Search by Name

Search by Name

Charles Thistlethwaite Obituary

Charles D Thistlethwaite, 92, of San Luis Obispo, passed away Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013, at French Hospital Medical Center. He was born in April 1921 in Westfield, Ind., the only child of C. Oroville Thistlethwaite and Sylvia Fisher Thistlethwaite. Charles grew up in Indianapolis during the Great Depression and was active in the Boy Scouts of America and Sea Scouts. He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Set Design, and served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps and Quartermaster Corps in Europe during World War II. Charles returned to do graduate work in art at Temple University and UC Berkeley. While on vacation in 1950, he saw California for the first time and immediately decided to stay. At UC Berkeley, he met Martha Jean Walter, whom he married on August 24, 1957. Charles worked in Philadelphia, where he made studio sets in the early days of television, designed window displays for the City of Paris in San Francisco and later became an art teacher. A lifelong artist, he visited Yosemite National Park annually for 58 years and painted watercolors alongside Martha. Charles and Martha moved to Los Osos in 1988 where they enjoyed an active retirement and were members of Saint Benedict's Episcopal Church. Charles is survived by his sons Charles (Giselle) and Doug (Kathy); daughter, Nancy; and grandchildren Ronnie and Jenny. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at St. Benedict's Episcopal Church, 2220 Snowy Egret Lane in Los Osos.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Oct. 24, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Thistlethwaite

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Charles Thistlethwaite's name

Memorial Events
for Charles Thistlethwaite

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Charles's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Charles Thistlethwaite's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more