Dr. Charles C. Warfield

September 2, 1938 - June 5, 2016

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, teacher, and community leader, Dr. Charles C. Warfield, died peacefully at his home on June 5, 2016 surrounded by family. Charles was a Kalamazoo native who graduated from Kalamazoo's University High School, received a B.A. and M.A. from Western Michigan University and a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon. He dedicated his entire life to his community and will be best remembered for his stanch advocacy of issues affecting equity in education, human and civil rights for all people. Charles began his illustrious career in the Kalamazoo Public School System serving as a second grade teacher at Northglade Elementary School (1963-1966) and later, as a reading specialist in secondary and adult education. He left the district to become the Associate Director for the Community Action Agency (Kal-Cap) for Kalamazoo County (1966-1967). In 1967, Charles and his family relocated to Eugene, OR where he entered the University of Oregon to pursue a doctorate degree. During his tenure, Charles worked as Assistant Professor of Education, Director of Upward Bound, Assistant Director of University's High School Equivalency Program (HEP) and the Oregon Component Four State Project. After earning his doctorate and returning to Kalamazoo, Charles worked as an evaluator for the Emergency School Assistance Act/Title I Programs (Grand Rapids, MI), was elected to the KPS Board of Education (1973-1977) and served as board president from 1976-77. Charles also played an integral role with Kalamazoo Public Schools to help facilitate the transition of students and teachers during the court ordered desegregation era in Kalamazoo. His unprecedented leadership as the Director of School/Community Relations led to his subsequent national work as the Chairman of the National Task Force on Educational Renewal (Office of Education, Washington, DC) as well as Chief of Staff and Director of Program Operations for Operation PUSH and PUSH-EXCEL, respectively (Chicago, IL). He was first appointed to the faculty at WMU in 1972 and worked for the University in various capacities for 41 years, primarily in the College of Education, including a stint as the Interim Department Chair for one year. Charles retired from WMU in 2013 as Associate Professor Emeritus of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology. He has been directly responsible for the professional careers of many educators who continue to a make significant impact on students across the country and throughout the world. A partial list of his professional and academic association affiliations included: Consortium of African American Males, Michigan Association of School Administrators, American Association of School Administrators, National African American Superintendent Organization, National Alliance of Black School Educators, Athletic Board of Western Michigan University, Minority Issues/Information, Department of Education Databaser, House Fiscal Agency Focus Group on AIDS, Borgess Medical Center, First Year Teacher of the Year Award Selection Committee, American Association of School Administrators, Governor’s Telecommunication Task Force, and Higher Education Committee. Charles was well known throughout the country and was frequently engaged by public schools, community and religious organizations to provide wisdom, expertise and strategic insight. Charles was a committed member of the Kalamazoo community, culturally and politically. Since 2009, he served as the President of the Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), taking the reins of that organization during its 100th anniversary year. Under his leadership, the organization has realized increased membership, sponsorships and community partnerships. To commemorate his benevolence and commitment to youth, the Branch annually presents the Dr. