Charles Edward Blasingame

Charles Edward Blasingame, 69, a retired banker, moved on to God's sweet pasture last Saturday, August 4, 2007. His body was tired and could not keep his lung cancer from overtaking him, but it never overtook his spiritual strength.Graveside Service: 5:00 P.M. Wednesday at Ash Creek Cemetery, Azle. Visitation: The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Wednesday at White's Azle Funeral Home. Charles was born October 24, 1937 in Decatur to Clinton and Mary Elizabeth Blasingame. He graduated from Amarillo High in Amarillo and attended West Texas State University in nearby Canyon. While attending college, Charles started his banking career in Amarillo, working for Azle-Boyd native, Arvil Boyd, President and Founder of Tascosa State Bank. In 1959 Charles married the former Mary Strickland and followed Arvil Boyd to Odessa and became head cashier at National Bank of Odessa. Arvil Boyd founded Azle State Bank in 1960 and exactly one year later, persuaded Charles to follow as Operations Officer. Charles was named Vice-President in less than one year's time. Mr Blasingame was elected a member of the Board of Directors in 1970, and became President of Azle State Bank in 1981. He retired in 1999 as Chairman of the Board. Charles has always been an active participant in all Azle civic activities. Throughout the years, he had held various offices and served as a director of the Azle Lions Club and the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He had for many years been a staunch supporter of and actively worked with the FFA of Azle High School. He was recognized for his outstanding service to the Future Farmers Organization, Chairman of the Board of Managers of the Eagle Mountain Boys & Girls Club and Jefferson's Childrens Home. Charles will be remembered for telling a good joke and make you believe it really happened! He had a gift from God to help others with their financial needs to build a better future, and for that, he will be best remembered. On December 31, 1993, Charles married the former Betty Baldwin and remained in Azle where they enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and cooking together. He adored and enjoyed being with his son, Brent and his family.Charles was preceded in death by his son, Charles Todd and his father, Clint Blasingame. Survivors: His wife, and protector, Betty Blasingame; daughter, Michelle and her husband, John Ewing of Azle; son, Brent and his wife, Kim of Cleburne; mother, Mary Elizabeth Lawrence of Fort Worth; brothers, Sonny and wife, Renee of Rule, John Paul, a widower, of Fort Worth, Raymond and wife, Barbara of Houston, Jerry and wife, Susan of Tenn. and Kenneth of Fort Worth; sister, Sonya and husband, Dwayne Morrison of Fort Worth; granddaughters, Caitlin Ewing, Catie and Brooke Blasingame; grandson, Jared Ewing; many nieces, nephews, close friends, Harold Johnson, Dr. Jack Mobley, Bill Scott, Butch Patterson, Mike Hagler, Fred Dilbeck and so many great and caring friends with whom he worked and served as customers of Azle State Bank. He will be missed.