Charles Cheeld

Charles (Chuck) McDonald Cheeld III passed away on November 30, 2013 in Palm Springs. Beloved father, grandfather and dear friend, he is survived by his daughter Laura Anne Cheeld Day, son Charles M. Cheeld IV, granddaughter Mechelle Castillo, and grandson Charles M. Cheeld V. His daughter Marcia Jean Cheeld predeceased him in 1970.


Chuck was born June 27, 1939, in San Francisco. Chuck was the only child of C.M. “Don” Cheeld II and Dagna Lindquist Cheeld. Raised in Portland, OR, Chuck was an Eagle Scout, graduating from U.S. Grant High School in 1957. Chuck earned a B.A. from Willamette University in Salem, OR, where he was initiated into Sigma Chi fraternity. On June 4, 1961, Chuck graduated from Willamette, married Karen Lee Henninger, and was commissioned into the US Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant… all on the same day.

Chuck was a pilot, entrepreneur, and community leader. His passion was flying. He served in the US Air Force for five years, flying various jets and tankers, and living abroad with his young family. After he left the Air Force as a Captain, Chuck flew commercial passenger jets for Continental Airlines for sixteen years, where he also represented his fellow pilots as a union leader. In 1981, Chuck led an employee effort to purchase Continental Airlines, using a then-innovative Employee Stock Ownership Plan concept.


While flying for Continental, Chuck built and operated several laundromats and dry-cleaning stores throughout Los Angeles County. After he left Continental in 1983, Chuck became owner and CEO of California Commercial Laundry Systems. In the early 1990’s, Chuck sold his interest in CCLS, and moved full-time to Palm Springs. There he launched his third career, becoming a licensed Real Estate Appraiser. Once again, he ran his own business - Southern California Appraisal Group.

Chuck gave generously of his time and talents. He served as the Board Chairman of the City of Angels Hospice in Los Angeles, which cared for patients during the height of the AIDS crisis. He was later appointed to the Palm Springs Airport Commission – a position which combined his flying expertise, business acumen and service to the community. He served on the Palm Springs Airport Commission for approximately twelve years, including a five-year term as its Chairman.


Chuck was a devoted Rotarian and member of Palm Springs Rotary Club, serving on its board for about four years. He was very active in his support of the Angel View Crippled Children Foundation’s annual prom, which was sponsored by Palm Springs Rotary Club. He was a Rotary Paul Harris +3 Fellow, in recognition of his support of the Rotary International Foundation, and its numerous international and local service projects to better mankind.

In lieu of flowers, Chuck’s family requests donations be made to Palm Springs Rotary Club Foundation, c/o Mike Brill (Treasurer), 399 Santa Elena Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262.