By Adam Droscha
Staff Writer
On Sheldon Street in downtown Charlotte lives Charles (Pete) Stults, who will be celebrating his 91st birthday on Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Charles is sharp, articulate, and brimming with memories of a full life.
He raised a family in Charlotte, worked in Charlotte, and fought to keep Charlotte and the rest of the country safe. His story is enriching, exciting, and admirable.
Charles is quite familiar with Mid Michigan. He grew up and went to school in Olivet, lived in Charlotte most of his adult life, and made connections through work and community involvement. Charles attended the First Congregational Church of Charlotte for many years, belonged to the American Legion and VFW for over 40 years, and he was employed in Charlotte for most of his life.
Charles met his wife, Helen, at a country-dance when they were in high school. He was drafted into the military when he graduated high school, but he returned after 26 months of service and married Helen a year and a half later. Charles and Helen were married for 68 years until she passed away just under a year ago. While he still mourns her death and grieves the hardships he’s faced without her in the last year, Charles is thankful for a life well lived with his wife.
“My wife and I had a good life here,” he said.
Charles and Helen raised five children in Charlotte, three boys and two girls. Charles also has eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. One of his sons, Brian, reflected on his favorite qualities about his father.
“He’s funny. He’ll tell you the way it is,” said Brian. “In his day he could fix anything.”
Charles was indeed a handyman in his time. He worked on machines in radio vacuum factories, plastered houses, and worked on cars. Charles was a hard worker, and always a local employee. From Wildern’s Drug Store, to local gas stations, to plastering houses, and working in local factories, Charles is proud and thankful for the work opportunities he’s had in Charlotte. At the age of 85 Charles was still delivering medical supplies from the old Wildern’s Drug Store.
One of the most impactful parts of Charles’ story was his time in the armed forces during WWII. Charles was in the United States Air Force and was part of a B-29 crew stationed in the South Pacific. He was drafted at the age of 18 years old, freshly graduated from high school. During his time in the service his plane was shot down just off the coast of Japan. All of the crewmembers survived, except for the pilot. The crew floated on two life rafts for several hours until they were rescued. Charles is a Purple Heart recipient, and has encountered major military figures like James H. Doolittle.
Charles spoke about his military experiences with a few laughs, a couple of moments of choked tears, and a lingering bravery few people will ever understand or see again. To be in the presence of a man who witnessed such action in one of the most horrendous wars in history just as he turns 91 years old was a remarkable experience. Not only will many people never live to that age, most people won’t have to face such atrocity and hardship on a battlefield.
Despite the difficulties of aging, seeing so many friends and family pass away, and remembering firsthand the terrors of war, Charles still laughs and speaks openly about his memories. He doesn’t do much anymore, mostly staying in and playing cards with his kids, but he enjoys visitors and kind words from friends.
This Veterans Day, remember Charles’ birthday and contribution, as well as the contribution and bravery of the thousands of veterans who have fought for America’s freedom. Remember that while they’re heroes, they are still our regular neighbors and friends. If you know Charles and haven’t seen or heard from him in a while, take a moment to reach out, wish him happy birthday, and thank him for his service to his country and community.
