1933
Charles
2019
Charles Linden
May 26, 1933 — January 18, 2019
U.S. Army Sergeant Major (RET) Charles L. Linden passed away Friday, January 18, 2019.
He was born on May 26, 1933 in Thiensville, Wisconsin, the son of the late Mathew F. and Lydia Linden. He served his country for 26 years in the US Army, with multiple tours in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. A loyal patriot, husband, father and defender of our country, his drive to excel and selfless dedication enabled him to rise to the top non-commissioned rank of Sergeant Major and to meet the challenges and missions facing a highly skilled and trained Special Forces, Airborne Ranger. He received many awards during his military career, which he always downplayed, to include receiving a Purple Heart for his actions. Charles' initial assignments included serving on General McArthur's Honor Guard during the occupation of Japan after WWII, where he met his wife Tokiko. He was one of the early members of Recondo, Ranger, and Special Forces training and served as an expert cadre member at West Point. After his career in the military, he continued to serve his country by obtaining additional certifications and licenses as a water purification and treatment operator and accepted a federal civil servant position at McClellan AFB, California. His duties included maintaining and servicing the base's water plants retiring in 1998 after 18 years of additional service. Even after his second retirement, Charles stayed active as a member, Commander and avid supporter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 385 in Folsom, California raising funds for assisting veterans, providing scholarships and donating service equipment for the Mather AFB Veterans Affairs Hospital. He had many interests to include working on legislation to assist veterans, membership in his local Special Forces Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Charles was a prolific reader and believer in education and enjoyed woodworking. He also served as a Boy Scoutmaster at many of the posts and installations that he and his family were stationed at. His pursuit of continuous self-improvement was evidenced by his multiple certifications and completed military education courses throughout his lifetime. This culminated with his obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 2010, at the age of 77 which was one of his lifetime goals. Charles resided in California for 37 years and recently moved to Pendleton, SC in 2017.
He is survived by his sister Bonnie (Bill) Thurston, brother Otto (Mary) Linden; sons David Linden and Charles Linden, Jr. (Terri); daughter, Patty Hazelwood (Joe); grandchildren James and Lydia.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Tokiko "Connie" Linden, brothers Jerome, Mathew Jr., Frederick, Leland, Gene and sister Margery.
Burial with full military honors are in process for Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
SGM Charles Linden will always be remembered as a "Soldiers soldier" whose selfless dedication to family, friends and country were an inspiration to follow.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, 108 Cross Creek Road, Central, SC 29630.
He was born on May 26, 1933 in Thiensville, Wisconsin, the son of the late Mathew F. and Lydia Linden. He served his country for 26 years in the US Army, with multiple tours in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. A loyal patriot, husband, father and defender of our country, his drive to excel and selfless dedication enabled him to rise to the top non-commissioned rank of Sergeant Major and to meet the challenges and missions facing a highly skilled and trained Special Forces, Airborne Ranger. He received many awards during his military career, which he always downplayed, to include receiving a Purple Heart for his actions. Charles' initial assignments included serving on General McArthur's Honor Guard during the occupation of Japan after WWII, where he met his wife Tokiko. He was one of the early members of Recondo, Ranger, and Special Forces training and served as an expert cadre member at West Point. After his career in the military, he continued to serve his country by obtaining additional certifications and licenses as a water purification and treatment operator and accepted a federal civil servant position at McClellan AFB, California. His duties included maintaining and servicing the base's water plants retiring in 1998 after 18 years of additional service. Even after his second retirement, Charles stayed active as a member, Commander and avid supporter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 385 in Folsom, California raising funds for assisting veterans, providing scholarships and donating service equipment for the Mather AFB Veterans Affairs Hospital. He had many interests to include working on legislation to assist veterans, membership in his local Special Forces Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Charles was a prolific reader and believer in education and enjoyed woodworking. He also served as a Boy Scoutmaster at many of the posts and installations that he and his family were stationed at. His pursuit of continuous self-improvement was evidenced by his multiple certifications and completed military education courses throughout his lifetime. This culminated with his obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 2010, at the age of 77 which was one of his lifetime goals. Charles resided in California for 37 years and recently moved to Pendleton, SC in 2017.
He is survived by his sister Bonnie (Bill) Thurston, brother Otto (Mary) Linden; sons David Linden and Charles Linden, Jr. (Terri); daughter, Patty Hazelwood (Joe); grandchildren James and Lydia.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Tokiko "Connie" Linden, brothers Jerome, Mathew Jr., Frederick, Leland, Gene and sister Margery.
Burial with full military honors are in process for Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
SGM Charles Linden will always be remembered as a "Soldiers soldier" whose selfless dedication to family, friends and country were an inspiration to follow.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, 108 Cross Creek Road, Central, SC 29630.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Linden, please visit our flower store.
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