Charles Gray Roebuck

Obituary Charles Gray Roebuck, LTC, USA (Ret.) 1925 2014 Charles Gray Roebuck passed away at his home in Colorado Springs on June 3, 2014. He was 88. Born on September 18, 1925, in Washington, NC, he was raised in Colerain, NC. Charles was the only child of Dr. Charles T. Roebuck and Elva Moore Roebuck. His achievements began early; he was an Eagle Scout, elected to the Order of the Arrow, and earned Scoutings God and Country Award. Charles was a graduate of the West Point Military Academy, class of 1949. Prior to his appointment at West Point he studied engineering at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, VA. While at West Point, he was captain of the weightlifting team and excelled at mathematics, which later led to a tour of duty there as Assistant Professor of Mathematics. His 24-year military career began at Fort Riley, Kansas, and then took him to command of the Second Armored Cavalry Regiment in Germany, patrolling the border during the Cold War. He served at Fort Knox, Kentucky, then at West Point, followed by a second border patrol tour in Germany. Following that, Charles attended Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS from 1962 to 1963, and was stationed at the Pentagon, followed by an appointment to the new Army Strategy and Tactics Analysis Group (STAG) in Washington D.C. He was deployed to Viet Nam in 1966 and served as Plans Officer, HQ1 Field Force, and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces. Charles returned to Washington D.C. to serve with the Army General Staff, War Gaming and Special Studies, and worked in Operations Research at the Army Management School from 1967 to 1969. During this time, he was also a guest lecturer at the National War College. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1969. Upon retirement, Charles worked as a Hotel General Manager. He served as the administrator of the La Junta Nursing Home in La Junta, Colorado from 1974 to 1980. He was the Job Supervisor and Construction Manager for Santa Fe Valley Construction in the Pikes Peak Region from 1980 to 2005. Charles is survived by his lifetime partner of over 40 years, Reba Grace Cross, by 4 of his 5 children from a previous marriage a son, Douglas Roebuck, and 3 daughters: Sandra Roebuck, Karen Terbeek and Susan Roebuck and by 6 grandchildren: 4 granddaughters, Lili Han Tao Dare, Leslie 'Essie' Jennings, Kyndle Caligaris, Shaina Werner, and 2 grandsons, Christopher Caligaris and Sam Roebuck. Charles was preceded in death by his daughter, Leslie Dare, in 2007. Charles is also survived by his extended Cross Family, the children and grandchildren of Reba Cross, who dearly loved him and thought of him as father and grandfather. Charles was a positive influence on the lives he touched and had many passions to include the study of history, philosophy and politics. He was a brilliant thinker and speaker and engaged his family and friends in many interesting and educational discussions. He enjoyed the opera but also enjoyed cowboy poetry, classic western movies, and was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos. Charles was never more animated and passionate than when discussing politics or watching the Broncos. His political interests included membership in the local Republican Party and Tea Party, and volunteering with the Minute Man border patrol. He had a gentle side, a subtle sense of humor and loved animals, particularly the family dogs. He enjoyed the outdoors and often said he was happiest when he was out working with his hands. His partner, children and extended family often spent time with him, seeking his advice on various matters or simply enjoying his company. Hell be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all. Charles will be laid to rest with honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver at 2:30 pm on June 17, 2014. Services Military Honors Tuesday June 17, 2014 2:30 PM Ft. Logan National Cemetery 4400 W Kenyon Ave Denver, Colorado 80236