GILMANTON IRON WORKS - Charles Raymond Armour, Jr passed away peacefully on June 4, 2014.
After high school, Charlie enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and served in the Vietnam War. He was a Brattleboro , VT police officer and member of the Army National Guard before becoming an Air Force officer. Near the end of his Air Force career, Major Armour transferred from his HQ USAFE assignment in Germany to lead his EOD troops in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (the first Persian Gulf War). His many service medals included the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals, a Navy Presidential Unit Citation, and a Humanitarian Service Medal. Following his military career, Charlie served NH residents as a principal planner for the NH Dept of Health and Human Services, and taught at New Hampshire Technical Institute.
Charlie is survived by his beloved wife Deborah Kathan Armour; daughters Kiza Armour, Dawn Armour Ouellette, Leasa Armour, and Crystal Armour; three grandsons, two granddaughters, a niece, and a nephew; his mother Shirley Stanclift Armour; his sister Katherine Armour; and his brother Richard Armour.
Charlie was a loving husband and father, quick to inject a bit of military trivia or witty word play. His life embodied his values of honor, courage, and service, and he inspired those qualities in those around him.
Charles was cremated June 11 in NH. A memorial gathering at the VFW in Brattleboro , VT on July 19 will immediately follow the delivery of military honors at 1:15pm. In lieu of flowers, please thank the men and women who serve, at home or abroad, in the military or as first responders.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.