Charles Edward Jett

  Born, January 3, 1938 (plus or minus a year if you knew him) to Willie Irene Mathis and Horace Greely Jett, in Dalton, Georgia. He was number eight of ten children. Survived by his brother, Leon Jett of Ladson, South Carolina; sisters, Brenda Patterson of Dalton, Georgia, and Nelda Jett of Lubbock, Texas; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

  Chuck is also survived by his wife of 62 years, Eleanor Beach Jett, of Willow Park, Texas; daughter, Diana Whitesell and husband, Todd of Burnet, Texas; son, Charles Edward Jett II and wife, Sonya of Georgetown, Texas; and son, Gene Jett and wife, Tina of Weatherford, Texas; grandchildren, Drew Whitesell and wife, Kelsey Gobin Whitesell of Tioga, Texas, Ryan Whitesell of Bryan, Texas, Jennifer Jett of Washington DC, Charles Edward Jett III (Trey) of Florence, Texas, Lauren Jett, Kristen Jett, and Justin Jett of Weatherford, Texas; and great grandchildren, Emerson Whitesell, Charli (named after him) Whitesell, and Hallie Whitesell. 

  Military history: Charles Jett entered the Air Force at the age of eighteen. Basic training: Lackland AFB, Texas, Communications Operations Technical Training, Warren AFB, Wyoming, Crypto Operations Technical Training, Scott AFB, Illinois; First Permanent Station, Taipei Taiwan; First Permanent Station, Fort Myers, Virginia with duty at the Pentagon. After reenlistment he had subsequent assignments in Georgia, Alaska, New Mexico, Air Force recruiting duty in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Philippines with duties throughout South East Asia, primarily South Vietnam. Stateside he was assigned to Bergstrom AFB for one year, and he was assigned to Pleiku Air Force Base in South Vietnam for one year. He returned to Bergstrom AFB, Austin, Texas for eight years. His last overseas tour was in South Korea for 2 1/2 years from 1979-1981. His last stateside assignment was to Carswell AFB in Fort Worth, Texas. While serving there he received a congressional appointment (only given to a small percentage) which allowed him to continue serving for three more years after the mandatory 30-year retirement. He served until 1988 when he earned the Legion of Merit Award and retired after 33 years of continuous service with the United States Air Force. 

  Duties: Communications Operations and Crypto Operations at the Pentagon and Taiwan where he processed electronic message traffic using various US codes. Philippines and Bergstrom - Plans and Programs. Promoted to First Sergeant and returned to Vietnam in this capacity. Promotions while at Bergstrom- Base Sergeant Major. While in Korea - Senior Enlisted Advisor /Command Chief Master Sergeant and continued this role while at Carswell AFB. 

  He also did many TTYs (temporary tours of duty) throughout his career so his children’s daily lives wouldn’t be interrupted with many moves. 

  Charles Jett received the Bronze Star and The Vietnam Service Medal with six battle stars for his service in Vietnam. He also received the Air Force Commendation medal twice, and the Meritorious Service Medal three times during his 33 years in the Air Force.

  Wherever he served, Chuck tried to make life better for those he came in contact with, whether it was a village in Vietnam, a barrio in the Philippines, or the troops he commanded. 

  Stateside, he was a great First Sergeant - always helping his troops whether to succeed in their careers or being the best husband and father they could be by supporting them in their times of need. 

  Upon retiring he put his managerial skills to work at the Ben E Keith distribution center in Fort Worth. He made many lifelong friends and retired from there in July of 2003.

  Charles, called Chuck by his close friends, enjoyed gardening and working in his yard. Each spring the sidewalks would be lined with yellow daffodils that he had planted. 

  He loved old classic country music and had an extensive album collection. His neighbors could often hear him playing and singing along to some of his favorites from his garage. 

  Chuck also enjoyed collecting coins which made him a favorite customer of the nearby banks. He always had a joke to tell. He loved ice cream and Whataburger.

  The visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the Galbreaith Pickard Hilltop Chapel, 4941 I-20 Frontage Rd, Willow Park, Texas 76087.

  A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 14, 2024, at Trinity Bible Church, 4936 E Interstate 20 Service Rd S, Willow Park, Texas 76087.

  Following the service, a reception will be held at Trinity Bible Church.

  After the reception, a graveside service with military honors will be held at Memory Gardens of the Valley Cemetery, in Weatherford.

  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Air Force Enlisted Village, a retirement community in Okaloosa County, Florida, founded to provide a safe, secure home for surviving spouses of retired enlisted U.S. Airmen.