Charles Dewald Landrum

Charles Dewald Landrum RMCM (SS) USN RET, of Lemoore, California, passed away February 17, 2026. He was born in June 1930 in Logan, Oklahoma, and was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years Olive Landrum on February 16, 1997.
Charles proudly enlisted in the United States Navy in 1948, serving as a dedicated radioman on the USS Astoria-CL-90, submarines, and other naval ships. His distinguished career included service in the Korean and Vietnam War theaters and a notable assignment in Antarctica as part of the Navy's 'Operation Deep Freeze II'. He traveled and was stationed all over the world. He achieved the rank of Radioman Master Chief Petty Officer (E9).; receiving numerous recognitions and commendations including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. Before his retirement from the Navy in 1971, he taught at the Navy's Crypto Repair School in Portsmouth, Virginia. Following his military career, Charles and his family relocated from Norfolk, Virginia, to Rich Square, North Carolina, where he began teaching vocational/electricity/electronics at WS Creecy and Northampton County High Schools. He was well liked and respected by his students; they affectionately referred to him as "Capt." Landrum.
From a youthful age, his passion for horses was shaped by time breaking colts on Colorado ranches. Later in his life he raised a small herd in North Carolina with his wife Rhae. After retiring from his second career, he and his wife moved with their herd and pets to a modest ranch in Walsenburg, Colorado within sight of the mountains. Charles found his greatest happiness in the barn or simply being near his horses.
Charles and Rhae raised four spirited children together: Therese Vick of Clayton, NC, Charles Landrum (Jessica) of Texas, Victoria Larson (Mark) of Raleigh, NC, and Tammy Blevins (Larry) of Lemoore, CA. He leaves behind four equally spirited grandchildren, Rylan Sian (Howard), Mark Vick (Meghan), Carmen Landrum, Nicholas Larson, Hunter Blevins (Andrea), Macie Blevins and four great-grandchildren. Additionally, two of his sisters, Lois E (Betty) Whipple and Ruby Faye Stark, remain among his surviving family.
Donations in his memory can be sent to:
Mission: Wolf
P.O. Box 1211
Westcliffe, CO 81253
www.missionwolf.org

Path to Hope
www.pathtohope.org

Our family would like to send special appreciation to his caregivers for their patience, kindness, and support: Kim Oviedo, Shelly McCalvy, and Jessica Goodwin.
A celebration of life will be held at a future time.