Former Celina resident Charles R. DuPuis, 90, died at 2:57 p.m. June 21, 2009, at University Hospital, Augusta, Ga.

He was born Jan. 31, 1919, in White Cloud, Kan., to Charlie and Isabell Atkinson DuPuis. On Nov. 7, 1942, he married Henrietta F. Bensman, who died April 18, 1999.

Surviving are two sons, Bruce E. (Anne) DuPuis, Seattle, Wash., and Dennis P. (Kay) DuPuis, North Augusta, S.C.; a daughter, Dr. Patricia D. Scherer, Leland, N.C.; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Deceased is a grandson.

He retired as a master sergeant of the U.S. Army after 30 years, serving during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was in the first class of recipients of the Bishop Gartland Award honored by the Diocese of Savannah in 2000. He was a member of Ioway Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.

Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary on-the-Hill Catholic Church, the Rev. Gerald Ragan officiating. Burial with full military honors is at Pineview Memorial Gardens, North Augusta.

A vigil is 6 p.m. Friday. Calling is 6:30-8 p.m Friday. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, Augusta.

Contributions can be made to Charles R. DuPuis Memorial Scholarship, c/o Dr. Patricia Scherer.

Condolences can be left at www.thomaspoteet.com.