Charlie Foraker was born February 24, 1914, in Stockton, MO to Charles E. and Edith M. (Shipman) Foraker.
He began his lifelong education career by teaching in a rural Missouri school. After teaching at the Wellston School District in St. Louis, MO and the Jefferson City, MO Public School District he accepted the position of Director of Buildings and Grounds in the Center School District, Kansas City, MO, where he remained until his retirement in 1976.
Blessed with a loving, creative and skillful mind, he never tired of helping others.
His students at Wellston High School remember his passion for teaching safe workshop practices, drafting, and remember him as a good roll model. His humor, and quick wit helped him motivate many of his students that were difficult to reach. Charlie went the distance to help "his kids" appreciate school and extra curricular activities.
Charles W. Foraker , 85, passed away April 15, 1999.
Mr. Foraker was one of my mentors, I feel privileged to have known him.
Bob Haefner Class of 1949
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From the December 17, 1948, FLASHLIGHT
“I wish we had had square dancing when we were in school,” said a graduate who attended the recent Barn Dance, one of the three events on the Student Council’s calendar for this year. Many former students and a large crowd of those now in school were present and stayed until the last minute.
Last Friday’s large crowd, only half of whom could be on the floor at one time, added the Virginia reel and grand march to the dances that have become so popular with the Wellston group. Joe Carpenter, Charles Swindle, and Mr. Foraker added a desirable touch with their folk music, played in true American folk style. Many people were heard to say, “This is the best barn dance I have ever attended.”
Encouraged by their success, this busy group is now engaged in making plans for the Backward Dance, which they have scheduled for January. The girls are advised to ask for dates early or they may find themselves coming stag.
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From: Kristin Brokaw grandaughter
Charles Foraker was my "Pappaw", or as most people call their mother's dad, grandpa. He was truly an amazing man. I have so many fond memories of him. Among these include the summer vacations we would go on each year to the Lake of the Ozarks. He taught my sister, Keri and me how to water ski and bend our knees as we went over the waves. I can still see him clear as day sitting on the dock, cleaning the mess of fish that he, my grandma, mom, dad, sister and me caught that morning on the "rock". Pappaw could fix anything! He had a fantastic workshop in his basement filled with various tools and electrical parts. He even made his own invention. He was a brilliant man. I can clearly see how he was such an amazing teacher. There is, and always will be, a void in our family's life without him. We love him and miss him tremendously. Thank you for posting this tribute to him.
Kristin Brokaw granddaughter February 19, 2008 - from The National Hall of Records memorial page.
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