Charles Walter Folkins

FOLKINS, Charles Walter, 94, a former Marine and resident of Tucson for 65 years, died Saturday, April 9, 2011. The family will gather for a private memorial later in the week. Born March 4, 1917 in Boston, Massachusetts, he was the son of Laura (Berry) and Elbert H. Folkins. Married for 72 years, he is survived by his wife, Ann H. (Gallaher) Folkins; his daughters, Faye (Dick) Miltenberger and Cheryl (Vince) McGinniss; son, Chuck (Mary) Folkins; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and five sisters. Choosing Tucson as the place to set roots and raise a family, he attended the University of Arizona; worked as a clerk for the US Post Office and was skilled as an electrician and plumber. Highlights in his life included travel, especially the cross-country hitchhiking trip of his youth; enthusiasm for ethnic cuisine; his black-belt in Judo; his empathy toward abandoned animals, especially cats; and his dedication to family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.