Charles Sterling Ainsworth

Charles Sterling (Chuck) Ainsworth

With heavy hearts we announce Chuck's passing at the age of 75 on the evening of March 4th at his family home in Texarkana, AR under Hospice care with his wife by his side. Chuck was born December 5, 1945 in Texarkana, TX the fourth son of William (Bill) and Bernice (Bonnie) Ainsworth. He was preceded in death by his parents and his eldest brother, Billy Ray Ainsworth of Henderson, NV. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kay, his two sons Clint Ainsworth of Santa Fe, NM and Troy Ainsworth (Christina) of Los Cruces, NM, three grandchildren, Sheridan Ainsworth of Santa Fe, NM, Troy Charles Ainsworth and Rebecca Ainsworth of Los Cruces, NM, one nephew, two nieces and a large number of cousins. Also surviving him are two brothers, Eddie Ainsworth (Sharon) of Texarkana, AR, Louis Ainsworth of Dallas, TX, sister-in-law Sherri Ainsworth of Henderson, NV and his favorite dog, Autumn.

Chuck was an exceptionally good man who believed in living his life according to the values he learned in childhood from his loving parents and extended family members, his scout leaders and friends. He was proud to be an Eagle Scout, a member of Red Dirt Master Gardeners, and a re-enactor at Historic Washington State Park, AR. He never met a stranger, loved helping people and was a man people knew they could count on. He formed many lifelong friendships especially with the young men and women who shared his love and passion for canoeing and wilderness adventures. Chuck was the consummate planner and program promoter. He organized scores of canoe trips in the US and Canada as well as family reunions always making sure everyone had a memorable experience. He was well known for his ability to tell jokes for hours never repeating one or forgetting a punch line, and famous for his many stories about his adventures. He had an unmistakable voice, a genuine smile, along with a contagious laugh that reflected his great sense of humor. Chuck also loved history and was very knowledgeable of his family heritage and the lives and times of his ancestors, for whom he had a deep and loving respect. Even though his father passed away at the age of 54, a day never passed that he didn't think of him while living his life in a way that would honor him. He also deeply loved and respected his mother, and his in-laws who considered him their son. He had such a deep and intense love for his wife and sons that even death cannot diminish it. Truly, he will be missed by everyone he touched and remain in their hearts forever.

Chuck was a member of and grew up in Fairview United Methodist Church, which sponsored Troop 19 of which he was a member, but he felt closest to God in the forest or on the many rivers and lakes he paddled. He said it restored his soul. Paddling, he said, made him at one with nature. He loved floating his favorite rivers of Arkansas and Texas as well as far away remote places in Montana, Manitoba, and all the way to the Hudson Bay. He always felt safe and was never afraid no matter how challenging situations might become. He was a man who led by example and his crews had complete faith in him.

There will be a memorial service at a later date. This is being planned as an informal event bringing together around a campfire all who knew him, loved him and paddled with him to share our Chuck stories. We feel that to be a perfect way to honor him.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to his favorite causes: BSA Troop 19, Texarkana, AR, Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association (www.holry.org) or www.wingsofrescue.org/donate (#letthefurfly)

Online tributes may be submitted to www.eastfuneralhomes.com