Charles W. LaRue

LA RUE, Charles W. Charles W. LaRue, 84, of Irvine, passed away November 1, 2006. He was born on August 1, 1922, in Chisholm, Texas, and was a resident of Southern California for 60 years. Charlie was first and foremost a musician, beginning his musical career at the age of 12. Charlie's early musical years included playing the trombone with the Army Air Corps Band and the 2001st Radio Production Unit during WWII, the band that replaced The Glenn Miller Band on radio from New York when that group went overseas. In 1946, Charlie joined the Tommy Dorsey Band, performing in Santa Monica, touring the United States, and recording with them. Charlie married a fellow Dorsey Band member, Dena Bonneville, in 1947, with whom he had four children. During these early family years, Charlie segued into a new career as a manager in the JCPenney Company. In 1962, Charlie married Mary Cibu, with whom he had another daughter. During the next many years, he continued to remain devoted to his family and career. After retiring from JCPenney in 1980, Charlie returned to the music scene, performing with various groups and co-founding the trombone choir, Bones West, in Orange County. In 1986, he married Claire Telarico with whom he shared his active retirement-performing with various bands, traveling, and enjoying watching their combined families grow. Additionally, he returned to college and earned his BA in Performing Arts from Cal State Fullerton in 1995. He worked for several years with the Orange County Council on Aging as an Ombudsman, and enjoyed many years as an active member in the Orchestra at First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton. Charlie is survived by his wife, Claire, his daughters Jone Branum, Judy Carver, and Penny Robertson and their children and grandchildren; his stepsons Fred and Chris Telarico and their families; and he was preceded in death by his son, Steve, and daughter, Jan. Charles will indeed be missed by his entire extended family. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 11, 11:00 a.m., at First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton, North Campus location, Room 190 (2904 N. Brea Boulevard, at the northeast corner of Brea Boulevard and Rolling Hills Drive).