Reading over these memories allows me to realize that you never changed.  Though it’s been many years since we’ve had contact, I can “hear” in these memories that your continued efforts to challenge perspectives and make people laugh were a part of the charisma that drew us to you.  I’ll never forget the drives in the MR2,  your laughing eyes or your “left field” ideology!! Lol! 

It was a privilege to sing at your funeral.  One of those things in life that I could have never seen coming.  I found out that my grandfather and your dad have been pals for years and my grandmother and your mom were in a golf league together.   It truly is a small world.  I was so blessed to hear how you’ve taken care of Bubba.  Sounds like there are so many big shoes to fill!  

  I pray you are at peace Mr. Highwayman.  

I should start this by apologizing to Chuck. Sorry Chuckles. He hated this picture but I loved it. It shows his competitive nature, sly smile and pride when he knows he's done something great and complete joy that someone else has to face his masterful move next.  He was a great gamer, great conversationalist, great debater and great friend. Like Sarah said, he was such a contradiction. Even though he would argue with you for a week about your "poor choice" of sci-fi books, he'd bring 2 to lend to you next week so you could argue more. Even when he was upset with you and refused to say why, he'd still come around to say hi and ask about lunch plans. He'd complain non-stop about how you always suggest Mission for lunch while he ALWAYS suggested El Catrin. (That is, until he created a full restaurant list so everyone can suggest something new. )

I'm going to miss so many things about you, friend. Our board games & lunch; trivia & dinner; sneaking into Student Life to get ice cream cones when they were gone; keying us into O9  to watch the Town Halls together huddled over a laptop mic; never complaining when I ask you for the 5th time how to reconnect to the VPN; hearing "What up, nerd!" down the hallway and 3:00pm visits to my office for candy and catching up.  Through it all, I regret that we didn't have more of all those things. 

Our Lunch Buddies group will never be the same. Neither will trivia nights, employee events, B15, debating where to go to lunch or movies, music, books or anything else you were willing to share. Thanks for the memories Chuckles. I'll miss you! 


 Dear Chuck ,when we first met you, You were a tween; all legs and arms flailing around the Sellersburg pool in your fish trunks before a swim meet. You landed 
on our blanket and immediately  endeared  yourself to us with your  goofiness , your cuteness and your ability to talk to anyone. You hung out with us because you were interested in our daughter who was also a swimmer. 
As time went on you and our daughter dated and we became closer. We loved your fun personality and always enjoyed your company.  When the two of you broke up as a couple, we kept you as a friend, or more like a son who had adopted us.  You were our tech guy who .  never failed to answer my call for help  I can hear you say, “Phil you’ve got to stop clicking on all those dumb stories down the side of their Facebook page.”  Then you would give me one of your big bear hugs and all the love between us could be felt. You and Paul enjoyed ball games together and discussions of every kind. You and I talked UK basket ball and we all tolfunny stories. on each other.  We checked on each other‘s families regularly and we talked to you about God and hoped you would join us at church.
  You always laughed and said you were a lost cause. But some time you would go . 
It made  us so happy. Chuck,  we were always happy to get your phone calls or to see you drop by just to hang out with some old folks .  Sometimes we fed you and sometimes you fed us . You never forgot to check on us or let us know that you cared, especially when I was going through cancer treatment. .You did so much for us, always with joy. We were proud to see the Home you and Ray found. We were proud of how you took care of Ray. We were so blessed to have you Chuck and we pray that God took you in his arms to your forever home. 
We  Returned from vacation to hear your phone message asking how we were. Before we were able to return your call you left us. Our hearts are broken. But God will comfort us and take care of you.

Chuck was always someone that you could count on. When we designed the sim lab he told me “I’m going to be here if you need anything” and he kept that promise. I could always count on him, for IT support or to just talk. 
After I left Ivy Tech we still kept in touch...and I could still count on him if I needed anything. He will be missed by so many. 

Like so many friends writing before me, I was one struck by how Chuck tailored his points of interest toward each individual.  He had as his stock and trade a different repertoire of conversation pieces for each us.  

