Charles William Greathouse May 7, 1935 - March 27, 2020
Charles William Greathouse passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on March 27, 2020 at the age of 84 while recovering from open heart surgery in Bountiful, Utah. Charles was born, the oldest of 5 on May 7, 1935 to Frank Adam Greathouse Sr. and Ardella Hicks Greathouse in Midvale, Utah. Charles had a happy childhood while growing up in Ventura, California. He graduated from Ventura High School in 1953, he then attended Ventura College for one year where he played football. Charles then served in the Army Reserves before he went on to serve in the United States Air Force. He ended his military career at the Air Force Academy where he flew with the Cadets. He was honorably discharged in 1959. Charles met his Sweetheart, of 62 years, Darlene Loveland in August 1956 through friends that set them up. They were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in November 1957. After his military service Charles continued to work in the civil service at Point Magu where he was a part of the MERCURY Operation. He then enrolled into BYU Provo in 1963. Charles graduated from BYU in 1969 with a degree in Computer Technology. After graduating he had the honor of returning to BYU as a lecturer. After BYU Charles went to work for Hughes Aircraft in Fullerton, California, where he wrote the programs for many radar and defense systems. He retired after 26 years in 1995 after working all over the world. Charles lived and raised his family in La Habra, California with short stints to Northern California, Hampton Virginia and Taiwan due to his work with Hughes Aircraft. Charles had many hobbies that he loved sharing and teaching to his family. He was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, backpacker, private pilot, lapidary, gardener and marksman. He loved spending time with his family and he took them on many wonderful family vacations and taught them a love of camping, fishing and hiking. He especially enjoyed fishing trips to Alaska to visit his brother Frankie, with his sons and best friend Norm Carver. In 2004 Charles and Darlene packed up their La Habra home and moved to Meridian, Idaho where they have resided for the last 16 years. Above all, Charles loved serving in many callings and capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, including serving for over 20 years in the Los Angeles and Boise Temples. He served in many callings working with the youth in the Deacons Quorum and served many years in the scouting program. He also served as a Branch Instructor at the State Prison, where he helped conduct church services for the inmates. Charles has a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel and of eternal families. He was a great example to all who knew him. Charles is preceded in death by his son Bryan Greathouse, parents Frank (Sr) and Ardella Greathouse, siblings Paul Kent Greathouse and Shirley Davidson and 3 grandsons. Charles is survived by his sweetheart Darlene, his children Pamela Brookhouser (Jim), Gordon Greathouse (Sandra), Cheryl Hansen (Darin), Glenn Greathouse ( Jamie), Joanne Hazlett (Joshua), 22 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; siblings Frank Greathouse Jr., Mary Towne and many nieces and nephews. Due to the COVID-19 quarantine a memorial service and military honors will be held at a future date. His graveside dedication will be attended by his wife and children at Idaho Veterans Cemetery, Boise, Idaho.
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