Charlie Tolden

Mr. Charlie Tolden Sr., our beloved father, uncle, grand dad, great papa, brother, and friend spread his wings and went home to our heavenly father with family holding each hand on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 honored by his daughter and son-in-law at their home in Inkster, Michigan. Age 77 years. He was born on April 10, 1935 in Schlater, Mississippi son of Henry and Ora Tolden. He was baptized at an early age. Red Eye retired in 1992 from General Motors Grey Iron Foundry after 40 years of service and was a member of UAW Local 668. He was the best bobcat driver in the entire plant, received numerous rewards for perfect attendance and service until his retirement. Dad was an outstanding leader coaching younger coworkers on how to retire to get the highest & best benefits in their retirement.
Daddy enjoyed spending time with family and friends sitting under the tree, playing cards, and most of all being the boss in his lawn mower shop. He was known as the best of the rest repairing or making a lawn mower. Dad could listen to the motor, diagnose, and repair or rebuild the mower all in the same day. He was very compassionate about charging his customers the lowest versus nothing. Many lawn service businesses were started with his equipment without a charge. He enjoyed doing the Charlie Pap dance with the good ole down home blues and nobody could duplicate his style.
Daddy's memory will be cherished by his longtime companion Umrie Johnson, and three daughters, Jannie (Clarence) Tolliver of Saginaw, MI; Linda (Justin) Robinson of Hampton, GA; Teresa (Rev. Julius) Williams of Inkster, MI; two sisters, Jo Ann Green of Jackson, MS; Estella Bibbs of Saginaw, MI; four grandchildren, Omarisha Tolden, Kelly Spiller and Charmaine Thomas all of Saginaw, MI; Alfonzo McAfee Jr. of Tallahassee, FL; three great grandchildren, Dyamond Rowe, Omarion Rowe, and Kennedy Coleman of Saginaw, MI; four adopted children, Dexter O'steen & Sharon O'steen of North Carolina, Cleveland O'steen of Georgia, Edward O'steen of Indiana, multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special friends, Deborah Kelly, John Broadnax, Oscar Blue, Eva Watkins, Odie Carruth, Hezekiah Thompson, Ralph Culpepper, Joe Wyatt, Richard Mack, Booker T. Jackson, Johnnie Fifer, James Brewer, Kossie McCaskey, Abel Martin Jr., Aaron Mitchell, Thurlon "Smitty", and Manuel who assisted our father in his shop anytime without complaint. A special thanks to Arbor Hospice of Ann Arbor, MI for your home care. Your team members Shantell, Yvonne, Jack, Shawn, Sharon, Jennifer, and Barbara were especially there for us during this transitional time.
Dad was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors, so may the work you have done speak for you!
Daddy was preceded in death by two children, Charlie Tolden Jr. and Mary Tolden.
Funeral Service
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