Charles Anthony Harwell

Charles "Dude" Anthony Harwell

October 20, 1941 - July 4, 2023

US Navy- Vietnam War 

 

Charles Anthony Harwell, 82, of Bakersfield,  California, passed away peacefully on July 4th.

He was born in Merced, CA and after serving in the United States Navy as a Seaman, he resided in the Stockton and Modesto California areas before moving to Bakersfield, where he spent the remainder of his days.

 

Charlie passed away due to a long battle with Congestive Heart Failure. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Charlie managed his illness with strength and grace and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible.

 

Charlie held many titles in his life, from musical artist to master landscape designer , but his favorite role was being a father. He loved nothing more than talking for hours with his children and his son-in-law, Josh. He always wanted to hear about what they were up to, what sports and activities the grandchildren were involed in, and most importantly,  when they were coming to visit him.

 

He loved being surrounded by his friends and family and made everyone he met feel special. He had a great ability to make others smile, and his sense of humor will be missed. He made many friends while employed by UPS and owning K&H Motorcycle shop in Modesto. Later, he established a name for himself with his landscaping business, in Northern California. After moving to Bakersfield, he created and owned Elite Landscape Designs and Masterpiece Waterfalls, where his clients soon became his treasured friends. He had an eye for beauty and his creative work is a true testament of his artistic talent and abilities. 

 

Charlie is survived by his fiance, Sherry Parker, sister, Shirley Harwell, children, Randall Harwell, Julie (Micheal) Paler, Maria (Josh) Gervase, and Micah Harwell, and was "Papa" to 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. 

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Rose, along with 2 sisters and a brother.

 

Charlie had a passion for writing and composing country music. He played multiple instruments as well as recorded several albums with the help of his youngest son, Micah.

He was an extremely talented man who was well loved by all who knew him. He was a true cowboy, he loved his country and riding horses with his daughter, Maria. He enjoyed playing with his dogs, smoking cigars, spending time on the California coast and tending to his roses, which he often picked for his lady, Sherry. You could always find him dressed in his cowboy boots, cowboy hat, and wranglers. 

 

Charlie served in the United States Navy as a Seaman from October 25, 1960, to September 28, 1964.  He was a gunman on the U.S.S. Rainier (AE-5) in 1963.

 

All are invited to attend the viewing and the funeral services. 

Charlie's service will begin with a viewing at Kern River Family Mortuary 

1900 N Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308 from 6:00-8:00 PM July 23, 2023, for greeting of family and friends. 

Full graveside services along with full military honors will be at the Bakersfield National Cemetery

30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA 93203 starting at 9:15 AM with the Associated Veterans providing Military Honors.