Anytime we talked beyond just passing in the hall, Chuck and I dug deeply toward the most arcane, obscure topics in music, film, and other points of pop culture, with us both conducting a kind of friendly culture-maven one-upmanship.  

We also voluminously traded music.  For example, he had procured and curated for me a huge batch of each act's set from the  1970 "Fillmore at Tanglewood" festival (sets by Santana, Miles Davis, Chicago, and so many more). For all my supposed knowledge, I had never heard of the festival.  These tracks were not official releases by a record company--that's a nice way of saying that these were "bootlegs," and only one with Chuck's wherewithal would  do the digital deep dive to even find the stuff.  

In turn, I duplicated for Chuck and delivered to him in installments every disc of several Genesis box sets of reissues, starting with the Peter Gabriel era and ending with the Phil Collins hitmaking time, with Chuck swinging by the office so many times to talk about how glad he was to finally get to hear the Gabriel period.  

He also never let me get away with performing music at Ivy Tech without calling out for Jimmy Webb's song "The Highwayman", which I graciously fulfilled a couple of times, knowing I'd be in trouble with him if I didn't.  He'd walk by my set-up between songs and say in a voice that sounded like a shout but which we knew was his normal speaking voice,  "Highwayman!"  "Okay, Chuck" was his favored response, rather than "Maybe next time."

Chuck, I still haven't watched the DVD copy of _Searching for Sugar Man_ that you gave me and repeatedly asked if I had gotten to yet.  Finally, maybe this weekend,  I can say, "Okay, Chuck.  I finally watched it."

I'll deeply miss our unexpected talks and diversions.

The running joke is that when I call the IT department, I hear them arguing about who has to answer when they see my name pop up on the phone screen.  If Chuck answered, he would always say “what did you break now.”  Even though he always gave me a hard time, Chuck would always help me.  
At a small retirement lunch for an Ivy Tech employee at the Sellersburg El Nopal years ago, he ended up sitting next to me. I do not really laugh a lot but that day I laughed more than I had in a long time and I credit those laughs to Chuck. Heaven must have needed some IT help to call Chuck so soon.  He will be greatly missed. 

Chuck was a walking contradiction, by which I mean he was always walking around campus and loved being contrary. From my first day at work until our last shared laugh, Chuck was my friend and a constant source of support (and Reddit links). On my best days I couldn't wait to tell him what I was up to; on my worst, I couldn't wait to vent and seek comfort in his dry wit. In another era Chuck could have been the beloved mayor of a small town, kissing babies and shaking hands with folks, always remembering everyone's name and face. Lucky for us, he chose to bring his big personality and technical skills to Ivy Tech and enriched all our lives. In his passing, I find solace in learning that the special, singular friendship I thought I had with Chuck was shared by almost everyone he met. Your memory will always be a blessing to me.

Chuck was a great asset for the Visual Communications program, especially struggling through new protocols with our computers in the department.  His work went beyond the classroom. Chuck also helped set up a camera projection system for the art club so we could do painting workshops, relocated computers for Portfolio Day and Holiday Photos, and joined many departments meetings as part of the VisCom family. 

On a personal note, Chuck and I shared many conversations about restaurants and movies. Our taste in movies wasn't always similar, but our taste in foods was. Chuck also rescued a personal hard drive that had many many family memories on it. I was happy to learn that he would freelance for bourbon. :)

He will be missed...

As an early childhood teacher, I always appreciate those people who have never lost their child's heart. Chuck was one such person. He was a big "teddy bear" always up for fun, kind to each of us, ready to help on the spot. Chuck was intentional in his interest of others. He had a contagious laugh and always time to find out how others were doing. As Chuck helped me with Tech issues, we would talk about movies, good places to eat,  friends we have in common and staying in touch. He cared about others first and foremost. I will miss seeing Chuck on campus tremendously. My heart goes out to Eric and Marty who worked so closely with Chuck, and most definitely to Chuck's family and close families. What a loss we are all feeling, but what joy and child-like, genuine humor and love Chuck is bringing to his next home in heaven.
To staying young, Chuck!
Mary Ann Bennett

I am heartbroken.  Chuck was one of my closest friends-not just in this period of my life, but in my entire life.  We laughed, argued, contemplated, and enjoyed comfortable silence in that rare way that true friends do.  There is still a part of me that expects him to show up at my door and yell "Gotcha!"  

