Charles was born in Eldred, Illinois where he spent his childhood. After high school, he served in the Navy at the end of World War 2. He obtained his B.S. degree at the University of Montana in Missoula and his M.S. and EdD degrees at Montana State University in Bozeman. He taught high school science in South Dakota and Wyoming. He was a professor of Biology and Science Education at UW-Whitewater from 1960 until his retirement in 1989.

He is survived by a sister, his wife Clarice, his children Marcia, Richard and Kerry and 3 stepchildren Susan, Nancy and Gary.

A memorial service will be held later this year in Montana.