Dr. Charles Luther Boss (1923-2020)

BOSS, ANDERSON

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/2/2021 at 14:32:08

Dr. Charles (Charlie) Luther Boss, went to be with the Lord on December 5, 2020, at the age of 97. Born in Chattanooga (Alton Park), Tennessee, in 1923 to Tyre Glenn & Rebecca (Anderson) Boss. He lived for many years in Southern California before moving to Cedar Rapids, IA in 2019.

Charlie is survived by four of his children, Edward Boss of Carlsbad, CA, Stephen (Tricia) Boss of Cedar Rapids, IA, Mary Boss Glenn of Colleyville, TX, and Margaret Boss Base of Bedford, TX; and nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Rebecca, Jason, Scott, Emma, Aaron, Sam, Jake, Maddy, and; and 7 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Hazel Kathryn (Adams) Boss; his daughters, Rebecca Boss, and Gloria Boss (Robert) Kaswen; and his seven brothers and sisters, Raymond Boss, Aylma Boss, James Boss, Myrtle Inglis, Margaret Boss, Edward Boss, and Leonard Boss.

Charlie attended Asbury College where he majored in philosophy and religion with a minor in music. After college, he attended Asbury Theological Seminary, graduating in 1947, and then Drew University where he received his Master’s Degree. He was a circuit preacher during his second year of seminary, and for a short time after graduation. After marrying his wife, Kathy, in 1948, they began the process in 1950 to train for the mission field. Their first assignment was in Pakistan in 1951, and then in India, which required them to learn Urdu. He would love to go to Indian restaurants, where he would speak Urdu to anyone on the staff that could converse with him.

It was in September of 1955 when Charlie moved his young family to Southern California. He taught English and choral music at Chaffey High School in Ontario, CA. He received his Doctorate of Theology from Claremont School of Theology in June 1970. He had already been serving as a minister in the California/Arizona Conference and the California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church. Some of the churches that he served at as senior pastor were, Holbrook UMC, Hollypark UMC, North Long Beach UMC, San Dieguito UMC (Encinitas, CA), Yucaipa UMC, up until he retired in 1988. Retirement did not stop him from being active, as he was on staff at Solana Beach UMC. He also was involved in prison ministry in the San Diego area.

Charlie loved people. He loved ice cream (ask any of his grandchildren). He loved Christmas Eve services. He loved classical music. He loved sitting with his wife at their two baby grand pianos as they played duets together, as well as performing many concerts over the years. He also loved real estate. He also loved hanging out with the YMCA group of friends in Encinitas. He loved to lead tours to the Holy Land and other places. He loved, most of all, to minister to hurting people.

Charlie, Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa will be missed greatly. He lived a long life.

There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. (Central time) on January 23, 2021, at Peace CRC in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend. (More info can be obtained from family members.) Masks and social distancing will be required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the prison ministry which Charlie was a part of for many years. KAIROS of San Diego Treasurer, PO Box 9614, San Diego, CA 92169.