Charles William Zumwalt

"Charles W. Zumwalt, 81, passed away after complications from a stroke. He was born June 13, 1944, in High Hill, Missouri, to Clark and Ruth Zumwalt, and grew up on the family farm alongside his siblings. Those early years left a lasting mark on him, and he often shared stories of farm life, mischief, and the independence he developed there. As a young man, Charles worked locally before moving to Mexico, Missouri, where he took a job at a firebrick factory. Recognizing the toll the work was taking on others, he chose a different path and enlisted in the United States Army in 1968. He initially trained in the Signal Corps at Fort Leonard Wood and served as an instructor before volunteering for service in Vietnam. Assigned to Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery near the DMZ, Charles distinguished himself through courage and determination. During intense combat operations, he earned the Bronze Star with Valor for repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire while resupplying ammunition to gun positions under attack. In May 1969, he was severely wounded during a night engagement and evacuated. He later recovered partial vision and was medically discharged. Returning home, Charles faced significant challenges but refused to be defined by them. After traveling extensively and spending time with family, he eventually settled in Central Oregon. There, he found his footing working with the U.S. Forest Service, where he built a long and steady career. He also embraced the outdoors, becoming an avid cross-country skier and active member of the local community. In 1980, he met Glinda, who would become his wife. They married in 1983, and together built a home and family. Three years later, they welcomed their son. Charles continued working for the Forest Service until his retirement in 2014 at the age of 70. He was known for his independence, work ethic, and quiet resilience. He lived life on his own terms, carried his past without complaint, and remained devoted to his family throughout his life. He is survived by his wife, Glinda; his stepdaughter, Laura, and her sons, Seth, Jacob, Joel, and Luke, whose care and support meant so much in his final years; his son, Josh, along with his wife, Tiffany, and daughter, Sophia; and extended family who will remember him as a steady presence, a storyteller, and a man who endured more than most. He will be deeply missed."

Charles William Zumwalt

June 13, 1944 - March 13, 2026