Charles Francis Sweeney

Charles Francis Sweeney, Sr., 86, of Greeley, CO passed away April 20, 2013 following a short illness. He was born on December 15, 1926 to Clarence Francis and Sarah Hazel (Walsh) Sweeney, in Wichita Falls, Texas, as the fifth of six children. Charles enlisted in the United States Marines on December 22, 1943, and started boot camp on Christmas day, in San Diego, CA. After boot camp, Charles was sent to Miramar and later Norman, Oklahoma to learn to be an aviation mechanic and radar operator. These skills would soon take him to service during World War II in the South Pacific. In Guam, Charles served with the F-4U Corsair fighter squadron VMF225 on Truk Island. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps with the rank of corporal. His tour of duty would also take him to Okanawa and Midway. Later in life, he would describe his service to his country as "the best thing I ever did.” Upon returning from foreign service, Charles met the love of his life, Leona Fontilla Wall, while attending college in Portales, New Mexico. After a whirlwind courtship, the two married on August 12, 1948, in Wichita Falls at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A man of many talents, he built a career after an honorable discharge, first with the railroad, then as a civil servant at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX, and finally as a successful hardware store owner in Green River, WY. During his life, Charles enjoyed an assortment of activities including fishing, collecting and shooting firearms, traveling, tennis, and barbequing. His barbeque specialties included chicken wings, smoked sausage, and beef brisket. He will be remembered as a man of faith with strong moral fiber, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and always as a gracious host in his home. Charles is survived by his loving wife, Fontilla Sweeney of Greeley; his ten children, David (Carol) of Carlsbad, NM; Sue (Earl Erbes) of Windsor, CO; Sam (Maureen) of Hudson, FL; Cindy (Bonnie Kramer)of Castle Rock, CO; Tom (Beverly) of Rock Springs, WY; Mary (Steve Spradley)of Fulshear, TX; Charlie (Esther) of Worland, WY; Fontilla (Lynn Jackman) of Rock Springs, WY; Danny (Shelly) of Green River, WY; and Nancy (Keith Ray) of Green River, WY; his sisters, Sister M. Devota "Mary Ruth” of Fort Worth, TX; Sister M. Amata "Agnes” of Des Plaines, IL; and Martha Jane Johnston (James F.) of Wichita Falls, TX; brother-in-law, Fred Taylor (Sarah) of Wichita Falls, TX; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Hazel Sweeney; father, Clarence Francis Sweeney; sister, Sara (Fred Taylor); his brother, Joseph P. Sweeney, sister-in-law, Marion (Steif) Sweeney (Joseph’s wife); and brother-in-law, James F. Johnston (Martha Jane’s husband). Private family services were held. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Sweeney's name to "The Wounded Warrior Project" or Cardio Vascular Institute of North Colorado in care of Adamson Funeral & Cremation Services, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634 To extend condolences to the family go to www.adamsonchapels.com.