“Chuck” Lange could light a room the moment he walked in. He was the true definition of charisma. His quick wit, charm, deep dimples, smile and impeccable attire made him a charming and delightful gentleman.
Leonard Charles Lange, Jr., known to all as “Chuck”, passed away on October 10, 2023, at Baptist Hospital, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
None of his “close” friends thought that this trip would be the last, as Chuck had prevailed over many serious illnesses during his lifetime, including over 23 plus years as a Multiple Myeloma patient at UAMS. Chuck adored his doctors and the many nurses that treated him at the Myeloma Clinic. He kept them entertained with his incredible life stories while at the clinic. They said he never complained, and he was always a joy.
Chuck lived large. He had a fascinating life filled with great friends and life-long relationships. Chuck graduated from Ole Main High School, in North Little Rock – Class of ‘65, and attended U of A in Fayetteville (1966), prior to enlisting in the Navy (1966-68), where he served on a gunner boat in Vietnam. He was a North Little Rock Police Officer (1969-72) and performed private security services for several businesses in North Little Rock before rejoining the NLR Police Department from 1975-1987. In 1987, he was hired to the high-profile duty of serving in the Executive Protection Unit for the Rockefeller Family, whom he adored. This service would prove to be a job he would never forget. In 1989, he joined the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association, where he became Executive Director in 1992 and retired in 2012.
Chuck had a natural gift for public speaking. He captured the attention of every audience, wherever he was speaking. He greatly enjoyed being a devotional speaker at Brother Holderfield’s Friendly Chapel in NLR. Some audience members considered Chuck’s devotionals to be the sincerest and moving of any they had ever witnessed.
Chuck Lange was associated with many groups. He was an Eagle Scout; achieved the highest possible office as a DeMolay; and, served on numerous boards and commissions including: the Arkansas Law Enforcement Memorial Board, Arkansas Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Youth Ranch, the Executive Board of the Criminal Justice Institute, Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Government Strategic
Prevention Framework Advisory Board, Governor’s Task Force on After-School Programs and Rape Crisis Inc. for Continuous Contributions Toward Rape Victims Advocacy and Rape Awareness Programs.
His forty years of security-related experiences included higher education at U of A, Fayetteville, Southwest Texas State Crime Prevention Institute, as well as, the FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia.
Chuck was a strong advocate of safety and crime prevention and taught classes in self-defense and safety. He lectured on preventing crime around the home and on your person, and he was a strong advocate for and supporter of child abuse education. He started “Shooters,” a concealed carry and gun safety class, as well as self-defense classes for women.
Chuck had a great passion for the outdoors and was an avid hunter, favoring deer hunting, but also truly enjoying big game hunting for bear and elk. He hunted with bow, black powder, and modern gun.
Fishing was another love. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to fish. His passion was “fly fishing,” and he was a master at making trout lures.
Corvettes were another love of life. Chuck owned several during his life. He loved the “speed” and the “look.” His white Harley was his prize possession. Chuck attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota, but favored the annual Bikers, Blues and Bar-B-Que event in Fayetteville each year and the comradery of the friends that he made there over the years.
Chuck loved the State Fair. His mother was livestock superintendent at the State Fair and when Chuck was five years old, his mother introduced him to his child hood idol, Roy Rogers, during the fair. Chuck’s first duty at the State Fair was mucking stalls in the livestock barns under his mother’s direction. He worked at the fair several years and ultimately assumed his mother’s position in the barns.
On November 9, 2011, Chuck purchased his “cabin” in Norfork, overlooking the White River. This became the backdrop for many weekends of entertaining friends and family. The “Cabin” was his favorite place. He loved sitting on the back deck, looking out over the water and telling stories about his loves, life and experiences.
Chuck loved people, he loved his life and was loved and endeared by many. Everywhere he went, he met new friends or encountered old acquaintances, and ever and always was reminiscing.
Chuck was predeceased by his parents, Mary Helen and Leonard Charles (Charlie) Lange of North Little Rock and his son, Leonard Charles Lange, III (Trey), and his brother Michael Lange.
Chuck is survived by his former wife (and mother of Trey), Pamela Walston; nephew, Michael and Trish Lange, Jr. and their children; Regan, Landon and Abigail of Heber Springs; step-daughter, Mollie Watts; and beloved step grandchildren; Regan, Maddie and Blane Watts, and also Trusten and Trenton Weaver.
