In Loving Memory of Charles Ernest Engel

COLTON>> Charles Ernest Engel was born in Colton, California to Charles Paul Engel and Gertrude Engel (Tillmans), the youngest of three children. During his early years he enjoyed music, especially playing the trombone. After graduating from Colton HS and attending San Bernardino Junior College, he joined the Navy as part of the V12 Officer Training program. During that program and after much prayer, Engel was led by God to apply for further training in medical school. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he graduated from USC medical school. After completing his residency, he opened a general medical practice in the Colton Memorial Medical Building with his brother, Walter. During the Korean War, he enlisted in the Air Force service as surgeon at the Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming. After an honorable discharge and a surgical residency at Wadsworth Veterans Hospital/UCLA, he returned to continue his medical practice as a General Surgeon in Colton, California. During his more than 40 years medical practice in that community, Engel became a Fellow of American Board of Surgery and was on staff at Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine’s Hospital of San Bernardino and at Loma Linda University Hospital. Charles and wife June retired to Absarokee, Montana in 2011 and attended the Absarokee Evangelical Church. Charles life was filled not only with his medical practice, but also with many family times and vacations including those to East Rosebud Lake, Montana where he enjoyed a summer cabin for many years. Charles took pleasure in music wherever he was, playing trombone and leading an orchestra in high school; forming and leading in the first Navy V--‐12 band in Minneapolis, Minnesota; playing trombone in polka band in the AF in Cheyenne, Montana and Doctors Symphony in Hollywood; singing in the CBMC quartet and leading congregational singing in multiple churches over the years. He also became a pilot and used his Cessna single engine plane to transport family on vacations, as well as serve on many missions projects. Above all, Engel was dedicated servant of his Lord Jesus Christ, sharing with his patients in prayer before and after surgery, traveling on medical missionary trips to Mexico, Guatemala, Bangladesh and Abudabi. He was a member and chairman of the Christian Business Men’s Committee (CBMC) of San Bernardino, member of the CBMC Quartet and member and leader in churches wherever he attended. His quick smile, sense of humor, helping hand to those in need, dedication and love for his family and love for the Lord are a testimony that will be long remembered. Charles is survived by his wife, June (Taylor) Engel, his children Dr. Richard Engel, Charles Engel and Teresa (Engel) Flowers, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.