Obituary of Charles Douglas Arant

Charles D. Arant, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Houston, Texas, on August 5, 2021. Charles (or “Big A” as he was known by some) was born September 20, 1935, in Bastrop, Louisiana to Olan and Lena Stringer Arant. He graduated from Bastrop High School in 1954, and one of his fellow classmates throughout his school years was Rozel Hightower, whom he would later marry in 1958. Charles also began a long career with International Paper Company, starting in 1958. Later, serving as maintenance manager, he was integral in the Louisiana Mill winning the prestigious 1991 National Maintenance Excellence Award. He ultimately retired as Superintendent of Maintenance in 1997 after 39 years of service. Immediately following high school, Charles served in the 10th Infantry Division of the Army and was briefly stationed in Germany. Back home in Bastrop, he served on numerous local boards including Morehouse General Hospital and the Morehouse Country Club. In addition to his parents, Charles is predeceased by his brother, Bobby Wayne Arant. He is survived by his wife Rozel, daughter KemSchultz (Michael), and son Tim Arant (Shelley); grandchildren Colleen Bryant, Alison Borrelli (Dave), John G. Smith, Luke Smith, and Aidan Smith, as well as three great-grandchildren. Charles enjoyed fishing, golfing, and traveling with Rozel throughout the country in their recreational vehicle. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 11, 2021 in the Chapel of Golden Funeral Home.