Two special people played important roles in Chuck’s life: long-time friend and companion, Margaret Smith, and his best friend, Patrick Henry (Pat) Hays (deceased).
Chuck’s life story would not be complete without mentioning the dedication of his “forever friends” who assisted with transportation from Norfork and to the Bailey family; Paul, Lyla and Taylor, who through Christian compassion, opened their home to assist Chuck while trying to recover.
Services to honor Leonard Charles (Chuck) Lange will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, visitation at 1:00 p.m., with services to follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Friendly Chapel – Church of the Nazarene, 116 S. Pine Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Services can be viewed online by going to Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene (friendlychapelchurchofthenazarene) and clicking on the link.
A friendship gathering will be held 3-5 p.m. following services at the NLR Chamber of Commerce Building, 100 Main Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Lasting Memorials can be made to the Friendly Chapel – Church of the Nazarene.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
50 Comments
Saved his life once he was at Kroger on Pike ave his heart stop my crew was called [Fire Station #3 ] did CPR help get him back .Ever time we would run into him he thank us all .He was retired from the NLRPD we started to work for the city about the same time , we also went to school together NLR class of 1965, RIP Chuck your medical problems are solved .
We were classmates at Baring cross elementary schooL looks like we both ended up retired cops. I remember playing basketball with him at the boys club. he seemed like a nice kid.
My heart is broken to hear this but I know he’s teaching shooting and policing with a whole new group of people. I know he’s in a better place with no pain. I always loved his stories. He was a great guy and a good friend. RIP Chuck. We all will miss you.
You will be missed my friend.
For 55 years we have said one day we will get married..I will miss you as long as I live..Rabbit
Chuck’s loss is mighty. Rest well my friend as you reunite with your family. You left us with many happy memories and good laughs. Not to be forgotten 💔😢
Devastated! Chuck was a neat guy and he will be missed. He was a former director of the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association. He was also a dedicated fly Fisherman and was a long time member of North Arkansas Fly Fishers in Mountain Home. Every time I saw Chuck, he gave me a big hug and said we needed to get together for dinner. Never made it. As a victim of Agent Orange, he suffered a lot through the last 20 years but will forever be remembered in our hearts.
Wonderful man. Such a pleasure to meet him after his move to North Arkansas.
I will miss his smile and laugh. Chuck was one of a kind. He always remembered his friends no matter how long it had been. Rest in peace sweet friend.
My fishing buddy for several years. Stayed at his house in Norfolk numerous times. Had many a good time and many god laugh with Chuck. RIP Chuck
A truly great policeman and overall great guy. He worked security at McCain Mall (back in the day) when I worked at one of the banks.
So sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing, he was larger than life and never met a stranger. He had a wonderful personality and made everyone around him feel special. Prayers for his family as they have lost a great part of their life.
A longtime friend who led a full life and was a friend to everyone you will be fishing on the best waters with no pain Rest In Peace you will be missed
Rest in peace my old friend. You will be missed
Use to call him dinner when were doing an operation at the dam by his home. Regret never taking up on the offer to come fishing.
My dear friend since elementary school. Chuck always had the prettiest dimples. I loved the whole family. We were neighbors for a long time. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. RIP
rest in peace old friend
Best friends from the first grade on. You will be missed by many, many best friends old and new…
RIP, Chuck. Tell Mark Davis “hello” when you enter heavens gates. He was so proud of you.
Annette Delgado
Chuck and I went to work at NLRPD the same day and worked together for over 20 years. We never lost touch I will miss you..You were a great friend.
Rest in peace, my friend.
My condolences to his family and friends.
I wanted to extend my condolences to all of Chuck’s family and friends. He was a good an honest man who did so much for so many. He will be missed. May his memory be eternal.
Rest In Peace Brother
Rest in peace Chuck Lange. My condolences to the family.
There won’t be another one like Chuck. He was always there for anyone that needed him. He told me one time you just call me for anything you need
I would fight a buzz saw off for you and I really think that he would’ve. He and Lindsey Wooten, who ran together for years Were true true friends. We will certainly miss you rest in peace Chuck.
He helped Norman and I out on several different occasions. He was a rare and true friend
Lindsey Wooten was my father and Chuck was such an inspiration! If you were Lucky enough to know him, your were blessed beyond measure!
