Charles Melvin Hiles

Obituary Obituary for Charles M. Hiles Charles Melvin Hiles was born on October 14, 1920 in Reliance, Wyoming to George and Marietta Hiles. He died of pneumonia on May 8, 2010 at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. Charles was the youngest of four children. His siblings, Winifred, George, and John, all died before him. At the age of 9, his family moved to a farm in Idaho. Charles joined the U.S. Army during World War II and became an aircraft mechanic. He served in the 45th Bomb Squad, 40th Bomb Group, maintaining B-29 Bombers. He was stationed on the island of Tinnia as well as in India. He was honorably discharged from the Army on December 1, 1945, and served in the Air Force Reserve until his Honorable Discharge on November 30th, 1948. Charles married Julia Gallagher in Nampa, Idaho on July 3, 1948. The couple moved to Lakewood, Washington in 1950, where Charles became employed by Civil Service at McChord Air Force Base as an aircraft mechanic. He later changed his employment to Fort Lewis as a helicopter mechanic, and was promoted to helicopter maintenance inspector. He retired in 1980. Charles is survived by his wife, Julia, of Olympia, WA, their four children: Charlene Stanton of Valley Springs, California, Dolores Bruner of Aberdeen, WA, Paul Hiles of Seattle WA, and Brian Hiles of Indianapolis, Indiana, and nine grandchildren: Sarah Carossino, Christopher Bruner, Timothy Bruner, Nicholas Hiles, Michaela Hiles, Catherine Hiles, Maria Hiles, Charles Hiles, and Max Hiles. A tenth grandchild, Jonathan Bruner, predeceased Charles. Charles was a do it yourself man. He was proficient in automobile mechanics, carpentry, home maintenance, and electronics. In the summers, he enjoyed salmon fishing at Westport, WA. He was the technical director for Washington State March for Life, being in charge of the PA system. He was also a member of the Lakewood Elks Lodge, being in charge of Bingo for many years, and was a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church. Memorial Contributions to Washington State March for Life, P.O. Box 64275, University Place, WA 98464.