Charles was born in Columbus, Ohio to Otis and Helen Chrysler, big brother to Carolyn. He grew up in Gahanna, Ohio, valuing his rural roots with memories and stories of his grandmother’s dairy farm, playing baseball in the cow fields, riding his bike to local farm work, and stocking shelves at Shadwicks Hardware Store. He loved riding in the cab of his father’s fuel truck on early summer morning delivery routes.
He excelled in academics and football at Lincoln High School. Attending Miami of Ohio on a football scholarship while working as fraternity dining hall waitstaff, he persevered through Freshman year, naively taking 18 hour semesters of mostly science classes. During his junior year, as he put it, he “traded a knee for an education” when he suffered an acl injury. He was incredibly grateful his scholarship was not taken away. The injury put him on a pre-med path.
Senior year he met Anne Marie, the love of his life, in Abnormal Psychology class. They married before embarking on medical school at Ohio State, he painting houses between terms, Anne working at American Airlines.
Charles proudly served in the United States Air Force as a Flight Surgeon, rank of Captain, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base after graduation from medical school. One of his favorite memories was when he joined the Mach Busters Club while riding in a F-100 Super Sabre. He enjoyed working with a number of notable test pilots during his tour of duty. After completing residency at Miami Florida's Jackson Memorial, he and his young family settled in Charlotte where he practiced Family Medicine for over 40 years. Family Medicine was his calling, and he deeply cared for his patients.
Charles enjoyed ski activities on Lake Norman, flying a delta wing kite for happenstance crowds below, making stained glass creations, woodworking, and turning his lawn into an explosion of blooms in Spring. He enjoyed golfing at Myers Park Country Club with friends who would settle small bets in the locker room, doling out losses agonizingly slow, penny by penny, from coin-filled styrofoam cups each kept in their lockers, counting out loud to the exasperated winner. He faithfully attended Panthers football games since the team’s inception, making friends with those who sat near, until he couldn’t physically make it to his seat any longer.
Charles is survived by his family, son Michael and wife Helen, daughter Melanie and husband Barry, and two granddaughters, Melissa Slade and Teresa Russell, and Teresa’s husband David, and his niece and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his dear wife Anne Marie, their son Eric, his sister Carolyn Albert, and his parents.
He is also survived by special rescue dog Missy and those who rescued him after his wife of 59 years passed. Missy accompanied him on multiple daily walks where he so enjoyed the interaction with friends and neighbors in the neighborhood he lived in for 61 years. These folks had a watchful eye, a kind greeting, a little extra time to mow, to knock on the door, a little extra time to put his paper on the porch, a little extra time to bring something good to eat, to invite him in, time to ask if he really needed to be up on his roof. He loved seeing people of all ages, especially the children whether in strollers, wagons, or on bikes. There was always a kind word in the street even after he could only come out in a wheelchair.
Special and deep gratitude to Terri and Dotty, and later Ronald, who made it possible for him to remain in his home in his last years with dignity, a high level of care, and a healthy dose of laughter, love, and bacon and eggs, allowing him to keep his wit intact. They supported him and the whole family with their calm wisdom.
Charles requested that there be no service. However, we bet he’d like it if you were extra kind to a neighbor, or donated to a favorite pet rescue organization.
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