Charles “Chuck” Mileham, passed away peacefully at his home in Ojai, California on Wednesday, December 17th. Charlie, as known by his family, was born in Borger, Texas on August 2nd, 1926. His mother, Vivian Neuhart Mileham, along with his sisters, Opal and Bonnie Mileham, moved to Santa Paula in 1937. Charlie started working at age 15 for the Santa Paula Chronicle, to help support his family, and continued in the printing business throughout his career. He joined the Navy in 1944, when he was 18, and served as Fireman 1st Class until honorably discharged. He received the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon (One Star), Victory medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon (One Star), and the American Area Ribbon for his service during World War II.
Charlie married the love of his life, Bessa Lee Champion, on November 27th 1947 and they enjoyed a long, hard-working life together in Ventura County. Charlie worked for Ventura Printing, eventually becoming a partner, and started his own printing company, Commander Printing Products, along with his wife, Bessa, who had retired from her career in advertising for the Ventura Star Free Press, and his eldest sister, Opal Mileham Tucker, who also worked all her life in printing and newspapers in Santa Paula, Ventura and Redbluff, California. One of Charlie’s proudest achievements, while “The Commander and Chief”, was printing the Southern California Memorial “book” for Pope John Paul the 3rd’s Goodwill Tour in 1987.
Charlie was a fine craftsman and loved woodworking, especially the art of turning. He generously taught and lent his talents to many Ojai and Ventura area men and developed a devoted number of friends among them. One of his finest achievements was a beautiful guitar that he made with his friend and neighbor, Ed Guerra. This labor of love was used to serenade him on the last day of his life, while surrounded by close friends and family.
Charlie was known by all as a truly generous man. He was mischievous, humorous, brash and bold hearted up to the end and will be terribly missed by his friends and family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bessa, his mother and his devoted sisters, Opal Mileham Tucker and Bonnie Mileham Donswyk. Charlie was a life time friend as well as favorite uncle, mentor, and counselor to his dear nephew, Alan Donswyk, who will miss him terribly. Alan, his sister, Evelyn Donswyk Phillips, his wife, Penny and their children Jillian Donswyk Schrama and Lee Donswyk will always remember “Uncle Charlie” as an eccentric supporter, encourager, motivator, tease and friend.
The family would like to recognize the longtime friendship and support of Charlie’s doctor, Fred M. Fauvre of Ojai; the dedication and gentleness of his caregiver, Rhonda Reese, who would hardly leave his side; and the cheerfulness and unending assistance of his wonderful friends and neighbors on the hill in Ojai. To Bob and Betsey Talent, John Pavelko, Ed and Debbie Guerra and Roland Yanez we extend our heartfelt appreciation, gratitude and blessings. And to the many other close friends who helped make his last years full of fun, companionship, and kindness; we send our prayers of love and thankfulness.
There will be a memorial for Charlie at a latter date.
Arrangements are under the direction of JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.