SPAIN, Charles F. (1927-2007)

SPAIN

Posted By: Mary Welty Hart - Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/28/2007 at 19:01:34

Winterset Madisonian, Winterset, Iowa
November 21, 2007

CHARLES FRANCIS SPAIN, Norwalk

Charles “Chuck” Francis Spain was born in Warren County Nov. 13, 1927, and passed away peacefully in his Warren County farm home, with his family beside him, on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007.

After attending Simpson College, Charles served as a Gunner’s Mate, 3rd Class, in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1947. He received his undergraduate degree in forestry from Iowa State University and was a graduate of Drake University with a master’s in earth science. While raising his seven children and working the family farm, he taught earth science for 23 years at Callanan, three years at Roosevelt, one year at Weeks and eight years at Lincoln. “Chuck probably invented hands-on science. He was an environmentalist long before it was in vogue. Student involvement and a continuous search for new methods are Chuck’s style.”

Charles was deeply involved in Iowa Conservation. He served on the Warren County Conservation Board for 20 years, Warren County Board of Review and was elected Warren County Soil and Water Commissioner. Charles was camp director with the Iowa Youth Conservation Corps for 22 summers. His service, commitment and personal contributions to the conservation and preservation of Iowa’s natural resources was profoundly recognized by his colleagues, fellow educators, students and community alike. “So many trees, bridges, walking paths and park benches have been put in place because of the dedication of this man.” Charles left the classroom after 36 years to pursue other creative efforts full time.

Charles had the soul of a poet, was a musician, song writer, writer and artist. Singing and playing every instrument from trumpet and banjo to the fiddle — music was a tremendous part of his life, and he shared it with all. It was hard to keep a dry eye when he’d sing Danny Boy.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents — mother, Delia, and father, Francis Spain.

He is survived by his seven children — Sarah, Sean (Diane) Spain, Patrick (Carrie) Spain, Seamus, Molly, Peter Spain (Marie Herring) and Siobhan Spain (Johnathan deLima); grandchildren Andrea Ferrigno, Keith Kimsey, Nicolas Spain, Danny Hoffenberg, Joshua Spain, Dylan Kimsey, Mitchell Spain, Matt Hoffenberg, Jordan Spain, Jacob Spain, Ryan Hoffenberg; and great-grandchildren Lily Criswell and Levi Kimsey.

Gravesite military honors will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Churchville on Sunday, Nov. 25, at 11:30 a.m. A celebration of memories with potluck and music will follow at 1 p.m. at the Celebration Barn in Cumming. He was cremated and a private burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Warren County Conservation Board, 15565 118th Avenue, Indianola, Iowa 50125.

Brooks Funeral Care • Clive, Iowa