U.S. Marine, Iowa State Trooper, BSA Scoutmaster, Author, and loved husband, father and grandfather, Charles A. "Charlie" Black died in the early morning of Tuesday, August 1st, 2017 at the age of 76, surrounded by his family. He was born March 3rd, 1941, to Charles H. and Dorothy (Johnson) Black in Shenandoah, Iowa, where he graduated from high school in 1959. Charles then joined the United States Marine Corp. and served in the conflict in Vietnam. After an honorable discharge, he joined the Iowa State Patrol and served for 35 distinguished years, retiring with the rank of sergeant. One of the experiences that stuck with him most was the day he dealt with a suspected murderer threatening to kill himself and his 19 month old son. Sergeant Black chose to use words instead of weapons and persuaded the gunman to do the same. Thirty-one years later, Sergeant Black was reunited with the now-grown child whose life he saved and received a heartfelt thanks for his cool-headed professionalism. That is one of many stories he collected in his book "True State Trooper Stories." The book remains available on Amazon.
In 1965 he married the love of his life, Trudy Lynn Bartling and they spent a wonderful 52 years together. They had two children, Charles Byron and Jennifer Lynn. Charles was a loving and devoted father and husband who made sure his family knew how important they were to him. In that spirit, he started Boy Scout Troop 178 and led scores of young men on high adventure trips backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch, canoeing and fishing in the Canadian boundary waters, and whitewater rafting at Packard. Charles even started a co-ed high adventure post so that girls, including his daughter, could participate. He also founded, along with Boy Scout Troop 178, the Waukee Fun Days Run that continues to this day.
When Charles saw a job that needed done, he jumped in and did it. He co-founded and served 15 years on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. His dedication to the Iowa State Patrol never ended. Charles is the past president of the Iowa State Trooper Association, and served as President of the Retired State Patrol Officers Association until weeks before his death. His dedication saw him awarded an honorary doctorate degree in "Getting Things Done" by the fictional University of Okoboji.
Charles had a great sense of humor and loved to play jokes. His zest for life showed through in everything he did. He loved to travel the world, snorkel in the ocean, and spend time with his family. Charles truly lived everyday like it was a blessing, and he made those around him feel blessed to be a part of his life.
Charles is survived by his wife Trudy, son Charles (wife Heidi), daughter Jennifer (husband Edward Owens), grandchildren Allen, William and Delaney Black, and brother James (wife Martha). Visitation will be held Thursday, August 3rd, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM and the Celebration of Life will be Friday, August 4th, at 11:00 AM. Both events will be at the Waukee United Methodist Church (650 Ashworth Dr., Waukee). Memorial graveside services will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. Memorials will go to the Iowa State Peace Officers Association (RSPOA) Honor Guard. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.
