Recognizing his ability to play a good game of pool, his father encouraged him as a teenager to use this skill to earn money. He quickly honed his business skills to create his own soda and newspaper delivery business, gradually increasing his truck fleet and expanding into dairy delivery. Charles lived in Detroit in his early years, before moving his young family to the sunshine of southern California. He served in the US Navy during World War II as a gunner's mate.

He was a resourceful and creative businessman. He was a member of the California Sheriff's Mounted Posse and owned "The Sundown" bar and grill in Sunland. He moved to O'Fallon, Ill. in 2010, to be nearer his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sally McEvoy; parents Edward Michael McEvoy and Florence, nee Blanchfield, McEvoy; and his son-in-law Michael T. Wayland.

Surviving are his daughter Barbara J. Wayland, of O'Fallon, Ill., his granddaughters Keli (Jason) Lesker, of O'Fallon, Lacie Wayland of Montrose, Calif., and Tiffiny (Jonathan) Beauchamp, of O'Fallon; and two great-grandchildren Tristan and Lorali Lesker.

Memorials are suggested to California State Sheriff's Association ( www.calsheriffs.org ) to support California Law Enforcement.

The family will host services for Mr. McEvoy.