Charles Edward Dutton

Charles Edward Dutton was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on July 17, 1942. He was the third child of four children born to Aaron Dutton, Sr. and Annabelle Taylor Dutton. His father was a science professor at Dillard University, and his mother was a mathematics teacher who served as the last principal of the prestigious Gilbert Academy, the present site of De La Salle High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Duttons were a tight knit family and Charles had a special bond with each of his siblings. He made sure to always stay connected to his oldest brother Aaron and his beloved sister Sarah. Charles treasured the great arguments and debates with Aaron, and Sarah was his sacred and cherished advisor. Charles was educated in the New Orleans Public School System, graduating from Walter L. Cohen High School. He then attended Dillard University but transferred to The Johns Hopkins University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Charles also became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a distinction his father also held. He is a lifetime member committed to his fraternity. Charles went on to further his education and received a master’s degree in engineering from Howard University in 1970. On March 9, 1974, Charles married the great love of his life, Margaret Rose Schissler. Charles affectionately called Margaret “Peaches”. Together they built a life truly devoted to each other. Charles desperately wanted to be a father and on May 19, 1976, his beautiful baby girl Marla Rae was born. Charles was a true girl dad. The sun and moon rose and set in his daughter’s eyes. Professionally, Charles dedicated his career to the government, working for over forty years for the National Security Agency. He held many high-level positions including Division Chief of Processing and Architecture, Senior Electronics Engineer of Spaceborne Planning, Technical Director of various branches and more. He remained committed to higher education and advanced his work by garnering numerous certifications. Charles held an active Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance and was certified as a Cryptologic Engineer. His love of education also led to teaching, which included being a visiting professor at the United State Air Force Academy. He is a lifetime member of Blacks in Government organization. Charles retired in 2009 and relocated to Georgia to be close to his daughter and his lovely grandchildren Taylor, Olivia, and Blakely. “Grampy” doted on all of his girls. He was a true gentleman. He loved and nurtured Rae through sickness and after her passing, he would bring flowers to her grave after church every Sunday he could. Charles had a super sharp wit and loved sharing his “dad” jokes with anyone who would listen. He loved puzzles, cards and reading. Charles especially loved seafood, namely Maryland steamed crabs. He was a faithful church member and a part of the ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out Socially) group. Charles and Peaches enjoyed their time together and were months away from their 50th wedding anniversary. Their great love story endured many trials and tribulations. They took their eternal rest on the same day, November 15, 2023, only hours apart at Wellstar Hospice Care at Kennesaw Mountain. Charles is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Marla Rae Dutton Howard, his father and mother, his brothers, Aaron Dutton II, William Dutton, Sr. and sister Sarah Dutton Richardson. He is survived by his granddaughters, Taylor, Olivia, and Blakely Howard; nieces, Ella Wilson, Renarda Richardson Porter, Monserrat Moore, and Marie Patterson; nephews, William Dutton, Jr. and Aaron Dutton III; sister-in-law, Teresa Dutton; godson, Eric Blanding; goddaughter, Dr. Melvia Wallace, and a host of other family members and friends. Visitation will be Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 10:00 am -11:00 am at Sixes United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at the church at 11:00 am with Reverand Jason Zemke officiating. Services may be viewed on the church’s Facebook page. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Professional services provided by the caring staff of Darby Funeral Home.

Tributes

Charles Edward Dutton

July 17, 1942 - November 15, 2023