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Charles Chrispell Obituary
Charles (Charlie) was born to the Reverend James R. and Bertha (Rose) Chrispell on March 9, 1936 in Union City, Michigan. After completing high school in Hastings, Michigan, Charlie followed his older brother Richard (Dick) to Marion College (now known as Indiana Wesleyan University). After graduation Charlie earned his master's degree from Ball State Teachers College in Muncie. Charlie was a history teacher at Oak Hill High School and a popular TV personality in the 1960's at WTAF in Marion where he was known as "Charlie the Weather Man." He was later an executive with St. Regis paper company, moving first to Chicago and then to California where he was in charge of the West Coast Paper and Bag making companies. In 1993, after an amicable divorce from his first wife Helen Chrispell (deceased, December 2021) Charlie married the second love of his life and childhood friend Donnie Lake. They were married 31 years and enjoyed 27 years of golfing retirement in Litchfield Park, Arizona.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; sister Jessie A. Moorehead; brother Reverend Richard J. Chrispell; and sister Alma J. Chrispell.
He is survived by his wife Donnie; children Greg (Cindy) Chrispell; Jeffrey (Mary) Chrispell; and daughter Susan Chrispell. Survivors also include Donnie's children Laurie (Steve) Gediman; Ken (Laurleen) Lake; Wes (Rita) Lake; grandson Taylor Chrispell, and Donnie's five grandchildren.
Charlie lived a full and prosperous life and will be remembered as a fun and accomplished man.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Chrispell
Susan Blair Drago
November 21, 2025
Best teacher and class sponsor our class of '64 ever had! He will not be forgotten by the students fortunate enough to have known him.
Richard Florea
December 4, 2024
Lots of great memories working with "Charlie, the Weatherman" at WTAF-TV in the 1960's.
Bill Carson
December 4, 2024
Charlie was a wonderful fellow. He sold me a home made sail boat back in the 70"s. Many years of fun sailing. RIP Charlie.
Jim Arnold
December 4, 2024
I worked as a WTAF cameraman for Charlie while in high school. I remember him as a funny and very kind person. RIP, Charlie.
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Jim Arnold
December 4, 2024
I was a cameraman for Charlie the weatherman while in high school. I will always remember his fun personality and how much he cared for everyone. He made every newscast sunny. RIP.
Bill Henry
December 4, 2024
Charlie was a wonderful guy and his obituary captured the man I knew. My condolences to his family. May his memory be a blessing.
Pam Bragg Foley
December 3, 2024
Mr Chrispell was the best history teacher! Made history fun and easy to learn. The best for sure
Susan Blair Drago
December 3, 2024
The very best teacher I ever had. Funny, kind, interesting, and understanding. Always available to any student who had a problem, and gave the best advice!
Mary Elaine McGraw Kritsch
December 3, 2024
My "World History" class at Oak Hill High School in the early 60´s is remembered fondly. It was fascinating and filled with humor all because of Mr. Chrispell! He was the reason for my major (political science) and minor (history) at Indiana University in Bloomington culminating with my graduation from there. May Mr. Chrispell rest in peace, and his family know that he had a positive impact on my life as I´m sure he did on many other students.
Kay Ramsey Marcuson
December 3, 2024
Mr. Chrìspell was my 10th grade world history teacher at Oak Hill. He made the class interesting & fun. Great memories of his class!
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