Charles Walton Roades

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Norm Blahuta on August 21, 2010:

Farewell to Chuck Roades Services for Chuck Roades were held in the Old Chapel at Fort Myer on August 18, 2010. Unfortunately Virginia experienced some torrential rains that day and some of those who intended to attend, were not able to come. Since there was no lightning after Chapel services, we followed the Caissons to the Columbarium. Chas Roades' eulogy was a great tribute to his father's life highlighting his strong loyalty to the class, West Point, the military, and his family. He was also a linguest, a poet, a teacher, great conversationalist and story teller, and as we all know, a great writer as our scribe for 25 years. Graveside was at the Columbarium which is a peaceful area well designed. There, the last tribute was paid to COL Charles Roades with the sound of the rifle salute, and coincidentally, a flyover by one jet aircraft and taps followed by the folding of the flag. After services, everybody gathered at the Army Navy Country Club and enjoyed a lively reception with much conversation. Chuck would have been proud of his 5 young grandchildren ranging in ages of 1 to 13. Like their grandfather, they were good conversationalists. Those in attendance were Jim Ryan, Hank Meetze, Bob & Nancy Russell, Bob Deardorff, Tommy & Elaine West, Greta Masson, Jack Doyle, Matt & Betty Schepps, Bill & Joan McCulla, Bob Newton, Ray Gunderson, Jack & Dorothy Goldstein, John & Anita Rudski, John & Ruth Sloan, Val Bundren, Dan Troyan, Zach Hagedorn, Chuck & Barbara Ewing, Marty McGuire, Jon & Ofelia Vanden Bosch, Bob Carpenter, Norm and Barb Blahuta and Bill Schrage (56). Sorry, if I missed anyone. For me, it was an honor to serve as the LCA. Norm

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