I’ve known Chuck since I was a kid & he worked security at the mall. He was always a kind man. I found out he had passed at Patrick Hays funeral, another family friend & kind man. Chuck , you will be missed.
Chuck our friendship started in High School and worked at NLRPD together. For over fifty years we had great times together. You will be missed my friend.
Chuck was one heck of an officer and a great friend, RIP BROTHER, You will be missed
Chuck was a friend to everyone. We had great times watching the Razorback games. You will be greatly missed, my friend.
God broke the mold after making Chuck. One of the finest. men I’ve ever known. He will live in the hearts of everyone he ever touched. A great guy with the best sense of humor and always a pleasure to be around. Rest in peace my old buddy.
We enjoyed getting to see Chuck and catch up on his stories every summer when he would visit us at Tracy Ferry Marina. He was definitely a character! He will be greatly missed here at the lake. Thoughts to the family and friends.
Chuck was someone I met in the mid 90’s and instantly realized I had found my long lost brother! We shared the range and training programs for a lot of years together and they were always the greatest times with the greatest man. I used to call him “the Highlander” as for all his sickness and troubles he seemed to be immortal! That movie has the saying “there can be only one” and There is no doubt there will never be another like Chuck! I love you brother and the Honor of your friendship throughout the years, was all mine.
My thought and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Chuck was a great friend and will be greatly missed.
Chuck was certainly “one of a kind” and always brought a smile to my face. Rest in Peace Chuckles!
There are certain people in life you just never forget. He made that impression every time. Already miss you Brother.
Uncle Chuck I hope that you, Lindsey, and Dad are together swapping tall tails.
Condolences from the the entire Jeu Family.
Till we meet again.
Rest in peace brother. You will be missed. Condolences to his family.
I worked with Chuck on 3-11 shift in the old NLR Jail. He was the Officer that I loved to be around and I was the Matron on that shift. I even cleaned house for him and Pat Okelley. I went through alot with Chuckles, Lindsey Wooten and Mike Jeu. I hope they find each other in Heaven. I truly cared for him as if he was my brother. He will be greatly missed.
Thank you LORD for giving Chuck to us all these year`s, we had great times evey time, no matter where or when. May he rest in the comfort of our LORD and savoir and ride in the sky with his hero ROY ROGERS for eternity. Blessing`s for the family and his loved one`s,AMEN.
Chuck was a WONDERFUL person. I graduated from school and high school also with him . He was a sweet person to everyone. Rest In Peace Chuck my Dear Friend.
Whether you were one of Chuck’s best friends or just met him in passing, you were touched by an angel. The Saint Francis Prayer tells us how we should live our lives. Chuck lived out the principles in this prayer everyday. Lord make me a channel of thy peace- that where there is hatred, I may bring love- that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness- that where there is discord, I may bring harmony- that where there is error, I may bring truth- that where there is doubt, I may bring faith- that where there is despair, I may bring hope- that where there are shadows, I may bring light- that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord grant that I may seek to comfort than to be comforted- to understand, than to be understood- to love than to be loved. For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. Amen.
Rest in beautiful peace Chuck. My family was blessed to have you in our lives. We all adored you!
In 1984 we bought Rolex watches at the same time we were working off duty at the McCain mall. He was the best man at two of my weddings. I would have followed him into hell. He made life fun and exciting. Thanks Chuck for being my friend. I will see again in that place .
You were such a wonderful man and friend. You will be missed by so many. Until we meet again . Rest in peace.
To my big brother, for 53 years you’ve been a part of my life. I truly have cherish are memories, and loved everyone of them. I’ve been blessed to have been your friend. I’ll keep those memories alive till I see you again soon. I love you big brother. Your biggest fan, Lil Chuck
I loved you more than you know. I will miss you until I see you again. Rest in peace, Chuck. Love Margo
YOU WILL BE MISSED. CHUCK WAS ONE OF THE BEST I KNEW, HE WAS ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP AND BE THERE FOR YOU. REST IN PEACE NOW AND YOU ARE COMPLETLY HEALED. WHAT A SPECIAL MAN YOU WERE.
This was a shocker. I have not seen Chuck in many years but just lived up the road from him in Mountain View. We met when I was elected sheriff in 2000. Chuck was a fine gentleman and scholar and one of the nicest guys I have ever met. Very helpful and kind. Rest in peace brother, enjoy that perfect flowing river with wonderful fishing. You will be missed.
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