CHARLES, George

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, December 05, 2012 George Charles, community advocate for most of his life, was born Sept. 30, 1938 and died Nov 28, 2012. Charles was born here and raised in what is known by many old Arizonans as Charles’ Cabins. His father was Harry Charles and his mother was Billie. Billie died when he was very young. George helped his father and continued his father’s tradition of caring and befriending the veterans who lived in the cabins. Charles’ aunt Jesse Hamilton (sister to his mother) was one of the first teachers at Morristown School. All of the Hamilton side of the family has passed with the exception of Rupert, who resides in Tucson. George Charles spent his life giving to the community, including serving on the local water board and school board. He was a key player in bringing water service to Morristown, where residents hauled their water from train tanks until the early 1970s. He went on to write grants to improve and increase the capacity of local water tanks. Charles would come to the school in off hours and before school started each fall to rake and take care of the grounds with the heart of a former student. He was a quiet private person who did many good deeds without people being aware. He was reluctant to attend school reunions but when encouraged by former classmates, Charles Strephans, he came and had a great time. Many know George Charles for the many years he carried the mail on the Morristown Star Route that includes the Castle Hot Springs Route, Circle City, and northwest to the property known as Tim Buck Two. He was active in The Wickenburg Christian Men’s Association for many years. In recent years, Charles has been cared for by Bill Southern and his family. Bill plans to continue the legacy of the cabins. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 9) in the Morristown Christian Fellowship Church, officiated by Pastor Mike Jones. There will be a reception after the service, hosted by the General Federated Woman’s Club-Morristown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Morristown School Gift Fund.