Charlie Corkern

On February 1, 2021, Charles Ray Corkern, Jr (Charlie) passed away peacefully in the presence of family and friends at his home in Baton Rouge, LA.

An amazing spirit, husband, father, grandfather, friend, businessman and military veteran, there will never be anyone quite like Charles Ray Corkern.  He was truly one-of-a-kind.  Charlie lived life to the fullest and he touched many lives along the way.  He was a man of deep principles and conviction who always let you know where he stood on any important issue.  At the same time, he had a true heart and loyalty towards his family and friends.  He instilled in his children a strong work ethic and values, which continue to serve them well today.  During his leisure time, Charlie loved being outdoors and could often be found “working” at his camp on the river.  He also had an unrivaled passion for LSU football and sailing on his boat, the “Bon Temps,” which fittingly means good times.   He will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

Born in New Orleans on December 04, 1939, Charlie was the oldest son of Charles and Theresa Corkern.  The family lived in Franklinton, LA, where his father owned and operated Corkern Hardware.

Charlie was a 1957 graduate of Franklinton High School where he lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track (LA State Champion in 100 meters).  He was a 1961 graduate of Louisiana State University (LSU) with a bachelor’s degree in business, and he was elected President of the Sigma Chi Fraternity his senior year.

After graduating LSU, Charlie joined the U.S. Navy where he earned the rank of Lieutenant on board the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal.  Upon being honorably discharged from the Navy, Charlie returned to Franklinton, LA, to take over the reins of Corkern Hardware and provide for his recently widowed mother and three siblings.  During those years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and being a member of the Franklinton Skeet Club and Country Club.

Being an entrepreneur and businessman at heart, Charlie co-founded ComputerLand of Baton Rouge in 1982, which was on the cutting-edge for its time.  He successfully ran and operated ComputerLand for the next 25 years until his retirement in 2007.

A natural-born leader, Charlie was elected to numerous leadership roles in various business, charitable and religious organizations, including but not limited to the Board of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church and Master of St. James Lodge No. 47 in Baton Rouge.  He was also active in the Sigma Chi Alumni Association, Baton Rouge RoundTable and the LSU Gridiron Club.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Theresa LaCava Corkern and Charles Ray Corkern, Sr.  He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Karen Hailey Corkern, his four children (Kim Corkern McCarty, Trey Corkern, Chris Corkern and Marc Corkern), and his four grandchildren (Mary Claire Beaver, Kennedy Elizabeth Corkern, Avery Claire Corkern and Robert Charles “Beau” Corkern).  Charlie is also survived by his son-in-law (Todd McCarty), his two daughters-in-law (Karen Jeffries Corkern and Rachel Ruello Corkern), and his three siblings (Tim Corkern, Jeanne Corkern Metzger and Terry Corkern Meyers), as well as countless nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 5th, from 12-2:00 p.m. at Resthaven Gardens & Funeral Home in Baton Rouge, and followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. and burial service at 3:00 p.m.  COVID-19 safety guidelines will be followed and masks are required.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children.