Frederick Charles

Fred Charles

On Saturday November 7th, 2020 Frederick (Fred) William Charles, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away at the age of 97 surrounded by family.

Fred was born on September 18th, 1923 in Downs, Kansas to William and Charlotte (Rudy) Charles. He moved to several different ranches and schools in Iowa and Kansas with his family over the next several years. In July 1941 after high school, he chose to go to Chilicothe Business College in Chilicothe, Missouri. He attended school there until August 1942. He decided to move to Bremerton, WA due to the draft and stayed with his sister Helen. He then decided to take the test to join the Army Air Corp. He attended boot camp in Santa Ana, CA and after 3 months there he was sent to Ellensburg for flight training.

Fred Charles-1944

While in Ellensburg he met his wife of 67 years at Knights of Columbus Hall during a dance. This is where their budding romance starting with passing notes and attending dances every chance he got with Colleen. In October of 1943 Fred was sent to Arizona and California to begin flight training and become an Air Corps Cadet and eventually became promoted to First Lieutenant (317th Troop) and flew in World War II. Between his training in Arizona and California he learned to fly upside down, night flying, and flying by instrument only. Over the next couple years, he ended up overseas to New Guinea, Australia, Philippines, and Japan where he flew C-47s in World War II.

He was discharged from the Air Corps in December 1945 after serving 3 years. After marrying Colleen in 1946 they settled in Seattle where they raised their sons, Ric and Jon Charles. Fred worked as a Manager at The Boeing Company for the next 38 years. Fred and Colleen spent their years after retirement traveling the world, motor-homing with friends and family and researching genealogy. Fred also enjoyed fishing, dancing, and strumming on his guitar.

Fred was an extraordinary man who was loved by everyone. He will be missed tremendously by all, but we take great pleasure in knowing that him and Colleen are dancing together again. Fred was proceeded in death by his father William, his mother Charlotte, his sisters Dorothy, Helen, Margaret, and his beloved wife Colleen. Fred leaves behind his sons and his daughter in-law, Ric and Dawn Charles and Jon Charles. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Lacey and Sergio Pages (Hunter, Colton, Sage and Sergi), Mandy Charles-Robinson (CJ, Ava and Lila), Katy and Tim Henderson (Beckam and Lexy), Tanner Charles, Danielle Gibson and Diana Gibson. Fred also leaves behind all his cherished sisters and brothers in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Services to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Puget Sound Honor Flight.

Services will be announced at a later time.