Charles "Chuck" Cuykendall Sr. grew up in Monroe, MI. He was the third of thirteen children born to Charles and Arleen (Colton) Cuykendall. He graduated from Airport Community Schools. Over the years Chuck held various jobs, however his passion was driving his semi for over 40 years across the country, under the handle of "Rabbit".
In 1975 he met the love of his life Sherry L. Grames of Monroe, MI. They married in 1988. They settled down and made their home in Monroe, raising their 7 children: Charles Jr., Tim, Rhonda, Angel, Christopher, Holly and Heather.
Chuck was a dedicated family man who was always there when you needed him. Some of his children's fondest memories include learning how to drive while taking cross country trips in the semi, family camping, fishing at various lakes, hunting and target shooting.
He was also a star at the annual family baseball tournaments where he displayed his switch-hitting skills. He also loved the holidays and spending time with his family, creating many traditions, which his children and grandchildren will carry on in his memory.
Chuck was a loving husband and devoted father. He was a cherished Papa to his 25 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He would often be found sneaking chocolate "goody goods" to each of them, cheering them on during their latest accomplishments or roaring like a monster and dinosaur during make-believe time.
Chuck had a great sense of humor. You could always count on him to brighten your mood, whether it be with a big hug, a good joke or a funny prank. With a heart as large as his sense of humor, he was often seen volunteering in the community at the local food banks and ringing the bell during the holidays for the Salvation Army. In his spare time, Chuck enjoyed fishing with anyone who would hook & cast a line, gardening with his wife, being outside enjoying nature, watching NASCAR races and cheering on his Detroit Tigers. He had ears that truly listened, arms that always held, love that was never ending and a heart that was made of gold.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sherry L. (Grames) Cuykendall; six children: Charles (Billie) Cuykendall Jr., Rhonda (Andre) James, Angel Ems-McLaren, Christopher (Kimberly) Cuykendall, Holly (David) Baldwin and Heather (Daniel) Wahl; his "adopted" children, Bryan Depriest, Christina Torpey and Joshua Kurtz; 25 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; siblings: Paulette "Sue" (Charles) Smith, David (Deborah) Cuykendall, Lois Bruck, Alice (Jack) Bashaw, Tammy Green, Duane Cuykendall, Kenneth Cuykendall and Brandy Hamilton and brother-in-law Keith Kruse.
Chuck was preceded in death by his son, Tim Cuykendall; parents, Charles and Arleen Cuykendall; mother-in-law, Brenda Viers; siblings: Sharon Kruse, Diana Phelan, Gerald Cuykendall Sr., Robert Cuykendall and Dale Cuykendall; and brother-in-law Arnold Bruck.
Family and friends may visit from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28th at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Road, Monroe where services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday followed by burial at Roselawn Memorial Park.
For anyone wanting to make a donation in memory of Chuck, the family suggests supporting MCOP's Lord's Harvest Pantry.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .