Seymour, Tenn. – Arthur E. Charlton, 90, formerly of Westborough, passed away peacefully at his home at Seymour, TN Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012.? He was the husband of the late Olive (Comey) Charlton for over 55 years.
Born in Barre, MA, he was the son of the late Mildred (Barr) Nelson and Archie Charlton. He was preceded in death by brothers Stanley and Archie Charlton and sisters Dorothy Grey and Phyllis Hamilton. He is survived by his sister Hilda Doucette of Hartford, CT.
He enlisted in the USMC in 1941, serving his country in the South Pacific in the landing of Peleliu, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant at the end of WWII.
Returning home, Arthur co-founded and operated Comey Oil Co. in Westborough. In 1964, his entrepreneurial spirit became intrigued with a fledgling business opportunity. He and his wife Ollie, became Amway Distributors. Together they helped pioneer the techniques that have propelled Amway to the multi-billion dollar success it is today. Becoming the second couple to reach Amway's highest achievement level of Crown and serving on the the board of directors. He became a nationally coveted motivational speaker, helping others to achieve the American Dream.
Art was a motorcycle enthusiast along with model aircraft and was an accomplished organist. He and Ollie felt especially blessed to be one of the founding members of Rice Memorial Baptist Church in Northborough.
Art is survived by his wife of twelve years Glorin (Colon) Charlton, and his children, son Randall Charlton and wife Kyne of Cape Cod; daughters Donna Roche of Lakeland, Fl, Bryanne (Jo) Hart and husband Henry of Seymour,TN, and Laurie George with husband Keith of Switzerland, FL; and 14 grandchildren and 13 great-children who loved him dearly.
Calling hours will be Friday, Sept. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Rand-Harper-Pickering Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough. His funeral service will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, at 11:00 a.m., at the Rice Memorial Baptist Church, 85 Lincoln St., Northborough. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in Westborough.
In lieu of flowers, send donations to Rice Memorial Baptist Church, 85 Lincoln St. Northborough, MA 01532.
