Charles Philip Gilstrap passed away on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at the age of 26.
Charlie was born on April 7, 1992 to Veronica and Philip Gilstrap in Modesto, Ca, raised in Oakdale, Ca.
He attended Oakdale schools and graduated from Oakdale High School in 2010, where he wrestled and played football. After high school Charlie attended Dickinson State University in North Dakota where he also wrestled.
Charlie was well known within the community of Oakdale not only for his athletic abilities and achievements, but also for his shining personality. He was also a Forcado for Grupo Forcados Amadores de Turlock which gave him the opportunity to travel to the Azores, Portugal and Canada. Charlie’s nephews, Wyatt and Drake, brought him great joy. He spent many afternoons with both boys teaching them how important it is to be honest, work hard, and to stand up for what they believe in. Charlie had a heart of gold and never hesitated to be a friend to those in need. He was loved by so many people, and he loved them in return.
Charlie is survived by his loving parents Veronica and Philip Gilstrap; his protective yet adoring sisters, Jacqueline Wilson and Caitlynd Fissel; his nephews, Wyatt and Drake; and his brother-in-laws, Derick Wilson and Jake Fissel. He is also survived by his paternal grandfather, Chuck Gilstrap and his wife Diane; maternal grandparents, Joe and Carol Balber.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Patricia A. Gilstrap; his maternal uncle, Gino C. Balber; and his maternal cousin, Steve L. Cozzitorto.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Oakdale Family Church of the Nazarene. Services are set to begin at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow.
The Gilstrap family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the Oakdale community. Wow, so much love. Charlie was privileged to be raised in Oakdale and attend Oakdale schools. He was greatly loved by his educators, friends, and coaches. We would like to thank the educators, coaches, and teammates for giving him the opportunity to reach his full potential. Words literally cannot express our deepest gratitude. We would like to extend special thanks to Bryan and Corinne at Fitness Plus and the Fitness Plus family for all their love and help they’ve showed Charlie.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that a contribution be made to a scholarship fund for OHS graduating student athletes set up in Charlie’s name. To view go to: www.gofundme.com and search Charlie Gilstrap.
Rest in peace.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Charlie was born on April 7, 1992 to Veronica and Philip Gilstrap in Modesto, Ca, raised in Oakdale, Ca.
He attended Oakdale schools and graduated from Oakdale High School in 2010, where he wrestled and played football. After high school Charlie attended Dickinson State University in North Dakota where he also wrestled.
Charlie was well known within the community of Oakdale not only for his athletic abilities and achievements, but also for his shining personality. He was also a Forcado for Grupo Forcados Amadores de Turlock which gave him the opportunity to travel to the Azores, Portugal and Canada. Charlie’s nephews, Wyatt and Drake, brought him great joy. He spent many afternoons with both boys teaching them how important it is to be honest, work hard, and to stand up for what they believe in. Charlie had a heart of gold and never hesitated to be a friend to those in need. He was loved by so many people, and he loved them in return.
Charlie is survived by his loving parents Veronica and Philip Gilstrap; his protective yet adoring sisters, Jacqueline Wilson and Caitlynd Fissel; his nephews, Wyatt and Drake; and his brother-in-laws, Derick Wilson and Jake Fissel. He is also survived by his paternal grandfather, Chuck Gilstrap and his wife Diane; maternal grandparents, Joe and Carol Balber.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Patricia A. Gilstrap; his maternal uncle, Gino C. Balber; and his maternal cousin, Steve L. Cozzitorto.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Oakdale Family Church of the Nazarene. Services are set to begin at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow.
The Gilstrap family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the Oakdale community. Wow, so much love. Charlie was privileged to be raised in Oakdale and attend Oakdale schools. He was greatly loved by his educators, friends, and coaches. We would like to thank the educators, coaches, and teammates for giving him the opportunity to reach his full potential. Words literally cannot express our deepest gratitude. We would like to extend special thanks to Bryan and Corinne at Fitness Plus and the Fitness Plus family for all their love and help they’ve showed Charlie.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that a contribution be made to a scholarship fund for OHS graduating student athletes set up in Charlie’s name. To view go to: www.gofundme.com and search Charlie Gilstrap.
Rest in peace.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
July 11, 2018
