LT. Col. Charles Eugene Norwood, USAF (Ret.), died June 7, 2018, with his family by his side at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Grapevine, Texas.
Charles was born February 22, 1934 in Marlin, Texas to Charlie and Trudie Norwood. After graduating from Waco High School, he attended Texas Tech University where he majored in Mechanical Engineering. During his college years he was in the Air Force ROTC and a member of the Saddle Tramps. He graduated in 1956 and married his college sweetheart, Virginia Hamilton, January 24, 1957.
He worked for the Corps of Engineers in Ft. Worth, Texas for six months and then began his US Air Force career with pilot training. His first assignment was Travis Air Force Base in California. He flew the Pacific in a Globemaster C-124 for five years. During his tour of duty in Pleiku, Vietnam he flew an O-1 spotter plane. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 15 Oak Leaf Clusters for his 320 missions, and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star. During his career, he was a Command Pilot with a total flying time of over 7000 hours in eight different planes. His final assignment was at the high-speed test track at Holloman AFB in Alamogordo. New Mexico. When he retired after 28 years, he had risen to the rank of Lt. Colonel.
During his Air Force years, Charles and Virginia were also raising their three children and upon retirement he and Virginia returned to Texas. They spent two years enjoying civilian life before Charles began his happy 22-year career as Director of Purchasing for the Irving Independent School District.
After retiring, Charles enjoyed watching college sports, researching genealogy, attending musical theater, and working puzzles and playing games with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Virginia, and daughters Diane Norwood, Cathy Noakes (and husband Jamie), and son Steven Norwood. He is also survived by grandson Kevin Norwood, who has been a great caregiver in recent years.
Visitation will begin at 10AM on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Rolling Oaks in Coppell, Texas. A memorial service will begin at 11AM, followed by burial with military honor guard at Rolling Oaks Memorial Center.
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