Story Archive

Speaking Ill

Leslie Ray Charping died, and his Galveston, Texas, family, dictated his obituary. “At a young age, Leslie quickly became a model example of bad parenting,” the obit says, with a “commitment to drinking, drugs, womanizing and being generally offensive.” He died at 75, “which was 29 years longer than expected and much longer than he deserved.” Further, “he will be missed only for what he never did; being a loving husband, father and good friend.” He did serve in the Navy, but “as part of a plea deal to escape sentencing on criminal charges.” On the positive side, “Leslie’s passing proves that evil does in fact die and hopefully marks a time of healing and safety for all.” The family did not hold a memorial service. (RC/KTRK Houston) ...Remember: family always has the last word.