Obituaries
Mr. Charles Francis Corum
09/19/1942 - 01/31/2022
A resident of San Francisco and a native of La Crosse, Charles Corum entered his Heavenly home unexpectedly on January 31, 2022. He was a musically talented man with endearing eccentricities, an independent soul who was devoted to friends and family, full of generosity and kindness, and with a penchant for writing parody songs on special occasions. Charles was born in La Crosse, Virginia, and picked up guitar and trumpet at an early age. After graduating from Park View HS, he served in the U.S. Army band. He graduated from East Tennessee State University and took master’s degrees at U.C.L.A. and Westminster Choir College. He spent his entire adult life serving as a church choral director, first in Los Angeles, then New England, and finally the Bay Area. Musicians loved working with him as he was a natural leader, yet humble and inquisitive. Late in life he studied organ and, for the last 25 years, was Choirmaster and Organist at Saints Peter and Paul, the iconic church on Washington Square. He retired from Alameda County Board of Elections. Charles was a searcher-reading, listening, and traveling as he sought culture, knowledge, and the meaning of life. He enjoyed treating others to fine restaurant dinners. He was married for a brief time and, despite their divorce, remained extremely close to Linda and her family, including her husband Victor and especially his beloved goddaughter Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents Troy and Annie Corum, his sister Barbara Thompson and niece Lisa. He is survived by his brothers Larry and David (Judy), and nephews Larry Hugh, Bruce, Russell and Jeff. Charles is truly missed by his family and friends. A memorial mass was held at Saints Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco February 17th. A Celebration of Life service will be held at La Crosse United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 26th at 1:00 P.M. Interment will take place on Tuesday March 1st at 1:00 P.M. in Crestview Memorial Park with full American Legion Post 79 Military Honors. Online condolences may be sent through our website, www.crowderhitecrews.com. Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Corum family locally.
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Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home & Crematory
PO Box 422
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I remember all of the Corum children when growing up. Am so sorry for your loss.
Betty
High School Classmate and Friend
Charles was a great friend in high school. We were on the basketball team together and performed together in a talent show singing Tom Dooley. We also did a skit and song together in a second talent show as two characters called Jamup and Honey. I had many fun times with him and considered him a really close friend. I knew how much he loved music and how talented he was. I always thought music would be a big part of his life. He was a fine person and I am sure he will be missed by many.
Classmate of PVHS 1955-1960
Charles was a very unique person, He was talented in many fields and a good all around person. We grew up in the best of times and enjoyed our five years at PVHS.
He attended our 50th Class Reunion and always keep in touch throughout the years after graduation. It was a pleasure to know him and we all will remember all the good old times. Prayers and condolences to his family.
Charles Corum
So sad to learn the passing of Charles. He and I grew up in LaCrosse and went thru 12 years of school together. I knew his family well. He was so talented as a musican. I have only seen him once or twice since high school. Randy Jones