Charles R. Scherzinger, Sr., 79, Tell City
Charles R. Scherzinger, Sr., also known as “Charlie” or “Chuck,” 79, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Deaconess Memorial Medical Center in Jasper, Indiana.
He was born at his home in Lamar, Ind., on July 12, 1946, to the late Raymond and Irene (Hessig) Scherzinger.
He was united in marriage to Cindy Seufert on March 5, 1988, and they shared 38 wonderful years together.
Charlie and Cindy had a “Yours, Mine, and Ours” family beginning with Julie (Brad) Lawalin of Henderson, Kentucky, Becky (Kevin) Dixon of Tell City, Chuck (Karen) Scherzinger, Jr. of Celestine, Jimmy (Jennifer) Scherzinger of Underwood, Ind., Ryan (Erica) Scherzinger of Evansville, and bringing up the rear, their daughter, Sarah (Joel) Hayes of El Mirage, Ariz. They were blessed with 21 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, with one more on the way, as well as many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and countless friends.
Charlie was a member of the Army National Guard from May 1966 until May 1972. One of his favorite stories was about the time he got off the bus for basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and he and five other men were assigned to peel 1,800 pounds of potatoes. That unexpected assignment was where his cooking journey began.
When he returned home from the service, Charlie joined the American Legion in Santa Claus. He faithfully served on the House Committee for 14 years, including two years as Vice Commander. After 46 years as a member of the Santa Claus Legion, he transferred his membership to the St. Meinrad American Legion.
Charlie was a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, where he served as president of the youth group for several years and later served on the church council. In later years, he began attending Berean Baptist Church in Tell City, where he so enjoyed worshiping alongside other God-loving people who quickly became fast friends.
Charlie was co-owner and operator of Hilltop Processing, later becoming C&C Deer Processing, alongside his wife, Cindy, for 28 years. He later fulfilled a lifelong dream of opening his very own restaurant, Big Chuck’s Famous BBQ. He was also a proud member of United Mine Workers of America Local 1189 and worked at Peabody’s Squaw Creek Coal Mine for 26 years. For many years, Charlie and Cindy also catered the Local’s annual Labor Day meals.
Charlie loved to go fishing, and one of his greatest joys was hearing one of his kids or grandkids ask, “Grandpa … Dad … want to go fishin’?” Another favorite time of year was the start of gardening season. He loved working in his garden and teaching his grandchildren how to plant, weed, and can the fruits of their labor, especially his Arizona grandkids. Charlie also loved grilling and hosted countless family get-togethers simply to bring as many family members and friends together as possible. Every September, family and friends looked forward to his famous turtle soup. When he wasn’t outdoors or cooking, he enjoyed watching classic westerns and playing a good game of euchre.
In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by a daughter, Judy Scherzinger and a sister, Wanita Roos.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. CST on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home with Brother Harry McDonald and Father Caleb Scherzinger officiating. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Cemetery near Lamar, Indiana.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, with a Masonic Service at 6:30 p.m., and from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Condolences may be shared online at www.zoercher-gillickfuneralhome.com
