Charles William Wingate

A celebration of his life is planned for 11 am Saturday October 14, 2023 at Sagebrush Church, 7500 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque.

Named after both grandfathers, Charlie was born April 20, 1950 at St Joseph’s hospital in Albuquerque NM to William P “Bill” and Irma Charlene Hobbs Wingate. As an infant, the family was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, while his dad served in Korea.  

They returned to Albuquerque and Charlie grew up and attended Albuquerque schools, including Rio Grande High, and was in the first graduation class of the brand new West Mesa High in 1968. He played football at Rio Grande and tennis at West Mesa. He and his family were active in First Baptist Albuquerque where Charlie made his profession of faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized. Charlie was very active in Cub and Boy Scouts, obtaining the highest rank of Eagle and being active in the Order of the Arrow Honor Fellowship for older scouts.  

Charlie had his own yard service for the neighborhood, worked shortly for Unser Specialty Autos (until they found out he didn’t have a driver’s license), Tastee Freeze and started work with Southern Union Gas during his time at UNM. He joined the Navy and was trained in Air Traffic Control, stationed out of San Diego on the USS Horne. In California, he met Alana Tolstad and they married in May 1971. He served multiple tours to Viet Nam on the Horne, where he saw combat as he was anchored in Haiphong harbor off Hanoi providing guidance to our planes. He was proud he was a Vietnam Vet with 4 years of service obtained the rank of Petty Officer E4.

After the Navy, they moved back to Albuquerque where he rejoined Southern Union Gas, which eventually became PNM, working his career as a gas serviceman, becoming one of the companies senior service men. During this time, he and Alana had their daughter Caryn and son Niall.

On November 14, 1998, Charlie married Judy Kay Snyder. They enjoyed visiting local casinos,(where they met), eating out, traveling, decorating and landscaping their home they bought in the Tanoan community of Albuquerque. Here they hosted, helped and reached out to neighbors and friends and family. Charlie retired from PNM and became the Facility Manager for Rich Ford for several years before retiring in 2022.

Charlie loved/was obsessed with golf. He played with regular tee times each week and became quite good. When he wasn’t playing he was watching every golf tournament on TV. He knew the player stats, positions and it was advisable to not phone him during a large tournament. It was a crushing blow to him when because of his health he had to stop playing a year ago.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Bill and Charlene Wingate, son Brian Raymond, sister Elayne Snyder, brother Kenneth Snyder.

Surviving Charlie is his loving wife (just days short of 25 years), Judy Kay Wingate, daughter Caryn (Sean) Vymislicky of Homosassa FL, sons Niall (Stephanie) Wingate, of Lompoc CA, Keith Raymond of Albuquerque, grandsons Joseph Shaffier Jr., and Stephen Shaffer of Lompoc CA, granddaughters London Wingate and Quinn Wingate of Lompoc CA, and Allie Raymond of San Diego, brother Frank (Sherry) Wingate of Canyon TX, Dennis Snyder of Albuquerque, sister Lonna Wingate of Farmington NM, and Kathleen Snyder of Sandia Park NM, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and family members.

The family thanks the many doctors, nurses and support people at several Albuquerque hospitals but especially to Dr. Kunz and Dr. Proffitt and the amazing staff at the Heart Hospital that gave us a number of extra years with Charlie.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association, St. Jude’s Hospital, or a Veterans Charity of your choice.