The Rev. Dr. Charles (Chuck) Blaisdell passed from this life to the next on September 22, 2024. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Chuck excelled in math and engineering courses at Southwest High School. He was awarded a bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University, a master’s in religious studies from the University of Chicago, a master’s in philosophy (ABD) from Vanderbilt, and both master’s and doctoral degrees in divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis.
A man of unparalleled integrity and allyship, Chuck spent more than forty years in ministry with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. He served congregations, regional bodies, and national church organizations in Texas, Indiana, Northern California, Hawaii, and Colorado. He was sought after as a mentor in ministry, a writer of good polity, and a brilliant theologian.
In his ministry, Chuck pastored First Christian Church (Monahans, Texas), Stylesville Christian Church (Stylesville, Indiana), Hilo Coast United Church of Christ (Hawaii), and First Christian Church of Colorado Springs (Colorado). He served as a lay leader at First Church of Sterling, Massachusetts.
Chuck also served as the Associate Regional Minister of Indiana and the Regional Minister of Northern California-Nevada. He also worked for UCC Church Building and Loan Fund, Week of Compassion, and CBP in development.
As a volunteer, he served nine years as a director on the Christian Board of Publication, including a stint as board chair, and was recognized as a director emeritus in 2021. He also served on the board of directors of Higher Education & Leadership Ministries.
In his free time, Chuck was a voracious reader. He enjoyed piloting his Cessna 150 and, later, listening to air traffic control. He spent copious hours moderating online forums, ejecting rude people with great glee. He was a great appreciator of puns, both terrible and clever.
Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, Hazel (Carr) and Richard Blaisdell, and his brother, Dr. Greg Blaisdell. He is survived by his loving wife, Rev. Barbara (Shires) Blaisdell; his brother, Jim Blaisdell; his hanai brother, Rev. Dr. Bob Hill; his children, Micah Shires-Taylor, Rebecca (Shires-Taylor) DeWeese, Andrew Blaisdell, Rev. Katherine Blaisdell, and their spouses; and three grandchildren.
Services will be held at the First Church of Sterling, Massachusetts, on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Humane Borders, your local foodbank, or the congregation in which you serve God as he served so faithfully for decades.
Rhiannon Barbara Joyce Shires
So sorry to hear the Human Race has last such a Special Impactful Soul. I remember meeting Chuck at his daughter Katie’s wedding. He was glowing & the Love he felt for his daughter permeated the whole room. At the wedding celebration, he asked to hold my 3 month old & lovingly embraced my baby. Heaven has gained a Good One!!!!
Cheryl Ward
Sending loving thoughts to Barbara and family at this time. Chuck was a one of a kind, gentle giant!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Philip Miller
As a former pastor of the church where Chuck’s parents became two of my dearest friends, and as one of Chuck’s appreciative colleagues, I offer a final salute to his life and work, and I extend sincere sympathy to Barbara and the family.
Charles H. Mackey
I gratefully remember Chuck’s service as Regional Minister in the Northern California-Nevada Region in the late 1990s when I came to be minister at First Christian in Palo Alto. He was a personal encourager and strengthener to me, and I know he left lasting good among the congregations of this Region and beyond.
I want those who are most deeply touched by his loss to know that others also remember with appreciation his worthy life.