Charles Abraham Sr.

CHARLES ABRAHAM SR.

Cedar Rapids

Charles Garon Abraham Sr., 82, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, at Hallmar Residential Care Center after a brave journey through Alzheimer's disease. Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Fred Shaheen. Burial: St. George Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the church, where there will be a Trisagion service at 7 p.m. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Charles was born Aug. 9, 1932, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Braham and Mabel (Nassif) Abraham. He married Janice Lee Haddy on July 22, 1956, in Cedar Rapids. Charles was a lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids, and he graduated from McKinley High School in 1950. He went on to attend college at the University of Iowa before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He received his training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio as a panel flight engineer and became a sergeant first class. Charles was stationed at Andrews AFB in Maryland, where he was awarded Airman of the Month.

He went on to attend Paris Academy of Beauty to become a hairstylist and continued on to attend several advanced schools of hair design. Charles joined the family business founded by Mr. B. and Mabeline, and for nearly 50 years, he was known as Mr. Charles of Mabeline's. He led the way by introducing woman's wigs and men's hairpieces to Cedar Rapids and communities throughout the Midwest. He and his wife, Janice, traveled throughout the United States and internationally, where Charles lectured in the field of wigs and wig design.

One of Charles' true loves was horses. The family purchased 60 acres and began boarding horses and Charles built one of the largest indoor arenas in the state of Iowa.

He was a devoted member of his beloved St. George Church for his entire life and was instrumental in the building of the new church.

Charles shared his life, side by side with childhood sweetheart and life companion, Janice, with whom he formed a wealth of treasured memories over the span of 58 years. His greatest pride and joy was in being surrounded by his children and grandchildren, and he beamed with happiness and fulfillment in those moments. The ethics of honesty and hard work were the foundation of Charles' life. He always had a gentle, quiet and loving way about him that touched all those who he came in contact. His pleasant smile could light up a room and his sweet presence will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Charles is survived by his wife, Janice; four sons, Dr. Charles Jr. and wife Donna, Terry and wife Tami of Lisle, Ill., Jeffrey and wife Jeannete of Cedar Rapids and Christopher and wife Lisa of Marion; and one daughter, Kimberly and husband Dr. Clayton Parks of Cedar Rapids; 10 grandchildren, Sarah, Matthew, Charles III (Chip), Taylor, David and Jeffrey Abraham, John Charles (J.C.) and Lindsay Parks, Jeff and Cale Fisher; one brother, Dean Abraham Sr. and wife Shirley of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and one brother-in-law, Gary Haddy of Cedar Rapids. He leaves behind three nephews, two nieces, as well as many beloved godchildren and friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Braham and Mabel Abraham; and one sister-in-law, Debby Haddy.

Memorials may be directed to St. George Cemetery fund in his name.

Charles' family wishes to express their deep and sincere appreciation to the loving staffs at Hallmar and Mercy Hospice, who so tenderly cared for him during the past few years.

Please leave a message or tribute to the Abraham family on the Web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.