Charles Daniel Stanifer, 85
Charles Daniel Stanifer, 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday, Oct 21, 2017.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring.
Charlie was born on March 31, 1932, in Franklin, Ohio, the son of James S. and Mildred E. Stanifer. He moved to Bakersfield, Calif., with his family when he was 12, where he graduated from Bakersfield High School. After graduating high school, he joined the National Guard and also went to work at China Lake Naval Weapons Center, at Michelson Laboratory. He began his career as a janitor and retired as a chemist technician after 30 years. During his many years as a chemist technician he was instrumental in the development of various systems for the U.S. Navy and shares credit on many patents, scientific journals and books for his work in weather modification and rocket propellants. He also helped develop chem lights (glow sticks).
On June 19, 1954 he married Patricia in Los Angeles, Calif. They made their home at China Lake, Calif., and later in Hesperia, Calif., until moving to Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1990, to be close to their grandchildren.
In his early years he enjoyed fishing, bow hunting, camping, astronomy, natural history, bowling, square dancing, and golf. After retiring, because of his love of golf, he worked as a marshall at Green Tree Municipal Golf Course in Victorville, Calif., and then at Hidden Lakes Golf Course in Sandpoint.
In his later years, Charlie enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was fondly known as the “Cookie King” by his grandchildren and their friends. He also enjoyed feeding the birds and deer in his yard.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia Stanifer; two children, Linda (and Tim) Mahan and Daniel (and Julie) Stanifer; five grandchildren, Hannah (and Lee) Skidmore, Holly (and BJ) Cheffer, Hallie (and Lucas) Duebendorfer, Renee (and Sean) Kraft, and Elijah Stanifer; two great-grandchildren, Chavala and Caspian Cheffer. He also is survived by his siblings, Harry (and Joann) Stanifer, Ike Stanifer, Dayle Metcalf, Donna Cullor, Rick (and Anita) Stanifer, Sandy Williams, and Judy (and Mike) Sackett.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, James; and a grandson, Zachary.
Family and friends are invited to sign Charles’ online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.