Charles "Charlie" Michael Thille

Lafayette - A Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM with a Military Tribute for Charles "Charlie" Michael Thille, age 83, who passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at the Carpenter House in Lafayette. Charlie was born on February 12, 1943 in Palo Alto, California, and he was a longtime resident of Lafayette. He honorably served his country in the US Army, retiring at the rank of Major after serving 20 years on active duty. During the Vietnam War, he served first as an Infantryman, then as a helicopter pilot assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. During his time in the military, he was awarded the following: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Purple Heart (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Good Conduct Medal 2d Award, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with BS, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Combat Infantry Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, Army Aviator Badge, Parachute Badge, and 2d Oak Leaf Cluster to Distinguished Flying Cross. Following his military retirement, Charlie continued his passion for aviation as a pilot with Petroleum Helicopters Incorporated (PHI) for 26 years. He enjoyed playing dominoes and poker with close friends and fellow pilots. Charlie was a dog lover; he would always take in strays and rescues over the years. Charlie also enjoyed working with his hands and was highly skilled in wood-working, auto mechanics, gardening and cooking. He would often go out of his way to help neighbors, friends, and family with anything they needed. Charlie was a man of integrity and principle; he was loved by his entire family. In 2022, he lost the love of his life, Violet, to cancer after spending 52 cherished years together. His loved ones take solace in the fact that they are reunited once again. His courage, virtue, and upstanding character will be greatly missed by his family and loved ones. Charlie is survived by his children, Mike Thille of Ontario, CA; David Thille (Amanda) of Ville Platte, LA; and Chris Thille (Nicole) of Atascocita, TX; his grandchildren, Katelyn and Brent, of California, Dr. Katelyn Bordelon DVM(Taylor), Gaige Thille, Jillian Mulle (Michael), Gabrielle Fontenot (Caleb), Celeste Thille, 1LT Michael Thille US Army, Lauren Thille, and Sarah Thille; his great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Simon, and John; as well as his siblings, Chris Thille, Kathy Winch, Bob Thille, Nick Thille, and Mary DeLeon. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Violet May Thille; his parents, Virginia Elizabeth Thille and Jerome Charles Thille; his siblings, Donna Thille, Joe Thille, and Linda Thille; as well as his first wife Star Thille. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Joseph Carpenter House The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at the Carpenter House for taking care of him in his final days. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555.

Charles "Charlie" Michael Thille

February 12, 1943 - May 3, 2026