Charles Lawrence Spann's Obituary
Charles Lawrence SpannAug. 18, 1912 – Aug. 27, 2017Charles Spann, 105, passed away in his sleep very early Sunday morning, August 27, 2017. Charlie was born in Clifton, AZ on Aug. 18, 1912, to Charles and Mabel Spann. He had an older sister Alice Spann Crabb. He attended Clifton High School and excelled in tennis. While in high school he worked part time as a butcher and over the years he demonstrated his skill at carving up the meat. He also butchered a number of deer brought to him by his hunting buddies. After graduating in 1930 the butcher shop closed down and work was hard to find during the depression. Finally in 1932 he signed up to join the Navy. Due to the small acceptance of applications at the time it took a full year before they got to his name. He learned his trade there as an electrician proudly serving his country from Aug. 1933 to Aug. 1937. He served on land and on the sea on the USS Texas. He enjoyed attending reunions of the ship and was the oldest surviving member of the crew. Upon leaving the Navy he worked for Phelps Dodge and Bechtel. In 1937 he met the love of his life, Maude Robertson, who was visiting the Clifton area. They married on Dec. 8,1939. They were married for over 77 years. Moving to California he began working as a maintenance electrician in the foundry business. This only lasted a few years as the weather was too cold and rainy. Then moving to Phoenix, AZ he worked construction. It turned out AZ was too hot and sunny so after a few years it was back to CA and eventually settling in San Lorenzo and back to work in the foundry business finishing up his 42 year career at Pacific Steel Casting in Berkeley CA. Charlie served in a number of organizations including Elks, PTA, the local Democratic Club, and The San Lorenzo Sociables. Charlie and Maude enjoyed a number of cruises. One of their best trips was going through the Panama Canal which Charlie had also done in the Navy and then they celebrated their seventieth wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in a ceremony performed by the ship’s captain. One of the joys of his life was going to his cabin in Boulder Creek CA with the family and his beloved dog Pretzel. There was a special place there he called his office. It consisted of two redwood trees that supported his Navy hammock. In his family he was famous for his BBQ and smoked meat aptly aided byMaude turning out some unique sauces. In the 1950s before mesquite was widely recognized as a prime BBQ fuel he was already importing it from AZ. Many people struck up conversations with Charlie when he was out driving his beautiful 1967 RS Camaro. His driver’s license wasn’t due to expire until 2019 but he had stopped driving about two years ago. Another favorite pastime was playing pool. Charlie had a few friends that liked pool but would not play with him because he always won. He enjoyed teaching some of his grandsons to play. Once Charlie and grandson Ben entered a pool tournament and both won first place in their class. Charlie and Maude spent many enjoyable hours with the San Lorenzo Sociables making many good friends over the years. Because of his work with the Bingo team he was often referred to as Bingo Charlie. In later years as he slowed down he loved reading westerns, particularly Louis L’Amour novels. He was looking forward to receiving the latest one which he had on order. Charlie and Maude became quite the celebrities in the last few years by appearing in TV commercials and on billboards from CA to New York City for Meals on Wheels. Charlie is survived by his son Larry Spann (Fran) and Carol Newsom (Bob) and many grand, great grand and great great grandchildren. The family would like to thank the wonderful care given to Charlie by the staff of Tender Heart Home Care in his final months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Meals on Wheels. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Chap el of the Chimes 32992 Mission Blvd.,Hayward CA94544
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