Charles Morris Kellum, of Honey Island, Texas, passed away on Nov. 28, 2025, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont Texas. He was surrounded by his family. He was born on May 31, 1948, to Marshal Bolton and Katie Bell Kellum in Jasper, Texas, and made Honey Island his home, where he built a life centered around family, hard work, and the simple joys he loved most.
Charles graduated from Kountze High School and went to work as a roughneck in the oil fields. He dedicated more than 36 years of hard, faithful service to the Temple Inland Paper Mill before retiring. Outside of work, he delighted in the outdoors and the quiet comforts of home. He loved to hunt deer, run dogs, and spend time fishing. His hobbies included whittling, building fires, and watching his favorite westerns and he could shoot one mean game of pool.— the simple pleasures that brought him peace and contentment.
Charles was married to the love of his life, Elaine Spears Kellum, for over 51 beautiful years. Together they shared a lifetime of devotion, laughter, and unwavering support. He was the proud father of two daughters, Cassie Walters and Keri Sterling and their husbands Scott Walters and Donald Sterling who were his sons by choice. His biggest treasure was his grandkids. He was a devoted grandfather to Shayne Walters, Matthew Walters, Ross Sterling, Dallas McClelland and his wife Autumn McClelland and his only granddaughter, Addison Sterling, who shared especially treasured time with him. He is also reunited in Heaven with his beloved grandson, Tristan Walters, whom he missed dearly. He has one great granddaughter Paisley McClelland. He loved spending time with them and teaching them about hunting and fishing and life in general and he supported them and became their biggest fan in everything they did.
He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Marshall Bolton and Katie Bell Kellum; Mother in Love Mildred Murphy and Father in Love Cecil Spears, his brothers, Billy Kellum, Jerry Kellum and Larry Spears; his sisters, Evelyn Kellum and Lanell Dugat; and his grandson, Tristan Walters.
He is Survived by his Wife of 51 years, Elaine Kellum, Daughter Cassie Walters, her Husband Scott Walters and Daughter Keri Sterling and Her Husband Donald Sterling. Grandchildren Shayne Walters, Matthew Walters, Ross Sterling, Dallas McClelland, Autumn McClelland and Addison Sterling and Great Granddaughter Paisley McClelland. Brothers Tommy Kellum, Wayde Spears, John Spears, Sisters Sharon Overstreet and Belinda Rice. And numerous Nieces and Nephews that he loved and cherished both by blood and by choice.
Honorary Pallbearers: Billy Kellum Jr., Chad Spears, Clint Kellum, Brandon Glover, Bradley Glover, Danny Overstreet, and Colby Moore.
Charles will be remembered as an amazing husband, a loving father, a devoted “Papaw,” and a man of strength, kindness, and quiet wisdom. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.
Though he is no longer with us, his love, stories, and memory will remain forever in our hearts.
A gathering with the family will take place at Honey Island Assembly of God, Honey Island, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at 1 p.m., with a Memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. officiated by Pastor Bill Campbell. Cremation services are under the care of Faith and Family Funeral Services, Batson, Texas.
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