Charles David English

Charles “Chuck” was born in Oak Harbor, Washington. His father was in the Navy and his childhood was spent primarily in Jacksonville, Florida and Riverdale California. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army and served in both Korea and in combat in Vietnam.

Like many veterans of that area, Chuck struggled to re-enter society. His adult years were marked by long periods of homelessness and incarceration. During times of stability, he was married and had a beautiful daughter, Jennifer, whom he loved very much. He was also a stucco worker and did odd jobs.

Throughout it all, his love of God remained constant and he always had an underlying desire to turn his life around. While in prison, he read the entire Bible seven times. His kindness and generosity touched many and he was known for giving away his last dime. He had immense gratitude for the Koinonia Church and his church family. Even as his illness progressed, he was strong in faith, and was determined to make it to both Sunday services and his Thursday Night Men’s Group.

Chuck also expressed deep gratitude for the soup kitchen at the Episcopal Church and the food pantries. He was especially grateful to be housed in an apartment by WestCare Outreach Services to Homeless Veterans.

He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Beltran; his grandchildren, Kalista and Cameron; his mother Edie English; and his siblings, Robert English, David English, Deborah Williams, Anne English, and Kathryn Davis.

His motto in life was…

“Try to live each day with more positives than negatives”.