In Loving Memory of Charles Pike

Charles Pike, 75, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, February 7, 2009, at 6:08 p.m.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Virginia Pike; son, Steven Charles Pike and daughter-in-law, Kimberly S. Pike; sister, Therese Ling; and many nieces and nephews.

Charles Franklin Pike served his country in the United State Army when he was a young man, after returning home he worked several different jobs and then with the help of a great friend and family member, Hank Metzger and Mary Jane, Charles and wife, Virginia, owned and operated Superior Mattress Co. in Evansville for over 40 years. Charles and Virginia also owned Motel Mattress Distributors, Mattress Factory Showroom Inc. and Mattress Distributors here in Evansville. Charles was a partner and C.E.O. of Mega Matt Enterprises, MFS performance.com LLC and MFSINCEBAY LLC. and Mattress-Factory.com LLC.

Charles loved the mattress business and the challenges that came with business in general. He was awarded the honorary title of a Kentucky Colonel in the 1970s by approval of the Governor of Kentucky this title is bestowed upon individuals or organizations as an award in recognition of their merits.

He was loving Christian and caring husband and father, and a big hearted person. Charles felt that everyone deserved a break in life and so following his belief he helped many people get started in businesses of their own. Charlie started out in the mattress industry when he was about thirteen years old sweeping buttons up off the floor back in the day when they button tuffted mattresses. He knew first hand what hard work and a helping hand could bring in life. In return he helped others to reach higher than the stars and achieve the impossible.

He was an inspiration to many and loved by all who met him. If you want to send your condolances or just share your stories and memories of Charles Pike please feel free to contact us. We never tire of hearing about the amazingly caring life he led.

Comments from his loved ones...

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We were so sorry to hear about Charlie My Dad worked for him for years. He remembered some times they had in the past he will be missed.
~ Tonia Williams, Evansville, Indiana

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anut genny, steve and kim, I'm so sorry. he will be missed very much. through this hard time we will cry, ask why and more many more. we need to keep the memories alive while upon him looking down on us each and everyday. I'm sorry i couldnt make it down there to be with u guys. evelyn called me wednesday night to tell me. I cried and started thinking of all the good times of uncle charlie. I love him and u guys. please get my cell phone number from evelyn and call me if u need to talk and i would like to talk to you.
love jenny
~ jennifer musgrave, cedar rapids, Iowa

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Ginny, Steve & Kim. I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you during this time of great loss.
~ Doug Duncan, EVANSVILLE, Indiana

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Mrs. Pike and family, I was so saddened to hear of Charlie's passing. My life was one touched by Charlie's kindness. My dad, Don Hartweck, worked for Charlie in the mid to late 60s. My dad passed away in 1971 and I am sure he helped my mom out in her time of need. In fact, when I married, he donated our first mattress set. We have since bought additional sets from Charlie. He always had kind things to say about my dad. He was a wonderful example to my family of how to "be Jesus" to those in need. I know that he is going to be greatly missed by you and his friends. May God sustain you during this difficult time.
~ Cindy (Hartweck) Wimpelberg, Evansville, Indiana

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Aunt Jenny and Aunt Kim, Sorry for the loss of your Husband and Father and our Uncle Charlie. We Love You and we are here for you guys.
~ Kevin & Patty Houston, Evansville, Indiana

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Hey; Sue and I were so sorry to hear about Charlie's death. He was a good man. Our prayers are with you in your loss.
~ Larry and Sue Crowe, Turbeville, South Carolina

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God saw he was getting tired
And a cure was not to be
So He wrapped His arms around him
And whispered come with me

A golden heart stopped beating
Precious hands put to rest
God broke our hearts to let us know
He only takes His precious ones
When He knows it's best.
~ Martha Alderson, Evansville, Indiana

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From Kenny Ling, One of Uncle Charlie's Favorite poems...
The Guy in the Glass
by Dale Wimbrow, (c) 1934

When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgement upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.

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