Charlie Hampton

Larger than life, Charlie Hampton was a driving force in the lives of those who knew and loved him. A talented man in many respects, he provided well for those entrusted to his care. With his quick wit, outgoing personality and positive nature, it was a joy to share Charlie’s company. More than anything, Charlie will be remembered for the love and friendship he shared with everyone who came his way.

The hottest thing on wheels, the '55 Chevy was the shape of things to come for the auto industry while even the mention of the chartbusting hit, “Rock Around the Clock” drew all to the dance floor. Nearly every American home with televisions had their sets dialed to “The Mickey Mouse Club,” along with dreams of visiting the new and popular “Disneyland.” And a favorite of young boys everywhere, Davy Crockett films introduced a world of adventure for those wearing his ever popular coonskin cap. It was during this time on June 29, 1957, when a young couple from the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois celebrated the birth of their son, Charlie.

Growing up on the Southside of Chicago had its’ share of challenges, yet life in Hampton household was filled with the love of family. Charlie was a middle child and grew up alongside his two brothers, Louis and David, as well as his five sisters, Lolisa, Daisy, Mandy, Henryetta, and Fannie. His father worked hard as a handyman to support their thriving household while his mother remained at home as a homemaker. As a youngster, Charlie attended the area schools and enjoyed a childhood filled with adventure. During his youth, Charlie recalled fun times fishing with his brothers and getting watermelons from the store. From the time Charlie was a young boy, he paid close attention to his father’s work and learned much from him. He enjoyed working with his dad and it served him well throughout Charlie’s life.

Charlie spent the greater part of his life in the Chicago area. He was known for his love of Cadillac’s, and his cars were always clean and spotless. Quite a sharp dresser, Charlie preferred dressing up to dressing down, and he always matched from head to toe. Along with being quite a handsome man, this captured the attention of a young woman by the name of Pamela James who stole Charlie’s heart. After dating for a time, Charlie and Pamela shared vows of marriage on October 19, 1996 followed by a romantic honeymoon at Chicago’s Navy Pier.

Quite a family man, Charlie was a wonderful provider. He loved his family beyond compare, and through the years he was blessed with the addition of ten children in his life, including Darnell, Clifton, Amelia, Daryll, Charles, Amanda, Darren, Charlie, Alecia, and Christopher. Like his father before him, Charlie taught his children the handiwork he came to know and love. He became very talented in his trade having done all phases of construction in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Although they never traveled much, Charlie was quite content with the life he lived.

Memorable holidays were shared together as a family which Charlie so enjoyed, and he loved having everyone over for barbeques on the grill. He was also known for his delicious grilled cheese sandwiches! Nothing tempted Charlie more than satisfying his sweet tooth. Butter pecan ice cream was his all-time favorite, and he loved a good slice of pizza, too. To relax, sitting down with a pop and Canadian Mist was always welcome for Charlie. When it came to music, Charlie loved the Temptations just like his dad, and enjoyed the blues. In the mornings he loved his coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He especially loved the morning talks he shared with his beloved Pamela upon starting their day which was usually around 4:00 AM. He and Pamela also liked shopping together and road trips they took here and there.

Charlie put up a good fight against his diabetes. He and Pamela eventually moved to the Kalamazoo, Michigan area to be near their daughter, Alecia. As his diabetes worsened, Charlie recently came down with pneumonia. Sadly, the progression of his diabetes forced Charlie to have both of his legs amputated. Even so, Charlie remained ever hopeful and positive despite this setback.

One thing was for sure about Charlie, and that was the fact that he loved looking good. He often wore a suit complete with a coordinating hat, and he absolutely loved his caddies. Larger than life indeed, everyone always knew when Charlie was around. He was loud, funny and goofy, and his sarcastic wit and sharp tongue often had those around him in stitches! Gone yet never to be forgotten are the treasured memories Charlie leaves behind. He will be forever remembered and deeply missed by those who called him husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Charlie Hampton, age 59 of Kalamazoo, MI and formerly of Chicago, IL, died on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at Borgess Hospital following a brief stay. He is survived by his wife, Pamela (James) Hampton; ten children: Darnell Hampton, Clifton Hampton, Amelia Hampton, Daryll Hampton, Charles Hampton, Amanda Hampton, Darren Hampton, Charlie Hampton, Alecia James, and Christopher Smith; many grandchildren; six siblings: Lolisa Hampton, Daisy Hampton, David Hampton, Fannie May Hampton, Keesha Hampton and Antoine Hampton. Charlie was preceded in death by three siblings: Louis Lee Hampton, Mandy Hampton, and Henryetta Hampton.

Family and friends will gather on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 1:00 PM to celebrate the life of Charlie with a funeral service at Life Story Funeral Homes – Betzler, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (269)375-2900. For those who wish, memorials may be made in Charlie’s memory to a charity of one’s choice. To share a favorite memory or photo of Charlie and to sign his online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.