"My condolences to the family. I'll remember the reassurances that Chuck provided in my first year of grad school. I had been out of college for three years before starting my MS degree. In the interorganizational relations class of my first semester, I was the only MS student among all the PdD students. But I had an intuitive understanding of the course content from having worked for three years doing applied interorganizational work. After the first exam, I asked Chuck if my B+ was good enough relative to the PhD students. He said that they only averaged an A-, so I did well and that I had practical experience that I could draw upon to illustrate my answers which was something that the PhD students didn't have. He assured me that I would do fine in my course work as long as I could draw upon my real life experiences. Other than that reassurance, I'll remember Chuck's pleasant personality, warm smile, and his genuine interest and concern for grad students."
In loving memory of
Charles Lee Mulford
October 28, 1932 - August 6, 2019
Charles Lee Mulford, age 86, of Ames, Iowa passed away at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames on August 6, 2019. A gathering of friends and family will be Sunday, August 11, 2019 between 2 and 4:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa with a Masonic Service to follow. His celebration of life service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12, at Ames United Church of Christ, 217 6th Street, Ames, Iowa. A private burial will be at Iowa State University Cemetery in Ames.
Charles Lee Mulford was born to Arthur and Ester Mulford in Iowa Falls, on October 28, 1932. After graduation from high School in 1950, he attended Ellsworth Community College, graduating in 1952. He then joined the Air Force Cadet program and served until 1956. He was a "Triple Headed Monster": Navigator, Bombardier and Radar Observer; leaving the service as a 1s Lieutenant. He met his wife, Mary Uitermarkt at Ellsworth College and the two were united in marriage on October 28, 1953. He then received his PhD. from Iowa State University in 1962. He and his family moved to Houston, TX in 1966 where he taught at the University of Houston for 3 years. The family returned to Ames and he joined the faculty at ISU, in 1969. Charles enjoyed teaching undergraduate and graduate students. During this time, he published a book and wrote many articles for Sociology Journals.
Charles was initiated into Alpha Kappa Delta Honors Society, PSI Chi (Psychology), Phi Kappa Phi (Academic), Faculty Citation from the University College of Science and Humanities, Faculty Citation from ISU Alumni Association, AJ Ellis Award for teaching, he Lectured at Baoding University (Public Rep of China), formally recognized at Academia Athletic Department Award from ISU, and for 10 years he was the National Secretary Treasure for Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Society. He was a member in Ames American Legion, Arcadia Lodge # 249 A.F. & A.M., and Ames United Church of Christ for 50 years.
Charles and Mary Ann were blessed with two children, David and Katy. He enjoyed many activities; hunting, fishing, golfing, ISU Sports, RAGBRAI, family activities and had a love for watches. Chuck was named Emeritus Professor retiring from the classroom in 1998. He then was an Academia Tutor for another ten years with the Athletic Department being awarded an Honorary Staff Member. He was privileged to be on a Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2012.
Chuck was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Richard, Jonas, Erle and Walter, and a sister Shirley.
He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Mulford, his son David (Troi) Mulford, his daughter Katy Mulford, and four grandchildren, Amanda, Matthew, Dorothy and Jacob.
In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to: Ames United Church of Christ, or Ellsworth Community College Iowa Falls, Iowa.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.
Tributes
"Chuck was such a kind mam & had such a good sense of humor. I enjoyed playing bridge with Chuck & Mary! "
"sorry to see the news i remember many times with you and Mary Ann. Marlene Houck Helling"
"Dr. Mulford was indeed a gentle and helpful professor. Besides a couple of courses with him, two others and I persuaded him to give two readings courses on complex organization. I still use some of things we read in my work here at Texas A&M U. in the sociology department. alex mcintosh, professor"
"I was one of Chuck's early PhD. students. I do not think I have ever met a kinder, more gentle man. He also provided such wonderful help to student athletes in his retirement. Truly one of the best ever to serve at Iowa State. My deepest sympathy to his family. Heaven will be "no sweat" for you Chuck! Paula Morrow"
"To the whole Mulford family those we know and those we don't; we are so sorry about your loss. We didn't know Charles well but we did know what an accomplished man he was and how much he loved you all. Peace be with you. With all our love, the Doherty family "
"Mary and family, Please know that you will all be in our thoughts and prayers through the rough weeks ahead. Chuck was a great 'across the alley neighbor' to me and loved by all of us at Accura HealthCare of Ames. He will be greatly missed...Thoughts, prayers and Blessings, Dawn & all the staff at Accura"