So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord."
II Corinthians 5:6-8 NKJV

God saw that he was getting tired and weary of the struggles of this life and with the failing health of his earthen vessel. Therefore, during the evening hours of Thursday, June 1, 2023, the Heavenly Father called his name saying "Charles, the time has come for you to take rest and come on home." God the Heavenly Father dispatched an angelic host to carry him up and escort him safely home to be in His presence; to rest in peace.

Charles Andrew Lank, 79, was born on February 15, 1944, to Jessie Lank, Sr., and Nettie Beatrice Miles Lank of Kirbyville, Texas. He was the grandson of the late Steve Miles, one of the founding deacons of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, during the early 1900's and Martha Ramsey Miles. Charles was a graduate of West Kirbyville High School, class of '62. He began working in the warehouse at Jasper Newton Electric Coop right after high school. He later expanded his education and obtained training via The Texas A&M  Engineering Extension Service, where he successfully completed an 8-week, 240-hour course for Electric Lineman on December 8, 1972, in Bryan, Texas. Charles was the first person of color to be hired at Jasper Newton Electric Co-op. He worked there and never quit, retiring after over forty years of service.

Born and raised in the country, Charles loved keeping the yard and field; riding on his lawn mower and tractor.  He even at one time owned a few horses, of which he was found to be allergic to as a young boy. He had a  love for the outdoors, farming, gardening, riding the tractor, and doing the lawn. He loved taking care of  his cows, as it provided him much fulfilment and peace, just to be able to watch them roam about in the pasture. Charles loved his children and he cherished his family and friends. His heart grew softer over the years, as he became lovingly known as "Paw Paw Charles." He advanced up to great-grandfather after the birth of his first two great-grands, Alexa and Xavier, often referring to them as "the little girl" and  "the little boy" when he could not remember their names.

Charles was dedicated and loyal in serving as deacon at the Pilgrim Rest Church. He served with a servant's heart and remained faithful to the call, even up until his time of death, desiring to see the Church and its legacy continue. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Naomi "Nay" Breed; and two brothers, Ernest "Bum" Cockrell and Steve Willie "Toup" Washington.

Charles leaves to cherish his  memories: a daughter, Gayla Brown (Daryl) of Beaumont, TX; a son, Frederick Lank (Gina) of Baytown, TX; a special friend, Ms. Odessa Roseman of Kirbyville, TX; Granddaughters, Deonna Brown Martinez  (Jonathan) of San Antonio, TX; Tyesha Lank Broadnax (Alex) of Fort Huachuca, AZ; Daisha Brown of  Beaumont, Tx; Deja Rodgers (Julian) of Las Vegas, and Nathaniel Hooks of Baytown, TX; three great grands, Alexa Broadnax, Xavier Martinez, and Anissa Broadnax; Baby Girl, Martinez in waiting; and a  host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.