Engel

Charles Ernest Engel was born in Colton, Cali., to Charles Paul Engel and Gertrude Engel (Tillmans), the youngest of three children. During his early years, he enjoyed music, especially playing the trombone.
After graduating from Colton High School and attending San Bernardino Junior College, he joined the United States Navy as part of the V12 Officer Training program. During that program and after much prayer he was led by God to apply for further training in medical school. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he graduated from USC medical school.
After completing his residency, he opened a general medical practice in the Colton Memorial Medical Building with his brother, Walter. During the Korean War, he enlisted in the United States Air Force service as surgeon at the Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyo. After an honorable discharge and a surgical residency at Wadsworth Veterans Hospital/UCLA, he returned to continue his medical practice as a general surgeon in Colton, Calif.
During his more than 40 year medical practice in that community, Dr. Engel became a Fellow of American Board of Surgery and was on staff at Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine’s Hospital of San Bernardino and at Loma Linda University Hospital. Charles and wife June retired to Absarokee, Mont., in 2011 and attended the Absarokee Evangelical Church.
Charles’ life was filled not only with his medical practice, but also with many family times and vacations including those to East Rosebud Lake, Mont., where he enjoyed a summer cabin for many years. Charles took pleasure in music wherever he was, playing trombone and leading an orchestra in high school; forming and leading in the first Navy V-12 band in Minneapolis, Minn.; playing trombone in polka band in the Air Force in Cheyenne, Montana and Doctors Symphony in Hollywood; singing in the CBMC quartet and leading congregational singing in multiple churches over the years.
He also became a pilot, and used his Cessna single engine plane to transport family on vacations, as well as serve on many mission’s projects.
Above all, Charles was dedicated servant of his Lord Jesus Christ, sharing with his patients in prayer before and after surgery, traveling on medical missionary trips to Mexico, Guatemala, Bangladesh and Abudabi, member and chairman of the Christian Business Men’s Committee (CBMC) of San Bernardino, member of the CBMC Quartet and member and leader in churches wherever he attended. His quick smile, sense of humor, helping hand to those in need, dedication and love for his family and love for the Lord are a testimony that will be long remembered.
Charles is survived by his wife, June (Taylor) Engel, his children Dr. Richard Engel, Charles Engel and Teresa (Engel) Flowers and seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Graveside services were held Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at the Roscoe Cemetery, with military honors.