Charles (Chuck) Windham

Charles (Chuck) Windham, 91, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2013. Son of the late Charles F and Nora Brown Windham, and sister, Lillian, he was born on January 29, 1922 in Pennington, NJ in a terrible blizzard. Chuck graduated from Mercerville prep school and attended Rutgers University. He proudly served our country during WWII in the United States Army. Chuck came to CA in the 1960’s and started his business, “Hobbies for Collector’s” in Costa Mesa. He semi-retired in Hemet, CA and Ocean Park, WA in 1976. He and his family had a small citrus ranch for many years. He loved to travel having an early 5th wheel, then motor homes and would travel across the country many times to visit family and friends. He also enjoyed his trips to Florida and taking cruises.

Chuck was a well known musician in CA and WA. He played in the music department of Mt. San Jacinto Community College Orchestra, Remembering Band, Concert Band, and the Golden Eagles Big Band. The last years he played in Palm Springs at Mizell Center with a large Jazz group. Chuck also played with groups in Astoria, OR, in the North Coast Symphonic Concert Band, and the North Coast Big Band, as well as with some smaller groups and a Sax quartet. He was a member of Peninsula Baptist Church in O.P., WA and the Cornerstone Church (First Baptist Church) in Hemet. Chuck is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Marilyn Windham; daughters, Nancy Atkinson of NJ and Carol Carpenter of CA; grandchildren, David, James, and Suzanne Atkinson, all in NJ and Julienne Buscho in CA; and six great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gideon Memorial Bibles or your favorite charity. Chuck touched many lives and will be truly missed by all who were honored to know him and who loved him.