His gentle demeanor, his sense of humor, and the way he made every person he encountered feel welcome will be missed so deeply.  The irony of my pain is that, in past times of hurt, I would turn to Chuck for perspective, comfort, and laughter.  The world is just a bit more empty without him.  I love you, brother, and I'll see you on the other side.

Chuck was one of my absolutely favorite people at Ivy Tech. I could always count on him to stop by my office for a wonderful nerdy chat about all of our shared interests and I knew I could always stop in to ‘ bother’ him in his office to do the same. Chuck was such a kind, funny, supportive guy; when he found out I was having a baby boy he was pretty excited to see how we would include Star Wars in his life! Chuck taught me how to solve a Rubik’s cube, and honestly that just shows how patients and fun he was- I’m pretty impatient but he wanted to share the skill and it was really fun. I’ll miss all of the conversations, all of the show and movie recommendations, and I’ll just miss him overall. He was really honestly just one of my favorite people at work. 

Chuck was one of the first people I met on campus....as I expect he was for many due to his role. As a newbie, I appreciated his assistance but more so his warmth and sincere interest in me. Over the next few months Chuck continued to stop by my office or spark up conversation when he saw me trying to navigate campus. These interactions made me feel good and welcomed on campus. I know Chuck was an IT professional but he was much more to the staff, students, faculty and community he served. His presence is already missed. 

Chucky was my childhood friend. We grew up together in the same neighborhood and Chucky knew me better then most people. I'll never forget you.  Hearing of your passing made my heart drop and I still can't believe you're gone, you will be missed.  I'm so sorry  for the time I stole your brand new ninja costume when we were 11 that was awful of me. You were always a kinder person then most. Rest In Peace Chucky

Chuck was in a close friend circle with my older cousin Corey. Also, close friends with my best friends in high school Brian and Kevin. A couple years older than me, always introducing new life experiences being just a couple years older than everybody else that I knew. Always caring, always smiling, always having something happy to say. The first time I met him… he took some paint off my car with an egg that he threw from behind a bush. I was so mad because the car just got painted from the previous accident I just had. unbelievably, he came out of the shadows and sincerely apologized so convincingly I wanted to be his friend instead of be mad. Kind of defines our entire relationship. Chuck was witness to all of my best times growing up. Whether it be that little MR2… or that giant Monte Carlo… I could always count on seeing Chuck casually through all of those best times. Words cannot define the emotion I felt when I saw your obituary just a few moments ago sent to me from Kevin…. Can’t believe the next time we all be together will be our last. thanks for the good times buddy. Your presence on this earth will be sincerely missed.

For as long as I've been at Ivy Tech, Chuck has been one of my very favorite people. It was probably breaking some rule, but I always called him directly for help when I needed it. And he always came. It hasn't been much more than a week since he last helped me, and I know that the next time I need something, I'll probably still call him first; rule or none. I don't think there's been a time I saw him in the last 7 years that he didn't ask me how my family was or how big my son had gotten. He remembered all their names like he loved them, too. I miss him already. 

You were a wonderful friend to me once and it sounds like you’ve been a wonderful friend to many more throughout the years. While we haven’t been close the last 2 decades, you will always hold a special place in my heart. Bye Chucky!!

Chuck was the second person I met on campus. He met me on a Saturday to help me during my transition. We talked about his love of music and he set up my jazz station which I still use everyday .   My condolences to his family. He will be missed. 

Chuck was an older brother to all of us in the old neighborhood. He introduced our family to a non family member busting in the door, without knocking, as if he was Kramer on Seinfeld. He always had a welcoming smile and joke to make us all feel comfortable. He was my older brothers  friend, but family to us all in those days. Great guy that will be always remembered by our family.  The Botts

Chuck was a fine person indeed. If we had an issue or something needed to be done at Perkins, one of our fine IT staff would make their way here and get the job done.  Chuck would always stop by and chat when here and always had a friendly word to share. After he recovered from his accident I was lucky enough to run into him at the main campus one day and we sat down and talked about a lot of things, life, the college, and his determination to keep moving forward with a positive attitude. I was lucky to know Chuck and may he rest in eternal peace.

