Charles Shultz Obituary

 Charles “Charlie” Shultz was born Mar 31, 1931 in Floydada, TX to the home of Bon And Vallie Shultz, and died at his home on the evening of Aug. 12, 2024 in Portales, NM at the age of 93.  He was a 1950 graduate of Floydada High School.  Mr. Shultz went to work with a seismograph crew as a water boy and assistant driller with a crew testing for oil.  He started working in Floyd County, TX and followed the crew to Portales that fall.  He received notice that he was to be drafted into the US Army, but his reporting date was delayed.  Since he had already quit his job, he decided to enlist in the Air Force rather than wait to be drafted.

Mr. Shultz entered the US Air Force on May 18, 1951 where he served until Dec. 1, 1974 after more than 23 years of service to his country.  By the time he retired, he had achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.  During his years of service, he left footprints in Okinawa, Korea, Guam, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, New Guinea, Ireland, England, Scotland and France.  His highest awards are the Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Meal and the Bronze Star Medal.

In Sept. of 1975, he went to work for the DOD Navy at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, in Vallejo CA.  He started as machinist helper and retired as an Engineering Technician GS-12 on Mar. 1, 1995 after another 20 years of service.  He served 43 ½ years in service to his country.

In Mar. of 2000, he returned to Portales to help his sister, Gloria “Sug” Knox who was in declining health, and continued to assist in her care until her death in Mar. 2006.  In 2002 he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.  He was treated at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, and was released the following year.  In Oct. of 2008 he was diagnosed with lung cancer.  Following surgery to remove the tumor, it was found to be non-malignant.

On July 30, 1982 Taho, NV, he was married to Betty Jane Keen.  She was the most precious person in his life.  In his words, “she made my life complete.”

He is survived by his wife, Betty of their home; a daughter, Leslie J. Carver of Sacramento, CA, a son, John A. Shultz of Vacaville CA and a stepson, James Davidson of Dixon, CA, Douglas Davidson of Bakersfield, CA and Shawn Didway of Delhi, CA as well as numerous grandchildren.

No formal services are planned.