Richard Robert Charles

Richard "Rick" Robert Charles April 17, 1956 – August 6, 2025 Richard "Rick" Robert Charles, 69, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at IU Health Bloomington Hospice House after a courageous two-month battle with brain cancer. Rick was born on April 17, 1956, in Ashtabula, Ohio, to Fred Milton and Ann Aikens Charles, originally of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He spent his childhood and young adulthood in several places across the country due to his father's career, with especially fond memories of Gauley Bridge, West Virginia; Marietta, Ohio; Ridgefield, Connecticut. Ricks career later led him to Greensboro, North Carolina and Bloomington, Indiana where he retired. Rick graduated from Christchurch School, a boarding high school in Christchurch, Virginia. He went on to earn a business degree from Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT, and later, a chemistry degree from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. He began his professional career as an environmental chemist with Test America in Greensboro, where he worked from 1997 to 2007. That role brought him to Bloomington, where he continued his work as an analytical chemist at Cook Medical until his retirement in 2022. Rick had a lifelong passion for sports - especially golf - which he both played and followed avidly. He was also a devoted food connoisseur and a talented home chef, known for his creativity in the kitchen and love of a great meal. He was an active member of The Golf Club at Eagle Pointe community, where he enjoyed golf outings, neighborhood events, and time spent with friends. Of all his joys, family was Rick's greatest. He loved traveling, particularly to visit his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson in North Carolina, where he cherished his role as a proud and devoted grandfather. Rick is survived by his loving wife, Laura (Hagel) Charles; his daughter, Courtney (Charles) Lowrance and her husband Kevin; and his treasured grandson, Palmer Lowrance. He is also survived by his siblings Fred "Ted" Charles, Steven Charles (Carolyn), Cynthia Peaslee, Amy Pratt (Joe), and his brother-in-law, Bill DeVegter. He was preceded in death by his sister, Susan DeVegter, and his parents, Fred and Ann Charles. Rick will be remembered for his sharp intellect, dry humor, deep compassion, and the unwavering love he had for his family. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. At Rick's request, there will be no formal funeral services. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. Charitable donations may be made to Monroe Fire Protection District Station 21 at 9094 S. Strain Ridge Road Bloomington, IN 47401 or IU Health Bloomington Hospice House at 2810 S. Deborah Drive Bloomington, IN 47403 in his memory. Cremation Rites have been accorded. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com