Charles Ray Velasquez

Charles Ray Velasquez, 86, went home to his Heavenly Father on April 1, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. He was surrounded by his loving wife and children. Charles was born on November 4, 1935, in El Rio, CA. He graduated from Oxnard High School where he met the love of his life “Pauline Rebecca Brown.” They were happily married for 65 years. Charles always had great pride in the country he lived in. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force where he was a Communications Operator and served in the Korean War. He served proudly until he was Honorably Discharged. Education was very important to Charles. While working full time and supporting his growing family he attended Ventura College and graduated with an Associates of Arts Degree in Business and Engineering. A new job with the city of Santa Ana moved his family to Orange County, CA. While working as an Engineering Draftsman, Charles attended California State University Long Beach where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree. He worked as an Engineering Manager for Pacific Bell for well over twenty years. The most important thing to Charles was family. He taught his children to always put family first. His devotion to his mother and father was a great example to those around him. He was close to his extended family as well. He regularly visited his family where he played the guitar and sang for everyone. His smile was contagious and his welcoming spirit was a delight to those he spent time with. Routine visits from grandpa cheering in the crowd at different events created cherished memories for each of his grandchildren. Charles was a wonderful man who brought immense joy to his family. He was loyal to his beliefs and lived by his strong values. He served the Lord with great faith and he loved his fellow man. Charles lived a wonderful life. He spent his time bowling, fishing, camping, tending his garden, and even designed and built two beautiful homes for his family. We will not forget the strong presence he was in our lives. We will miss his beautiful spirit but he will live on forever in our hearts. God be with us until we meet again husband, father, grandpa, brother, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Pauline, his sons Jerry (Victoria), Vince (Maylah), and his daughters, Becky (Mike) Wade, and Ruth (Matthew) Sprowls. His grandchildren, Jaime (Jesus) Martinez, Ryan McDowell, Brigitte (Jeremy) Hahn, Michelle Cools, Brittney (Brandon) Dixon, William, Amanda, and Joseph Sprowls. His great-grandchildren, Victoria, Madisyn, Raylee, and Charlie. He is also survived by his brothers, Edward (Rosa), William (Esperanza), John, and sisters Jennie Hensley and Phyllis Tinoco. In following current Covid guidelines, there will be a private service held in honor of Charles. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Saddleback Foundation, 24411 Health Center Drive, #400, Laguna Hills CA 92653. The hospice care from the Saddleback Foundation for Charles brought great comfort to our family. If you wish to send flowers in Charles' honor, please send prior to 4/28/2021.