly on his behalf as advocates and caregivers during the past several years when his health made it impossible for him to attend to his own affairs.