Charles A. Fleming's Obituary
Charles A. “Chuck”, “Bapa” Fleming
March 29, 1921 ~ August 12, 2016
Beloved family Patriarch Charles Alvin Fleming, 95, of St. Helens, passed away on Aug. 12, 2016, at Spring Meadows Assisted Living.
Charles was born March 29, 1921, in Salem, Oregon, to George and Mildred Fleming, he was the eldest of five boys.
The family later moved to Ridgefield, Washington, where Chuck started his love of working on the water as a Commercial Fisherman at the age of 15. He helped support his family after his father passed away. He then worked at Shepard Towing Company on the Columbia River in St. Helens.
On Sept. 15, 1944, Charles married Amelia “Butch” Fleming, who preceded him in death in March of 2016. After marrying he went into World War II, serving on an Army Sea and Rescue boat until 1946. He was married to the love of his life for 73 years.
Chuck and Amelia spent their married life in St. Helens living many years in a float house while they Commercial fished together. Chuck then worked as a Tug Boat Captain for Smith Tug and Barge, in St. Helens and for Knappton Towboat Company, in Rainier, Oregon, before retiring in 1985.
Chuck was a member of the Mason and Elks Lodge. He enjoyed golfing, gardening, metal detecting and coaching softball. There is a softball field in St. Helens dedicated to him for all his hard work and dedication.
Chuck is survived by: one brother, Gene Fleming of Coos Bay, Oregon; his daughter, Sandra Fleming, of St. Helens, Oregon; three grandchildren, Tammy Oliva (John), of Longview, Washington; Charles German, of Portland, Oregon; and Danette Russell (Jeremy), of Columbia City, Oregon. He also has five great grandchildren.
Chuck was a hard worker and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be missed forever.
Services will be held at Columbia Funeral Home at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17,2016.
Vault interment will follow at Columbia Memorial Gardens.
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