Charles “Chuck” Lee Dwyer, 94, of Wabash, Indiana passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on April 21, 1929, to the late James Lee Dwyer and Isabel Marie (Midlan) Donavon in Franklin, Ohio, where his father was a professional baseball player on the Cincinnati Reds Farm Team. James wanting a better life for his family, he took college classes in the evening. He learned to be a chemist and perfected a paper-making process which brought the family to Wabash in 1934.
Charles shared a love of sports with his father and excelled in baseball, basketball, football, track, and gymnastics. Sadly, his father passed away at one of his senior year football games.
Despite this great loss, Charles graduated from Wabash High School. and he forged ahead to Ball State University, where he excelled in gymnastics. A picture of him doing a “T” prominently hung on the gym wall for many years. Before he could finish his studies, Charles was drafted into the United States Army. He served honorably during World War II in Germany during the Cold War.
Charles was very active in his community. He had a continual membership for over 50 years at the American Legion Post 15 and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 286 since 1958. Charles was a longtime member of Christ United Methodist Church in Wabash. Charles devoted much of his time, talents, and love for athletics to his community. He volunteered with Saint Bernard Catholic School, coaching football and basketball. He also served for many years as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Wabash High School and the Wabash Express (a semi-pro football team in Wabash). He was a founding member of the high school’s Quarterback Club. In recognition for his many contributions to the school, Charles was named a Wabash Mr. Alumni in 1976. Charles was also instrumental in bringing girls softball to Wabash County in the 1970’s and volunteered as a coach.
Charles valued being with his family above everything and was happiest when everyone was together. His idea of the best part of the year was living in an over-crowded cottage, filled with family at Lake Wawasee. Charles loved his grandchildren and felt great pride in all of their accomplishments. He enjoyed golf, skiing, and teaching his nieces, nephews, and sons how to swim. He was a man of integrity and honor who could be counted on to serve his country, his community, and his family. He will greatly be missed.
Charles is survived by his longtime companion, Rita Schroll; two sons, Scott (Mike) Dwyer of Fort Wayne, Indiana, David (Mindy) Dwyer of Greenwood, Indiana; three grandchildren, Dawson Dwyer, Davis Dwyer, Delaney Dwyer, all of Greenwood, Indiana; one nephew, Jeff (Jennifer) Speicher, three nieces, Pam Urschel, Bev Kohn, Nancy Zorger; one great nephew, Jeff Urschel. He was proceeded in death by his parents; one sister, E. Janet Speicher.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Pastor Brad Wright officiating. Burial will take place at Falls Cemetery in Wabash.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials can be directed the Wabash Football Boosters in care of McDonald Funeral Homes.
McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Charles Dwyer’s final arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com