Charles (Chuck, Chili) Forsythe was born into the “Greatest Generation” in Krebs, Oklahoma on December 6,1921 to Walter (Rusty) and Hazel Forsythe. He was the second of six children, all of whom except one is predeceased. He passed away to join this special generation on January 5, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 98. Knowing his final days were near, he was constantly surrounded by his family and loved-ones.
As a young man growing up in the Great Depression, he fondly told stories of picking up coal from the side of the railroad tracks for home heating, hauling ice to homes on a route and working with an Uncle as a construction laborer.
When war broke out after the Japanese attack at Pear Harbor, Chuck enlisted in the Marine Corps. He trained for amphibious reconnaissance at Camp Pendleton, Ca. and was shipped to Hawaii. (So far, so good he thought.) The mission of his group “Force Recon” was to reconnoiter strategic enemy held Islands in the South Pacific (Think: Iwo Jima, Enewetoc etc) to determine enemy troop strength, armament, locations and other valuable information. This information was used to develop attack strategies for the pending invasion forces. To accomplish this, Chuck and his platoon were sent in rafts or just swam from their submarine ashore. Bowie Knives were to be used if they came upon an enemy sentry, then stealthily obtain the “intel” needed, and returned to their sub.
Upon his return to civilian life, he was married to Correne Bettine from 1945 until her death in 2011. Chuck and Correne had 4 children: Lawrence, Timothy, Charles Junior and Angela. They had 12 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and 12 great-grand children.
Chuck was a wonderful Husband, Father, Coach, Boss, Mentor and Friend to many. He was also a man of strong faith and purpose, sharing those beliefs and strengths with family, friends and employees alike.
Chuck, Correne, and children, moved from Detroit, Michigan to Tempe, Arizona in 1959 and resided in the Phoenix area. He spent his working career in construction and worked with Tibshraeny Bros, The Koll Company and MM Sundt Construction Company in supervisory roles specializing in large projects including high rises. Although a small project in stature, but not of significance, one of his favorites was the restoration of the Historic Rossen house in downtown Phoenix, AZ. After moving to Mesa in retirement, Chuck and Correne were active members at Red Mountain Community Church. Chuck was always ready to help with building projects including sets and backdrops for special church performances.
Chuck will be missed greatly, but the family takes great comfort in knowing that he has rejoined his wife, Correne and they are together in heaven.
God Bless you Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle, Friend and forever: Semper Fi !
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