Charles A Petrus

Mr. Charles A. Petrus Mulhearn Funeral Home Monroe, LaCharles Alphonse Petrus, age 75, died Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at his home in Monroe.Services commemorating his life will be held Thursday, September 27 at 10 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Monroe, La.  Charles was born December 1, 1931, the oldest son of August and Mary Petrus. His parents and two younger brothers, Richard and David, have all preceded him in death.He graduated from St. Matthew High School and attended Notre Dame University, Indiana and LSU before entering the US Army in the Korean War.Following his time in the service, he came back to Monroe and entered into the family business. He later became CEO of the Cotton States Chemical Company division and was recognized by national and international supply companies as a leader in his field. He was named a director of the National Agricultural Chemical Association, in which he served for 15 years, the last five years as a member of the executive board.In 1995, Charles was the Keynote speaker of the Zeneca 20th Celebration in London, England, at the British Museum. He also was one of the founders of a billion-dollar purchasing company called Tenkos in the 80's. In addition, he served on the board of directors for an insurance company that was formed with his help to aid agricultural chemical dealers.Flying was his passion. During his life, he owned four planes in which he spent many hours. His love of flying enhanced both his personal life and his business.His next love was hunting and fishing, especially with his friends at Riverland Plantation.A true adventurer, he and his wife spent four years in Alaska, where he owned his own boat and enjoyed having his friends visit for great salmon fishing.Charles left a legacy of heroism to his children and grandchildren when he jumped fully-clothed into Bayou DeSiard and helped pull a disabled man from his sinking car, saving his life.Mourning his passing is his wife of 53 years, Dollie Smith Petrus, daughters: Pamela Petrus Baker and husband Dawson; Karen Petrus Williams and husband Joe; Amy Petrus Giglio and husband Joe; and son Charles Clay Petrus.Grandchildren are: Melissa Dixon, Ashley and Sarah Petrus, Michelle Taylor, and Charlie Giglio.Visitation will be at Mulhearn Funeral Home on Hwy. 165 on Wednesday evening from 5-7 p.m., followed by a vigil service. Pallbearers will be: Wayne Petrus, Bobby Petrus, Bill Petrus, Greg Bimle, Warren Kennedy, Dawson Baker, Joe Williams, and Joe Giglio.Honorary Pallbearers will be: Dr. Eugene Worthen, Dr. Burchall Liles, John Savage, Frank Burnside, Dr. Rahn Sherman, Markley Huey, Jack Files, Leon Caldwell, Troy Counts, Bob McDowell, Nelson Abell III, and Bill Staab.Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.