Charles Tracy

Charles Wesley Tracy passed away in Napa on November 21 at the age of 98. Charles was born on August 27, 1924, in Mounds Oklahoma and was one of ten children. He spent his early youth working on the family farm. In 1943, Charles joined the war effort in the 10th Air Force aboard the B-24 bomber “Cabin in the Sky,” where he served as a tail gunner. Charles flew 36 combat missions earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with four Battle Stars, World War II Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. After the war, Charles married Norma Jewell and soon began a family that would grow to six children. He worked for Veterans Administration in the Canteen service where he served as an administrator for 36 years before retiring. The Tracy family moved several times over the years due to Charles’ job with the VA, finally settling in San Mateo California in 1974 where he was active in the First Christian Church of San Mateo serving as a deacon and an elder. After retiring from the VA, Charles went to work at the Veterans Home of Yountville overseeing the daily operations of the PX, the ballpark, bowling alley and canteen. He retired from the Veteran’s Home in 1993 and spent his remaining years in Napa. After retirement, Charles enjoyed gardening and doting on his wife, kids, and grandkids. Quick with a joke and a twinkle in his eye, Charles was adored by his family, extended family, friends, and coworkers. He is remembered fondly as “Uncle Red,” by his numerous nieces and nephews. He was an extraordinarily kind and generous man who valued family above all else. Charles is survived by Norma, his loving wife of 76 years, his six children: Linda Vega, Debbie Tracy, Charla Tracy, Nancy Miller, Chuck Tracy, and Lisa Tracy, nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is sorely missed by all who knew him.