Obituary

Dr. Charles D. Wise of Milton died on July 31, 2009, at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House in Huntington.

Charles was born in Guyandotte June 13, 1926, to the late Fred E. and Maggie Harshbarger Wise. He graduated from East Bank High School in 1944 and served in the United States Army in both the Philippines and Japan during World War II. After discharge in 1946, he attended Marshal University for two years. In March 1947, he married Juanita Meadows of Marmet. In 1948, they moved to Morgantown to attend West Virginia University, where he earned his Bachelors of Arts and a Masters of Science. He moved back to Charleston, where he taught at St. Albans High School for two years. He applied at the University of New Mexico for a grant to work on a doctorate. Then he moved to Amarillo, Texas, and taught at the Amarillo College for two years. He then moved to Austin, Texas, to continue his studies toward completing his Doctorate. There he worked at the University of Texas Marine Science at Port Aransis, Texas. After two years he returned to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to complete his doctoral training, which he received in August of 1962. From there he went to Ball State University and taught biology courses for thirty years. During this time he was elected to the Indiana General Assembly as a member of the House of Representatives for two years. He also served in the Indiana Senate for four years. Charles was on the board of directors for Mental Health Services for East Central Indiana 1974-1977. He was the recipient for a Marshall University Alumni Community Achievement award 1993, named Alumnus of the Year at East Bank High School, WVA 1977; Fellow Ind. Acad. Science; member of the Nat. Assn. State Legislators (life member); National Audubon Society, Indiana Audubon Society (past president, conservation award 1977), East Central Indiana Audubon Society (president 1988-90; conservation award 1984); Sigma Xi Research Society (life member and president Ball State University Chapter); Board of Directors Hoosier Environment Council 1990-93; Republican; and Presbyterian. His avocations were bird watching, travel, languages, genealogy, history; and writing poetry.

Charles is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Juanita; his daughter and son-in law, Sandra and Michael Moore of Richmond, Ind.; two grandchildren, Joan and Charles Moore of Markisan, Wis.; and Abby and Rick Flowers of Anderson, Ind. He had six great-grandchildren, Kaya, Corin and Karsyn Moore of Markesan, Wis.; Rickie, Lucus and Curtis Flowers of Anderson, Ind. Charles is also survived by a brother, Fred Wise (June) of Charlotte, N. C. He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul and Earline Meadows of Marmet, John (Tom) Meadows of Marmet, Bill and Charlotte Meadows of Mobile, Ala., and Carl and Joan Meadows of St. Gabriel, La. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, a brother, Lloyd Wise; and sister, Frances Paxton, preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, at Heck Funeral Home, 1007 Smith St., Milton. The Rev. Damron Bradshaw will officiate. Interment will be at Milton Cemetery.

Relatives and friends are welcome at the Heck Funeral Home on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, 3100 Staunton Rd., Huntington, WV 25702 or to a place of your choosing.

We would like to thank all the wonderful staff and volunteers for their help and support, especially Raymond, Lois and Ginger!