Charles Gorham

Charles "Chuck" H. Gorham was born on Sunday, September 27, 1931, passed away on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at the age of 86. Chuck was born to Leslie & Pearl Gorham in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and graduated from High School from Copan Oklahoma in 1950. He worked for various construction companies until he entered the US Air Force in 1952. His career in the Air Force covered 30 years and included overseas assignments to Morocco, Philippines, Japan, Okinawa, Vietnam and Alaska. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1982. He received the following decorations while serving in the USAF: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and 34 other various awards. He also continued his education while in the Air Force and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Antioch University, Yellow Springs, OH, as well as an Associate Degree in Material Management thru the Community College of the Air Force. He married Linda Trast Hadden in Aurora, CO in 1969. They each had three children from a previous marriage and together they reared all six. One of Chuck's highlights in civilian life was spending time in Minnesota. In 1995 he was voted into the Palisade Mountain Men. Chuck and Linda spent their summers doing volunteer work in and around Palisade & Aitkin, MN. He spent many hours with his bobcat and lawnmower at the Fort, as well as being an active life member of the VFW, serving as Commander of Post 86 in Aitkin, MN. Chuck is also a member of Masonic Mystic Lodge #213 in Aitkin, MN. In 2017 they made the decision to return and remain in their Texas residence where Chuck was a member of the Alamo Chapter 5 DAV and Charles W Anderson Lodge #1413 of San Antonio, TX. Chuck spent many hours creating and making earrings and distributing them, free of charge, wherever he went. He was well known as "The Earring Man" throughout the community. He was also an active participant within the group of military retirees in the Tri-City Area, known as the "Hangar Door". Chuck is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Jana Jensen of Medford, OR, Debra Lovelette and spouse of Presque Isle ME; stepson, Martin Hadden and spouse of Palmer, AK; stepdaughter, Kim Ray of Wasilla, AK; stepson, Alan Hadden and spouse of Castroville, TX; brother, James C. Gorham and spouse of Coffeyville, OK; nine nieces and nephews; 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; sister, Betty Meaders; brother, Robert L. Gorham; grandson, Nicholas Jensen; daughter, Sandra Sandoval; granddaughter, Amy Jo Vowell. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 10:00AM at the Schertz Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.

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