Charles William Spann

Charles William Spann

Charles Spann was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia on April 15, 1945, to George and Ann Spann. As a boy he was always interested in science and was very active in the Boy Scouts. He attended Washing Irving High School and then went on to M.I.T. majoring in atomic physics. He attended the University of Pittsburgh to study physics, and this was interrupted when he was drafted into the army during the Vietnam War.

In the army Charlie was stationed at West Point as a Military Police person. He finished his army experience and then attended the University of West Virginia where he earned a master's degree in engineering. He moved to Charleston west Virginia to work with the state Environmental Protection Department. He married his wife Virginia, and they resided in Charleton for the next 40 years.

Charlie was very active in the Kanawha Valley Astronomical Society and was involved in their developing their first telescopic viewing area in a nearby park.

Charlie married Rebecca Leibowitz on June 15, 2014, and they lived in Newtown, Pa until Charles sudden death on August 22, 2026. They enjoyed traveling and gardening and eventually started their own art selling business. Charlie is remembered for his brilliance and his love of astronomy and dogs and his kindness towards everyone he met. Anyone wanting to send flowers will please send a donation to the Kanawha Valley Astronomical Society in Charleston, 52 Country Way, Tornado WV, 25202.