OKEECHOBEE, Fla.

Charles Willis Leffler, 76, of Okeechobee, Florida, went to be with the Lord at 7:48 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2017, in Okeechobee with his wife and all of his sons by his side.

Born Nov. 3, 1940, in Nashville, he was the son of Virgil and Thelma Bay Leffler, both of whom preceded him in death. On July 25, 1961, he married his soul mate, Connie Marie Bowden, who survives.

Charlie served as a deputy sheriff in Brown County before joining the Indiana State Police in September 1966. He served for 34 years, retiring in November 2000.

He was a 50-year member of the Masonic lodge and was a past master of Jackson Lodge 146 and Order of the Eastern Star 134. He also was a member and deacon of Okeechobee Christian Church.

Charlie loved spending time with all of his family. He also loved fishing, hunting and listening to bluegrass music. Charlie was a man of many talents and a “Mr. Fix It.”

Besides his wife, survivors include three sons, Doug (Shasta) of Ocala, Florida, Dan (Barb) of Freetown and David (Denise) of Seymour; five grandchildren, Korbin (Doug and Shasta), Jarred (Dan and Barb) and Blake, Ethan and Maggie (David and Denise); great-grandchildren, Clark and Ingrid (Blake and Ashley); a brother, James (Phyllis) of Columbus; and a sister, Mary Ann of Rushville.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Freddie; and a granddaughter, Katie.

The funeral service was Wednesday at Seawinds Funeral Home in Okeechobee.

There will be a celebration of life conducted this summer in Seymour. The date and time will be announced later.