Charles H. Alexander was born July 27, 1927 in Chico to Allen F (Jake) Alexander and Mary Losee Alexander. Born on the same date was a twin sister, Carolyn Hope Alexander who pre-deceased him in 1995. Charles grew up in Chico, attending Bidwell Elementary School, Central Grammar School, and graduating from Chico High School in 1945. While still a senior class member he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, although he was not called to active duty until after his class graduated, entering service on July 12, 1945. While he was in boot camp, V - J Day precluded any combat action. He received training as a Hospital Corpsman at U. S. Naval Hospital in Balboa Park in San Diego. After a short stint in the V-5 program, he was assigned duty at Alameda Naval Air Station. He was discharged in January of 1947. While still on terminal leave, he enrolled at Chico State College. With Charles, there was never shopping around for a suitable major, he knew from the outset that he wanted to be a history teacher, with emphasis on United States History. He minored in English/Speech, and this led to his involvement in competitive debate. He enjoyed the competition and credits it with his development of good public speaking skills. Unfortunately, the untimely death of Dr. Herbert Ray, the Forensic Coach, precluded further competition. He received his Bachelor Degree in January of 1951, then completed his year of graduate work and received a General Secondary Credential in 1952. That fall he accepted a teaching position at Fortuna Union High School in Humboldt County, where he stayed four years. Upon his return to Chico, he taught three years at Hamilton High School, and then in 1959, he returned to his alma mater and for the next twenty eight years was on the staff at Chico High School. He was constantly adding to his professional qualifications, attending nine summer sessions in a row, plus regularly taking night classes. He completed requirements for the Pupil Personnel Credential, and the Secondary Administrative Credential. In 1964, he received a NDEA scholarship to attend a eight-week program at Ohio State University, iThat fall he was selected to serve as Dean of Boys, and later advanced to Vice-principal, a role that he held for the next thirteen years. In 1977, he decided that he had enough of the disciplinary role, and requested a return to teaching United States History. He spent the next ten years back in the classroom, teaching the subject he loved. In 1986, his colleagues selected him as one of the Outstanding Faculty Members. He retired in 1987. During his later years of retirement, while shopping, he would meet some of his former students which he rarely would recognize. They would identify themselves and Charlie would apologize for his failure by saying, “I am sorry I did not know you, But you have aged more than I have.” A reply that always brought a response of laughter. While attending Chico State, he made an acquaintance of a co-ed by the name of Greta Welschke, They began dating and on March 17, 1951, were married at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Charles was doing his student teaching at the time, so the spring of l951 was a busy time for the new family. In the fall of 1952, they moved to Humboldt County where two sons, Gregory and Allen were born. Charles was an active member of Chico Lodge No. 111, Free and Accepted Masons, joining the order in 1949, while still enrolled in college. For several years he was only moderately active, but he accepted the office of Marshal in 1970. He progressed through the line and served as Master in 1977. In 1979, he was appointed Inspector of the 246th Masonic District, serving in that post until 1987. He was selected by Grand Master Leo Mark to serve as Grand Orator in 1988. In 1993, he was elected to the post of Junior Grand Warden, and four years later became Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of California, highest Masonic office in California. In 1999 he was presented with the Golden Veterans Award, recognizing his fifty years membership. Other Masonic related organizations in included Chico Chapter No. 42, Royal Arch Mason, Butte Council No. 50, Cryptic Masons, and Chico Commandery No. 12, Knights Templar. He served as presiding office of all three of the above plus serving as Master of his Lodge, and thus was awarded the status of Knight York Cross of Honor. He was a member of St. Francis Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, serving as Sovereign in 1988. He also belonged to the Sacramento Scottish Rite, and served as Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection. For his service to Masonry was elevated to the 33rd degree in 1993. He was also a member of Ben Ali Temple of the Shrine as served a President of the Chico Shrine Club, and for years was a participant in that organization’s annual Hamburger and Bean Feed. Charles Alexander was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, serving as Lay Reader and Chalice Bearer for over forty years. He served several terms as a member of the Vestry, including a term as Senior Warden. He conducted services for an extended period of time when the Parish was without a regular Priest, usually leading the congregation in the Daily Office of Morning Prayer. He was also a delegate to several Diocesan Conventions. Although he sometimes found himself in conflict with the policies of the national church, he maintained his attendance and stewardship with the local parish church. Charles was an active and dedicated gardener, growing tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and corn annually. He also prided himself on a yard that displayed various annuals and perennials. He rarely used commercial fertilizers, but composted the leaves from the yard trees into organic plant food. He was an avid walker, and made an early morning route around the neighborhood, usually walking between two and three miles every morning except Sunday. He credits his walking exercise with his relative longevity. He is survived by his wife, Greta, having celebrated sixty-____ years of marriage at the time of his death. One son, Allen, a victim of cancer pre-deceased him in 2008. Three very beloved grandchildren Aaron, Alyson, and Charles, are among survivors. Aaron lived with Charlie and Greta while completing his engineering degree at Chico State.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 13, 2015 at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Bidwell Chapel.