Beale

Colonel Charles C. Beale USAF (Ret.) entered into rest May 1, 2006 in San Antonio at the age of 82. He was born June 17, 1923 in Springfield, LA to the late Clyde Beale and Effie (White) Beale. Colonel Beale enlisted into the USAF in 1942 as a private and retired thirty-three years later as a colonel. He fought in World War II, The Korean War, and Vietnam. During Vietnam, Colonel Beale was a commander of the largest air evacuation squadron in the history of the Air Force. He was an excellent communicator. His communication abilities demonstrated were used during the Commander's Call. In addition to his outstanding communication skills his organization skills were used to organize three detachments in Vietnam with headquarters in Japan. The detachments were like M.A.S.H. units in Vietnam. Followed by his communication and organizations skills, his ability to innovate came into place at critical times during his career. Colonel Beale helped transform a bus into a level ramp from the aircraft to the waiting ambulance. This was a vital part of the well being of the patient's because it kept them out of the snow and cold. Leaders are individuals that make the world go round. Without them, many men and women would be lost. All of the great leaders over time have certain things in common like their ability to motivate, communicate, organize, innovate and resolve conflicts. Colonel Beale was a great leader for the Air Force and would have been a great leader regardless of what time period he lived in or what profession he chose. He possesses what it takes to be a great leader and that has earned him the respect that he has attained. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Caroline Beale; son, Steve Beale; grandchildren, Christina Garber & husband Captain Christian Garber, Patrick Beale & wife Tasha; great granddaughter, Sydni Garber; two nephews, Thomas Bernard, and Dr. Robert Hanson Jr.; and mother of the grandchildren, Patti Beale. Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3 at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2006 at Sunset Funeral Home with committal services at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society. To pay tribute to the life of Colonel Beale, please log on to our website at www.mem.com for information. Sunset Funeral Home.