Charles Kenneth Ramsdell

Charles Kenneth “Chuck” Ramsdell, 75, of Yuma, Arizona, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2017, of acute respiratory failure, at Yuma Regional Medical Center. A Memorial Mass will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11545 East 40th Street, in Yuma. Chuck grew up in Takoma Park, Maryland where he graduated from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. Upon graduation, at the age of 19, Chuck enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served for four years as an Air Traffic Control Operator. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1963, Chuck returned to Takoma Park, where he met his future wife, Brenda J. Sanders, from War, West Virginia, in March of 1964. After a whirlwind romance of three months, Chuck and Brenda were married on May 28, 1964. Chuck and Brenda moved to Aberdeen, Maryland, where he worked at Aberdeen Proving Ground, for eight years. In 1971, Chuck was transferred to Yuma Proving Ground, where he worked in Range Control and then Air Craft Armament, as a Test Director. After thirty-five years of service, he retired from Yuma Proving Ground. After retiring from the Federal Government, Chuck accepted a position performing the same job with TRAX, where he remained for thirteen years. Chuck was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, who instilled in his children the responsibility of family, education and respect for our country and Armed Forces. From the age of 19 to the age of 66, Chuck devoted his life’s work to his country and beloved Armed Forces. He is survived by his wife, Brenda J. Ramsdell; his children, Cynthia (Tom) Ramsdell-Hodge, Cheryl (Bruce) Ramsdell-Grand (Bruce) and Brandon Ramsdell; grandchildren, Cynthia Bolo, Jessica Hodge, Cody Bolo (and future wife, Coraea Santos, and future great grandchild); siblings, Robert W. (Leslie) Ramsdell, Linda (Al) Springer, Leslie (Ken) Riguolot, Bill (Tally) Wegner and Faye Ann Wegner; sisters in-law and brothers-in-law, Elsie (David) Quensenberry, Donna (Al) Ambrogi; Beverly (Jerry) Brunt, Alvin Saunders and Charlie (Jane) Sanders; several nieces and nephews; and many friends from the Yuma Proving Ground. Chuck is also survived by his poodle Baby “Thumper”, who was his loyal and precious companion. The world has lost a great man and a true Patriot! Farewell our beloved “Rocket Man”, you will live in our hearts forever.