Charles "Chuck" Coen

Charles "Chuck" Coen

Charles "Chuck" Coen, Ph.D., Lieutenant Colonel, USAF Retired, passed away at his home in Weaverville, CA on July 29, 2009. Chuck was born on July 7, 1925 and is survived by Norma, his wife of 58 years. He is also survived by his daughters Bonnie Scroth and Pam Coen, his son Rick Coen, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Chuck left his family with a legacy of heroism and honor. He was a veteran of three wars. He served on active duty during World War Two with the Army Air Corps, and the U.S. Air Force during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. As a B52 aircraft commander, Chuck also served during the Cold War. He was on active duty in Puerto Rico during the Cuban Missile Crisis. As a member of the Armed Services he was triple rated as a bombardier, navigator, and pilot. During the Vietnam War Chuck went from flying B-52s to flying the Air Force Cessna OlE as a forward air controller.

Chuck was a highly decorated veteran who received medals and awards that are too numerous to mention. The highlights include two awards of the Silver Star for valor and extraordinary heroism. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguished support of operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement while in aerial flight. In addition, Chuck was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for distinguished heroism not involving conflict with an enemy, and at a risk to one’s life to save another. Last but not least, Chuck was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery and acts of merit or meritorious service, and the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.

After retiring from the Air Force, Chuck went on to a career as a building official. He obtained his contractors license and was employed as a building official for Humboldt County, and served as Chief Building Inspector for Nevada, and Placer counties. During his tenure as a building official, Chuck served as the President for the California Building Officials (CALBO) and was also active in the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO). One of his most prized awards was the Sacramento Chapter of ICBO’s Porcelain Pony Award for the Inspector of Year. During this time Chuck obtained his Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering. His efforts towards his degree assisted him and other building officials in drafting international building codes covering the requirements for snow load on buildings.

Chuck retired in 1994, and he and Norma moved to Weaverville to be closer to their family. He was active in the local senior center, serving on the Board of Directors for the Golden Age Center. Chuck’s family remember him as determined, tenacious, intelligent, humorous, sweet, loving, and tender. Chuck was beloved and he will be missed!

Gifts in Chuck’s memory may be made to the Golden Age Center in Weaverville.

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