Captain Shawn-Patrick Thomas Charles

Captain Shawn-Patrick Thomas Charles, 40, of Copperas Cove, TX passed away Sunday, October 23, 2011 at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX following a brief illness. Shawn was born in Los Angeles, CA on September 28, 1971. He graduated from Tavares High School in Tavares, FL, received his Bachelor?s Degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC, and received his Master?s Degree in Public Administration from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.A 22 year veteran of the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, Captain Charles was a recipient of the Bronze Star and was currently stationed in Fort Hood, TX as a member of the 2-8 Cav. He served as the S-1 and Battalion Adjutant. Prior to his illness, Shawn was serving in Iraq.Prior to his military service, Shawn worked at Henredon Furniture in Morganton, NC. He was the former Chairman of the Catawba County Republican Party, a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, and was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Copperas, TX.Shawn is survived by his wife of nine years, Melissa Johnson Charles of the home; and his children, Zoe and Max Charles of the home.A funeral Mass will be held at 3:30 p.m., Friday, October 28, 2011 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Hickory, NC with Father Ed Sheridan officiating. The family will receive friends Friday at the church from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m.. Burial will follow in Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery in Morganton with military honors provided by the U.S. Army.Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.