Chuck was one of a million I was vacuuming his office one day and by accident I sucked up his ear buds I offered to buy him new ones he looked at me and said you don’t have to worry bout that it’s all good.  I’m sure gonna miss seeing you around campus and talking with you.  Your memory will live in our hearts forever. 

Condolences from the Ferree Family. Chuck grew up in the neighborhood next to us and though older, was always good to Kevin and Tim. It was my pleasure to reconnect with Chuck at Ivy Tech, and now it is my sorrow to see him gone. Our prayers and support are with you at this most difficult time. 
God bless and keep you all,
Homer and Marilyn Ferree

Chuck was the heart and soul of the campus and my friend.  You could always count on him to make a joke or pull a prank at just the right time.   If I was having a bad or hectic day, he would always show up and say "Goodman, let's go to lunch."  We'd go get some Mexican food and laugh and joke the whole time.  Chuck got me through many tough days.
When I left Ivy Tech,  I thought it would be like leaving any other job.  You slowly stop seeing the people you worked with until they are just a memory.  This was absolutely not the case with Chuck.  If he didn't hear from me for a while, he'd send a text or call.  He always made sure that we all stayed connected.  I, like everyone else, am still in shock.  I will miss him and I know everyone who knew him feels the same way right now.  Rest in peace my friend.

Chuck was an awesome dude. He loved (not really) when I would call him or text him to tell him my laptop was broke. He would never respond and then magically he would be in my office to mess with me about it and fix it. He loved talking about fast cars and new food joints. He will be greatly missed!

My favorite memory of Chuck involves flatulence (of course).   He came by the AAC for a visit.  We had been friends for a few months and we were casually talking about movies, friends, etc.  Just as casually, I lifted a cheek in my office chair and let one fly.  He had told me he had female friends so I figured this was not a huge deal.  It was a big deal.  The look of shock on his face is something I will never forget.  Nor did he.  He loved retelling that story.   

He, as all of you know, loved little people.  My daughter's first thought when we heard was "who is going to feed the fish?".  

I miss you bud.  XO <3

I knew Chuck long ago. Unfortunately we had not kept in touch. We lived together for about 8 months with two other guys (Brent and Nik) thirty short years ago. Chuck was the steading influence among us. He was so easy-going. Rest easy big guy. 

There's a general sadness that comes when I have to shift from the present and future tense to the past tense about someone I know.  For Chuck and how sudden this all has been, it hits a little harder.   
While I never directly worked with him, I always appreciated that he took time to stop by to talk, ask what games I was playing, and what I was planning on cooking.  He felt like a part of our family without ever being invited and he was always welcomed (despite us teasing him that he was a freeloader when food was involved). 

Chuck, your irreplaceable presence is already missed.  

In my first year at Ivy Tech, I made the mistake of leaving my computer unlocked while away from my desk. I returned a large screensaver and background picture of Justin Bieber.  My retaliation was to take window markers and write, “I LOVE JUSTIN BIEBER” on your truck. Not 20 min later, there were “Wanted” posters and a printed photo of me from the security cameras posted all around campus.  

I’ll miss your tricks and sarcasm, but also your kindness. As much as you liked to tease about how much you disliked me (we both knew that wasn’t true), you also showed you cared—always asking about my family, how the kids were growing, making sure that people in our office were not solo and had someone to walk to the parking lot with, and helping me with my ignorance of technology. I can’t imagine a world in which you don’t walk up to my office and say, “Hey Dawson!” To say you will be missed is an understatement. Rest easy, friend. 


