He was attending UT Austin when he responded to the attack on Pearl Harbor, by volunteering for the Army Air Corps in February 1942. After completion of basic flight training he was one of the original pilots assigned to the 510^th Fighter Squadron, part of the 405^th Fighter Group in South Carolina, which entered combat in Christchurch England in 1943. He completed 97 combat missions flying a P-47 and was highly decorated.Among other recognition, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and 16 Air Medals. He flew over the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and his Squadron was personally recognized by George S Patton for its support of the Third Army in France.  

Following his military service he rejoined his family in Dallas, and worked in the property and casualty insurance business where he met his future wife, Dorothy Onley. They were married in 1948 at Cathedral Guadalupe. Charlie entered a new career as a commercial artist, studio owner, and ultimately partner in a local Advertising Agency. He was active in both professional and community organizations, serving as the president of the Advertising Artists Association. He was an active Boy Scout volunteer, serving in many capacities including as Scoutmaster of Troop 43, and was one of the first Explorer Scout Advisers. He drafted the first manual for the organization and operation of an Explorer Post and he was recognized by Circle Ten Council and the National BSA Council for his volunteer service with the Silver Beaver Award. He served on the financial committee at Cathedral Guadalupe, as well as the committee tasked with supervising the renovation of the Cathedral.

After his retirement he became a volunteer docent at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, where for the past 15 years he has been a fixture, passing along his love of aviation and his WW II experience to thousands of visitors each year. He was a founding member of the 510^th Fighter Squadron Association, and created much of the artwork in its history book of WW II. A Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the P-47 Pilots Association, The Military Order of The World Wars, and The Quiet Birdmen.

Preceded in death by his parents, two younger brothers, Marion (Mickey), John, and Dorothy, his wife of 54 years, he is survived by his sister in law Dorothy, his son Charles, daughter in law Barbara, grandson Christopher, and six nieces and nephews. Charlie has “Flown West”, but he lived his life with dignity, respect for others, and service to his community. During his life he influenced countless people in positive ways and while he is greatly missed, his spirit and example remains. The family wishes to express its gratitude to his personal physician, to doctors and nurses at Presbyterian Dallas Hospital, and to the home hospice staff for their skill and kindness.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to The Frontiers of Flight Museum, to Circle Ten Council, or to the Dallas Rotary Club Foundation.

Reception is scheduled for 6:00 PM Sunday May 12th 2013 at the Sparkman Crane Funeral Home, 15501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 AM Monday May 13th 2013 at Cathedral Guadalupe 2215 Ross Avenue (Dallas Arts District-Downtown).