Charles William Bookhammer
May 23, 1948 - October 15, 2009
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Charles William Bookhammer
May 23, 1948 - October 15, 2009
Obituary
Charles William Bookhammer, 61, was born May 23, 1948 in Atlanta, Georgia and passed away October 15, 2009 in Orange, California. He served in the United States Navy from 1965 1969 through three tours of Vietnam. On his third and final tour he was awarded the Purple Heart while serving with the River Patrol Forces. Chuck graduated from El Camino Community College in 1977 through the GI Bill and volunteered as a reserve police officer for the city of Hawthorne. With each passing year, Chuck became more involved in the community through the YMCA and was a long standing member and past President of the Kiwanis’s Club of Hawthorne. Chuck served on the Hawthorne City Council for 14 years from 1983-1999, of which he served as Mayor pro tem for a period of time. He served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for LA County Supervisor Yvonne Burke from 1992-2008. After which Chuck transferred to the CDC until his retirement in June 2009. Since June Chuck has worked part time as a government consultant to the LA Board of Realtors.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Jen Troy Pliska, Michelle Josh Curtis, Brandi Bookhammer, Tracy Bookhammer-Rose; brother, Robert Linda Bookhammer; sister, Carol John Christian and grandchildren, Tyler, J.J., Tanner, Connor, Madison, Evan and Jaxon. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret and his sister, Donna Meuse.
A Memorial Service will be Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 11:30am at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center, 22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Charles’ name to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, www.dav.org/donate/FAQ.aspx.
O’Connor Mortuary, 949 581-4300
www.oconnormortuary.com
23 responses to Charles William Bookhammer
Larry & Irene Stephens says:
October 21, 2009
“He flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And he walks with Jesus and his loved ones waiting
And I know he’s smiling saying
Don’t worry ’bout me”
—-
We were so blessed to have known Chuck and be part of the family through our son. He was a wonderful Grandpa and Father and we could see the love he had for his beautiful wife Barb and his family.
We will treasure Chuck’s memory, as he will always be in our hearts. God Bless.
Lisa Cornelison says:
October 21, 2009
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there
I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glintz of snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autums rain
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there
I did not die
Richard Lara says:
October 21, 2009
It is because of the opportunity that Chuck gave me to work for him that I am now a Permanent employee in the county. My thoughts and prayers are for the family.
Thank you Chuck. You were a tremendously great guy.
Robert & Sandy Wiebort says:
October 21, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are very sorry for your loss.
Cindy Starrett says:
October 22, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing and want to give my best wishes to his family. I had the privilege of working with him both at the County and when he was on the City Council. He was always fair, thoughtful, and committed to doing the right thing for the institutions he served and the community. I will certainly be making a donation in his memory to the Disabled American Veterans, and am very sorry for his loss.