While we are left with the pain of his absence, I have faith that Chuck is still roaming about room-by-room greeting old friends and making new ones. The magnitude of the emptiness he has left behind is but a beautiful reminder of how much space one human can take up in the hearts of so many people. Chuck was a friend to all. Truthfully, I never realized how many times a day, I need him or think about him.  Even on his worst days, his presence offered us joy and laughter. I will think of him anytime I eat cheap pizza or yummy Mexican. I will think of him when I take a new photo of my little girl, which he was always excited to see. I will think of him when we are celebrating with a potluck, where his absence will be felt so deeply. I will think of him when I pass a fish tank. I will think of him when I eat blue popsicles, which he so kindly brought me on many days throughout my pregnancy. Chuck leaves behind so much light and joy. To me, that is a life well-lived. Rest in peace dear friend! You've given us all so much to remember you by. 

I cannot even grasp this, my last time to see Chuck was in August 2021.  Since retiring in 2018 I always stopped by IT to see him and the others when I stopped by Ivy Tech.   If he was coming down the hallway and I was in an office he stopped came in and gave me a big hug and said don’t forget to stop by the office. He will be missed by so many, I am not sure he realized the lives he touched.  R.I.P. Chuck and you will be forever missed and prayers to your family. 💔💔

Like everyone else, I’m in a complete state of shock. Chuck was the lifeblood of campus and I knew when I left, I’d miss him so much. And I did. He was the baby whisperer. When I came by in June with my 7 year old, he said hi to me but immediately went up to her and asked her if she wanted to feed the fish in the computer lab. Four years ago, when I brought my newborn up to campus, he grabbed the hand sanitizer and wanted to hold her. I said it was time for her bottle. And he took that from me and began to feed her as well. He had a way with kids. And giving this tired mom a break. The list of memories goes on and on. The cruelest irony is that he’s the one we’d all turn to for comfort at a time like this. His memory will live on forever at Ivy Tech. 

One of the things I appreciated most about Chuck is that he was a kid at heart. Shooting Nerf guns in the office always brought about friendly competition and laughter (don’t tell the boss we did this). I’ll never forget the time he shot me with a Nerf gun in the hall. Much to his surprise, I dramatically fell to the ground. He just looked at me, rolled his eyes and shook his head. His presence on campus will be terribly missed along with the love he had for each kid who stepped on campus. 

I still haven’t quite been able to process the void that I wasn’t ready to face. I’ve talked to you all day and night, since finding out Saturday of your passing, I’ve asked God over and over what WE are supposed to learn, because you Chuck were EVERYTHING good hearted and caring, with a smidge of sarcasm, lol! Here goes! The fact that my email didn’t work and my laptop acted crazy Monday showed me that you heard my crying and knew I needed a laugh! You always knew what to do to make someone feel better, even if it was at us joking on you! You did for others effortlessly and always wanted to make sure a person’s dignity and integrity were paramount. I’ll always remember you making me pick up my pace as we would walk to your truck for lunch, because I’d always yell, for every one step you took, my short self had to take 3!!! You would carry or hold my purse without a grumble showing the softer side when it counted. We were prepping the music to dance to at my reception, and no worries….We will still jam for you! I’ll miss you forever and ever and know that we will do our best to hit all 152 breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots that was on your spreadsheet! I plan on learning more about computers because it just isn’t right not texting you the warning that I’d be in soon to harass you. Our daily exclamation was - “Hey Chuck!” “Hey DeShawn!!” It’s not Bye…it’s “See you later” Love you Big Guy! 

To say our campus will never be the same without Chuck would be an understatement. Chuck was our IT social butterfly, always stopping by offices to see what was happening on campus and socialize. I'll miss him walking into my office and helping himself to the ice cream bars in my freezer...and then proceeding to crumble half of the chocolate shell all over my desk. He was a great guy and will be sorely missed by all.

If I were in need of a popsicle or coloring book, Chuck was the go-to guy.  He was the casual campus traveler bringing sarcastic banter and random trivia to those offices he visited.  He used to think it was funny to walk in the front door of our office when we didn't have a front desk staff, because it would prompt me to get up and walk out to the lobby to serve whomever walked in.  Once I caught a glimpse of him, he'd give a maniacal laugh and keep walking knowing he got me out of my chair.  He was good at keeping us on our toes and breaking up our day with laughter and friendship.  I will miss him dearly.

OBITUARY

Charles "Chuck" Robert Wills

June 17, 1972 – October 9, 2021

Kraft Funeral Service & Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park

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