Charles Farnham Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Sep. 20 to Sep. 25, 2012.

Charles "Chuck" Bernett Farnham was born July 8, 1937 in Manhattan, Illinois and died surrounded by family members on Sept. 8, 2012 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Charles was born a twelfth generation American and raised in Nevada, Mo. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1955 after graduating from Nevada High School. He returned home after a few months in the Navy to marry his high school sweetheart Madeline Carol Adam. He served on board the US Navy vessels USS Keppler (DDE-765), USS Albany (CG-10), and USS Nautilus (SSN-571). His service aboard the USS Nautilus as a Navy Raider included testing new strategies and equipment which helped build the foundation for today's Navy SEAL Teams. During his eight years of naval service, he sailed on several cruises and was stationed on the USS Albany during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
Chuck was employed by the U.S. Civil Service at White Sands Missile Range after his discharge in 1963. After a brief term of employment at WSMR, he moved to the China Lake Naval Weapons Research Base, Calif. As a Research and Development Technician, he assisted Naval Scientists with the development of advanced weaponry and technologies. In 1970 he was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration, retired in 1993, and moved to the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico following the death of his wife Carol.
During his retirement, he enjoyed community service as a volunteer fireman with the La Cueva Volunteer Fire Department. His contributions on the Truck Committee earned him the title of "Chuck Driver." His enthusiasm for driving fire trucks progressed to becoming a delivery driver and instructor for Pearce, KME, and Ferrara fire truck manufacturers.
Chuck enjoyed many hobbies such as fishing, hunting, woodworking, furniture building, and carving Native American Kachina dolls. His interest in the Native American culture and spiritualism began in early childhood and extended until the day of his death. He formed lasting friendships with several Native American people during his lifetime.
Chuck was known to speak his mind in a direct manner, give good stern advice when needed, and always place the needs and love of his family above all else.
He is preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Rena Farnham, and his wife Madeline Carol (Adam) Farnham. He is survived by his brother and partner Eugene Farnham and Helen Wilkinson, his sons and their spouses Joel (Becky) of Los Alamos; Eric (Vivian), Keith (Diana), Sherri (Dan) Sierens, and Shelli Farnham, all of Phoenix, Ariz. Grandchildren: Christine, Nicole, Rob, Tina, Amanda, Shannon, Carli, Tyler, Joshua, Holly, Adam, and Brooke. Great Grandchildren: Malina, Teagan and Mia.
Services were performed at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Ariz. on Sept. 13, 2012. Services were under the direction of Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, Ariz.

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6 Entries

October 4, 2012

Hal Frost

Gene (and family), so sorry to read just now of the passing of your brother Chuck on September 8. I never met him though we both worked at about the same time at WSMR. Please accept my condolences, from your former co-worker at LANL. Sincerely, Hal Frost, LANL retiree. October 4

September 26, 2012

Joe and Delene Fulton

Bernette was like a big brother to me. He was the one that taught me how to drive a car (in Kansas City). He was one of the reasons I chose to enlist in the Navy. I was hoping after Bootcamp that they would station me on the east coast with him, but with no such luck. I have many many fond memories and was glad to talk to him before he died. Delene and I wish all you kids wish you a lifetime of loving memories as your sorrow fades away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

September 25, 2012

Sarah Hosford

Chuck always held a very special place in my heart. As a young member of the La Cueva Volunteer Fire Department in 1995, I was initially intimidated by Chuck and his gruff exterior but soon learned that Chuck was a great big teddy bear who was always looking out for me. Chuck, you will be missed by those who saw through gruffness and knew how caring you really were. Thanks for always looking out for me, I knew I could count on you no matter what!

September 20, 2012

Sending our deepest condolences to the Farnham families! "Grampy's Dad" was a good man and I'm sure he's up in heaven shining down upon you all! God bless, Jeff, Nicole & Teagan

September 20, 2012

Troy Farnham

Hey Cousins,
I share in the loss of your father. I have so many fond memories of him and Carola and what little time we all shared together. I do know that Burnett was a good man and it will be you and your children that carry on his legacy. I pray you will find comfort in remembering your dad with laughter and not with tears. He was an amazing man and he loved his family dearly. Made God richly bless all of you during this time of loss and reflection.

Troy Farnham

September 18, 2012

Robert Stannard

My wife pointed out this obit to me today because of the similarities in Chuck's career path and mine. I enlisted 9/55 at Lee's Summit MO, went to boot camp at Great Lakes IL and then Electronics and Fire Control Technician schools at Great Lakes for all of 1956. I then transferred to White Sands Proving Ground (now W.S. Missile Range) (arriving in Las Cruces by train the evebing of 12/30/56)to work in the Talos missile program. Stayed there thru 1957, and was transferred to Norfolk VA for pre-commissioning schools, then to Philadelphia Naval Shipyard where the USS Galveston CLG3 was being converted. We commissioned her May 28 1958. I was discharged October 1958.
When I read the obit, I was convinced that I recognized the sailor in the picture. I dug out my class picture from FT "A" school at Great Lakes (5/7/56-6/15/56) and although I don't have names for everyone, the guy next to me sure looks like it could be Chuck. I'd be happy to send you a copy of the picture to have you verify it.
I find that the older I get, the more value I place on past friendships, and that it's like losing a little of myself when someone I know is gone.

Sorry to ramble on so, but I'd sure like to know if your Chuck is my old FT classmate. He sure led a full life!

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