Coach Bill Charles

The football coaching world lost one of its most popular soldiers with the passing of long time Drake University Football Coach Bill Charles on July 28, 2018.

Born March 17, 1939 in Council Bluffs, IA the only child of Earl and Maxine Charles. Bill was an outstanding athlete at both high school and collegiate level. He received his Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University where he also played football and his Masters of Education from Nebraska University.

Coach Charles impacted players at Drake for 35 years and coached a total of 55 years. During his coaching career he received numerous coaching accomplishments. As a high school coach, he assisted nearly 80 players to go on to play college football and coached seven college players who made “All American.” Twice he was selected for both football and track coach of the year at Council Bluffs St. Albert Central Catholic High School, four times selected Des Moines Metropolitan Football League Coach of the Year, and twice selected track coach of the year at Des Moines East High School. In 1980 and 1981, the Drake Football Staff was selected by the NCAA Division IA, District V1, as National Coach of the Year Award. In 1980, he was Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Ends, Coach of the Year. In 1990, NAIA District Coach of the Year at Westmar University where he was Head Football Coach and Athletic Director. In 2003, he was inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame, Des Moines East.

Bill also successfully coached two indoor football teams, Fargo Freeze and the River City Renegades, until those franchises dissolved.

His proudest honor was the results of the impact on so many players that he recruited and coached. He truly believed that this was God’s calling for him.

Bill will always be cherished by his wife, Shirley; and their blended family, Susan (Scott) McClain, Sally Charles, Toby (Barb) Charles, JoDee (Dale) Catron, Jill Sellers and Tim, and Jeff (Shelly) Backous. He was the loving grandpa to 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at The Courtside Club next to the Drake Knapp Center, 2719 Forest Ave. in Des Moines on August 3, 2018 from 5:30-9:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines with a luncheon following.

The family wishes to thank Dallas Sanders, PA and Dr. Robert Behrens, Oncologist, who administered exceptional care.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for distribution to Bill’s favorite charities. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonFuneralHome.com.

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