Obituary of Charles Shineflew

Charles B. Shineflew Our devoted Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, and uncle went home to be with our Lord and Savior on March 2. We are comforted he is reunited with his loving wife of 66 years, Norma, who preceded him in death July 2015. Born in Des Moines, Iowa on December 21, 1930, he would share his birthday with his first-born grandson for 27 years. He was the first of six children born to Charles H. and Florence M. (Garrison) Shineflew, and was preceded in death by both parents, and siblings Gene, Dwight, Kenney, Joyce, and Shirley. In 1947 Chuck joined the Army at 16 and earned the Sharp Shooter, Victory WWII, and Ruptured Duck medals. He was honorably discharged when his age was discovered. He served at Fort Lewis, loved the beauty of the Northwest, and would later move his family here. He married Norma Jean Loose in 1949, and their union produced 5 children, Victoria L (Richard) Thivener, Deborah S. (Timothy) Morris, Charles Norman (died shortly after birth), Cynthia J. (Scott) Folk, and Timothy C. and wife Robin (Wood). Working from an early childhood age, Chuck began to establish his legacy of determination and positive thinking. He was accepted into IBEW Local 347 of Des Moines, Iowa in 1955, and worked in electrical trade to retirement. He proudly detailed his work on the St Joseph Hospital building to the staff there. The move to Tacoma in 1962 is marked with the acceptance into the Church family at Immanuel Baptist on Pacific Avenue. He was a dedicated Deacon and Treasury Board member over the years and holds the Honor of Deacon Emeritus to his death. Chuck is survived by his 4 children, his niece Amy, who he raised, 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, his dear companion Bonnie, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, all of whom enjoy mutual love and respect throughout his life. A Celebration of Life will be held at Immanuel Celebration Church, 9244 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98444, on Saturday, March 19, at 11:30 AM. Chuck asked that any donations be made to Immanuel Day Care, established by Norma in the 1970's.