Charles Francis Spain 'Chuck' was born in Warren County, November 13, 1927 and passed away peacefully in his Warren County farm home with his family beside him, on Monday, November 19, 2007.

After attending Simpson College, Charles served as Gunner's Mate, 3rd Class, in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1947. He received his undergraduate degree in forestry from Iowa State University and was a graduate of Drake University with a Masters in Earth Science. While raising his seven children and working the family farm, he taught Earth Science 23 years at Callanan, three years at Roosevelt, one year at Weeks and eight years at Lincoln. "Chuck probably invented hands-on science. He was an environmentalist long before it was in vogue. Student involvement and a continuous search for new methods are Chuck's style."

Charles was deeply involved in Iowa Conservation. He served on the Warren Co. Conservation Board for 20 years, Warren Co. Board of Review and was elected Warren County Soil and Water Commissioner. Charles was Camp Director with the Iowa Youth Conservation Corps for 22 summers. His service, commitment and personal contributions to the conservation and preservation of Iowa's natural resources was profoundly recognized by his colleagues, fellow educators, students and community alike. "So many trees, bridges, walking paths and park benches have been put in place because of the dedication of this man." Charles left the classroom after 36 years to pursue other creative efforts fulltime.

Charles had the soul of a poet, was a musician, song writer, writer and artist. Singing and playing every instrument from trumpet and banjo to the fiddle, music was a tremendous part of his life and he shared it with all. It was hard to keep a dry eye when he'd sing Danny Boy.

Charles was proceeded in death by his parents; mother, Delia and father, Francis Spain.

He is survived by his seven children, Sarah, Sean (Diane) Spain, Patrick (Carrie) Spain, Seamus, Molly, Peter Spain (Marie Herring) and Siobhan Spain (Jonathan delima); grandchildren, Andrea Ferrigno, Keith Kimsey, Nicolas Spain, Danny Hoffenberg, Joshua Spain, Dylan Kimsey, Mitchell Spain, Matt Hoffeberg, Jordan Spain, Jacob Spain, Ryan Hoffenberg; great- grandchildren Lily Criswell and Levi Kimsey.

Gravesite military honors will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Churchville, Iowa on Sunday, November 25 at 11:30 a.m. A celebration of memories with potluck and music will follow at 1 p.m. at the Celebration Barn in Cumming, Iowa. He was cremated and a private burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Warren County Conservation Board, 15565 118th Avenue, Indianola, Iowa 50125.