Charles Obituary (Nov 17)

 Go here to read the obituary for Charles as it appeared in The Arizona Republic on Nov 17, 2009.

His Last Outgoing Voice Mail Message

A couple people I've talked to in the last couple days shyly admitted that they called Charles' cell phone after his death, because they missed hearing his voice on his outgoing voicemail message. It's nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, the night before the answering machine was changed to inform people what happened, I - not knowing that the message would be changed - called his cell myself and recorded the outgoing voice mail message for the very same reason. 

The podcast recording you'll find here was recorded on 11/14/09. [It will open a new page, so when you're done, click your browsers 'back' button to return to this website.] It seems like the recording is done at one point, but wait for the last word from the woman's voice. It moved me in a way it never had before. 

Memories of Charles

This blog post is for sharing your memories of Charles.

Video Montage: Thank You

Thank you to everyone who sent pictures and videos of Charles, not to mention words of compassion, kindness and sympathy for my wife and I.

~ Joey

8-min Music Video (2007)

Letter from Pastor Dan Flemming

The day after the accident, Pastor Dan Flemming (lead pastor at the church where Charles played piano every Sunday), sent this letter to his congregation:

Friday, Nov 13

Dear Friends,

Our dear brother Charles was killed in an auto accident early Thursday morning - around 6:30 - outside of Globe, AZ on highway 77.

[Webmaster comment: I'm afraid that at this time, Sunday morning, 11/15/09, these are the only facts we know. Where Charles had come from, what the circumstances where, how he was found, who found him, etc. are all under investigation. The instant the lead investigator gives us any more details I will post them to this website. Before that, I'll send an announcement via the website newsletter, so please sign up if you have not done so already.]

Charles traveled extensively all over the valley giving piano lessons - he had piano students out in Globe as well.

We are all in a state of shock and devastation.

Please pray for Charles' mother, Louise. She lived with him and he cared for her in many ways. She will miss him terribly. This afternoon while she was grieving she was also leaning on her faith - knowing that she would see him again in heaven and that God is good and that this will not cause her to turn away from God.

Since Charles was an only child there are no other family members to help her, she asked me to help her. So please pray for me as I help her sort through the many details of Charles' life.

When we know the details for when or where a memorial will be held we will celebrate Charles' life.

Many have called to express their grief and pain at the loss we feel. We are so interconnected. The AZ DPS officer who came to inform Mrs. Wells attends the Sun City Nazarene church and was able to locate me by calling his pastor, Marion McKelleps.

Life is fragile and temporary. The Bible says we are a mist or a vapor. Please take time to affirm and encourage each other daily - each time we have an opportunity. Affirm the importance of each member in our faith community and family members. We never know when it may be our last opportunity to convey our love and appreciation.

I love you dear friends.

Pastor Dan