NORFORK — “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, Ark.
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 (196668), 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, Ark. 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 40 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, Va.
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 childhood 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; stepdaughter, 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 p.m., with services to follow at 2 p.m. at the Friendly Chapel – Church of the Nazarene, 116 S. Pine Street, North Little Rock, Ark.
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, Ark.
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, Ark. 72076. 501-982-3400.
Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com