Obituary

Charles F McErlean, Jr (aka: Chick or Chuck) of Pebble Creek Resort Community died on 12/23/21 in Goodyear, AZ. Born 11/23/38 in Detroit MI to Charles Sr. & Theodora McErlean.
Chuck attended Fenwick High School in suburban Chicago, graduating with honors before enrolling at Georgetown University in Washington DC. He followed in his Dad’s footsteps, both in attending Georgetown and becoming an Attorney. During his college years, he picked up the game of golf and began a lifelong love of the game. Upon graduation, Dad enrolled in Law School at Notre Dame University and upon graduation, joined the Naval Academy as an Officer in the Judge Advocates office, stationing in DC and eventually Camp LeJuene (NC) before his Honorable Discharge. Upon his military service, he joined United Airlines in their Legal Department, starting a 34-year career that spanned both the regulated & deregulated airline industry, offering many legal challenges that Dad successfully accomplished. Some of his highest accolades came from his work with Boeing, General Electric & General Dynamics, negotiating complex, multi-million dollar deals to help accelerate United’s growth to become the world’s largest airlines.
Chuck also found time during his military career to start a family, bringing son James Patrick and daughter Laura Jean into his family by way of adoption. Upon accepting his job at United, Chuck completed his family with Kelly Lynn, however, that’s not where the family story ends.
During his life, Dad enjoyed attending many activities and functions with his 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren: sports/games/competitions, school concerts and graduations topped this list, except when he wanted to teach one of us the game of golf. Upon retirement, Dad started his “fur” family, the four-legged friends that became a very important part of his life. Starting with Sparky & Susie, Dad’s fur family was all about rescuing his little buddies. Dad added Buster & Teddy to complete the fur family. Buster and Teddy remain in the extended McErlean family.
Dad’s life in retirement, in addition to his family, was centered around the Pebble Creek community. He was active with the Bunker Busters and various golf groups. He enjoyed spending time with the Singles Group, hosting movie nights and attending dinner nights in the West Valley. However, his favorite activity was the Sunday Brunch group at Eagle’s Nest, where he and his friends spent nearly every Sunday solving the world’s problems.
Charles is survived by his daughters, Laura Enright and Kelly Hunt; son, Jim McErlean; and brother, Robert McErlean. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles McErlean, Sr; mother, Thedora McErlean; sister, Mollie McErlean, beloved dogs, Sparky McErlean, and Susie McErlean; and many beloved family & friends.

Visitation held at Thompson Funeral Chapel on Sunday, Jan 9th at 1p (to 4p). A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin 10:00am with a memorial mass following at St. John Vianney’s on Jan 12th at 10am. Burial will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of AZ on Jan 12th at 12:30pm (prompt): 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.