Charles Robert Wars Sr.

Charles Robert Wars, Sr., age 97, passed away on November 13, 2020 at his home. He was born November 27, 1922 to the late Robert and Maria Wars. He was the husband of the late Edith Leakins Wars of Frederick, MD. He was the last living child out of all his brothers and sisters.

Charles was educated in the Frederick County School System. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942. Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and was honorably discharged in 1945. Charles then married the love of his life, Edith E. Leakins on June 17, 1945. Charles and Edith were married for 72 years. They along with his brother-in-law, helped raise 4 children before rearing six children of their own.

Charles, better known as Duke, Daddy Duke, Pap Pap, Pop and Poppy, has many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Pap Pap/Duke was an amazing man with a rich history. Before he passed, he had the opportunity to share his story with The Frederick Post (Published Feb 16, 2019). Pap Pap worked from the age 7 selling newspapers on the street corner, working in stores, selling various goods and even worked on a farm. He would do any job to support his growing family. Duke had a knack for creating and engineering anything from scooters and kites to motorized chairs. Pap Pap was always working on something. He would later earn a position in the research laboratories at Fort Detrick military base, where he stayed until he retired.

Pap Pap had many hobbies and interests. In his time off, he was an avid fisherman and loved to take his children and grandchildren to the pond at Fort Detrick or out on his boat to go fishing. He wanted to pass on his love of the water and fishing to his family. He would share some of his trade secrets like what was the best bait to catch trout and so on. Duke and his beloved wife (Edith) loved to travel all over the country and Canada. They would pack their blue van and set course for adventures unknown. Many times, they would visit extended family, and other times just sight see and explore.
Duke was also a member of the Elks Mountain City Lodge No. 382 and was also a member of a band. As a musician, he passed down his love of music to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Duke was also a great hunter and cook. He was a member of the Jug Howard Riding Gun Club. The family would often find him out back prepping his recent catch for family dinner. You knew the meal was going to be good when you saw Pop chewing his tongue; that meant he was concentrating and don't bothering him while he was working (cooking, building, etc.)

In addition to all of this, Duke was a licensed barber and owned his own shop. He was a great example of entrepreneurship and skilled excellence. He was inducted as an honoree into The AARCH Society of Frederick and The Honors Club at the age of 90. He was also a part of the award winning documentary "The Tale of The Lion" featuring the oldest African American citizens in Frederick County.
Charles was a devoted member of Asbury United Methodist Church.

He leaves to cherish his memory: sons, Charles R. Wars, Jr. (Kathleen), E. Leakins Wars (Ronnelle - Deceased), Wayne W. Wars (Pamela), Byron E. Foreman, Sr.(Marilyn) & Darrell Davis (Patricia); grandchildren, Raynard, Dawn, Ulesia (Lee Lee), Nicholas, Nicole, Keona (DZ), Noah, Tieray, Elise, Leanne (Charles), Deanna (Wayne), Byron Jr., Marvin (Patricia), Michelle, Thomas III/Turk (Renata), Donnie, Thomas, Tara, Bridgette, Monica, Lauren & Matthew; great-grandchildren, Raya, Shannon, Camari, Drew, Brandon, Nina, Zoi, Zion, Zaylah, Khori Amore, Dayna, Ariele, Alishia, Marvin Jr., Thomas, Gerald, Frankie, Amira, DeJuan, Thomas IV, Micah, Damien & Draya and great-great grandson, Jayce.
He will also be missed by his devoted buddy & road dog, Murray "Poncho" Harris(Regina), who was like another son to him and Alta Kraft and Phyllis Weedon who were more like family than friends; godson, Ramont Scott; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and caregivers who will truly miss him.

He was preceded in death by all of his daughters, Edith Maria Wars Thompson (Vance-Deceased), Erminie Ruth Wars, and Elaine Denise Wars Overs (Timothy - deceased the late Alcyone Carter Butts (Milton) ; sons, David Carter, and Thomas B. Foreman, Jr.; brothers and sisters, Thurston, Luzon, Margretta, Virgie, William, Bernadine, Hyland, Yetta, Roberta, and "Baby Girl".