Charles Bright

BRIGHT, Charles William born December 26, 1926 near Nashville, Indiana.  Passed away July 4, 2012 in Lancaster, CA.  Bill was born and raised in Brown Country, Indiana on his family’s farm.  He attended Purdue University obtaining a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1949.  During his military service he began his work with missiles and rocket propulsion systems leading to a career with North American Aviation.  His career moved from propulsion to manned vehicles where he managed the final check out operations for the Apollo Command Module in Downey, Ca.  At the completion of Apollo program he helped to develop and build the B-1 Bomber in Los Angeles and the Antelope Valley. He was first married to Jan Radney in 1955.  They raised their children, Jerry and Mark, together until her death in 1971.  Bill married Donna in 1972 and they joined families.  All 5 children, including Vicki, Terri, and Kristi moved with them to Palmdale in 1974.  He is survived by his wife Donna Bright, son, Mark Bright of Moorpark, CA, daughters, Jerry Bright of Los Angeles, CA, Vicki Abbate (Mike) of Portland, OR, Terri Carter (David) of Orinda, CA, and Kristi Vander Hyde (Kriss) of Palmdale, CA, grandchildren, Brooke Gray (Chris), Maryn Abbate, Ross Carter, Cari Carter, Amanda Vander Hyde, Holly Vander Hyde, and Zoe Vander Hyde.  Beloved husband and father, he will be missed by his loved ones and all who knew him.  A memorial service will be held at 11am Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at Central Christian Church in Lancaster, CA.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Central Christian Church, Lancaster, CA.
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