Charles W. Rea

Charles W. Rea, age 90, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at his home.

He was born April 26, 1935, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was captain of the Little Rock High School football team the year they won the Big Seven Conference Championship in 1952. Charles graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans, where he met the love of his life, Patsy Ann Bagwell Rea, at Tulane Baptist Student Union. They were married for 67 years.

Charles worked in the insurance industry in Dallas, Texas, before returning to Baton Rouge to continue his career in law. Charles was an attorney for over 57 years and started his own practice in 1978.

Charles participated in many memberships including: American Trial Lawyers Association, Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, Feliciana Bar Association and the Louisiana Bar Association, along with helping on the Woodland Ridge Association board and Lake Sherwood Acres Association.

He volunteered in many capacities and was a longtime member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club, having achieved the status of both Lieutenant Governor and Governor.

Some of his favorite things to do were antiquing, visiting auction houses, touring open homes for sale after church, his annual snow-skiing trips, and traveling around the world with his bride, including trips to China, Russia, and several European countries.

Charles was a fan of LSU and Tulane football, and especially LSU women's basketball, where he and mom had season tickets.

He was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and had attended Plymouth Park Church in Irving Texas, First Baptist Church of Baton Rouge and most recently was a founding member of CrossPoint Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and on the Management Team. He was a beloved member of the community, known for his kindness, generosity and service.

Charles was a loving son, brother, uncle, father, husband, friend and dedicated grandfather, who loved watching his granddaughter play sports and ride horses. His warmth and compassion extended beyond family to everyone he encountered.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Marvin Rea and Ollie Brown Rea; his brothers Elvin, Tom and AD; and his sister, Erma.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Patsy Ann Bagwell Rea; his daughter, Wendy Ann Rea MacKay and son-in-law David MacKay; his son, Chuck Rea and daughter-in-law Laurie Knight Rea; and his granddaughter, Ellen Louise Rea.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at CrossPoint Baptist Church, 14965 Airline Highway in Baton Rouge. A Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, and at the church on Saturday, May 31, 2025, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com