Charles Kenneth "Chuck" Boles, age 81, of San Diego, California passed away on Friday, June 25, 2021. Chuck was born February 15, 1940, in Malden Missouri to Beryl and Ruby Boles. He spent most of his childhood in Alamosa Colorado. But he attended his last year of high school in Valley Center Kansas. After graduating, Chuck joined the Marine Corps and began the adventure of a lifetime.
Chuck was a Marine (Staff Sergeant), Diplomat, Teacher, Historian and volunteer. In each of these roles he was uncompromising in his honesty and integrity, unlimited in the love and joy he gave to others, and above all steadfast in his loyalty and devotion to his country, family, and friends- no matter how difficult the course or consequences.
Though Chuck had many occupations in his life, he was a Marine first and foremost, forever proud of his service to his country in Vietnam. In his master's thesis he recounted the devastating and fateful decisions that led to the war and the loss of so many lives on both sides. But duty was the call he answered without hesitation or regret. His last wish was to be laid to rest with his Marines at Miramar National Cemetery - Semper Fi to the end.
The Marines took Chuck to Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. With the State Department he completed assignments in the Sudan, El Paso, Washington DC, China, Afghanistan, Colombia and Israel.
While in Afghanistan, Chuck's Ambassador Adolph "Spike" Dubs was kidnapped and assassinated on February 14, 1979. Chuck investigated the events and reported his findings to Washington. But no action was taken and the true perpetrators were never brought to justice. Chuck could not understand the failure to respond and never stopped his pursuit of the truth. Two years ago, he found an ally in Canadian journalist Arthur Kent. Kent contacted Chuck for his help in writing a book that would finally set forth the true story of the Ambassador's death. "Murder in Room 117" chronicles the investigation Chuck and others conducted in 1979, augmented with additional evidence Kent tirelessly pursued and put to pen. The book was published a few months before Chuck's death. He passed away knowing that his good friend's death had been vindicated.
After his retirement, from the State Department, Chuck obtained a teaching credential from National University and completed a master's degree in History at San Diego State University. But in retirement, his most satisfying accomplishment was his service as a volunteer at the Little Angel's Learning Center and later the Boys and Girls Club in Escondido. He received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the North County Philanthropy Council in 2006. Chuck considered working with young children the most fun he ever had. He even had Sparkles the Clown on speed dial to help entertain the kids.
This proud Marine is now guarding the streets of Heaven. He will forever be in our hearts and minds, and we are all better for having called him friend. Chuck is survived by his wife of 37 years Debbie McCarthy, daughter Sharon Boles, sons David and Josh boles, daughter-in-law Lorena Boles, his beloved grandchildren Evan and Joan Boles, sisters June Rogers and Cathy Stewart, brother Jack Boles, sister-in-law Mary Beth Boles, and a fantastic extended family and many friends who will cherish his memory forever.
A memorial service for Chuck will be held Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121. Following the memorial service will be a graveside service from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122. A reception will follow at the Ballast Point Brewing Company, 9045 Carrol Way San Diego, CA 92121 from 1PM-3PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sorrentovalleychapel.com for the Boles family.
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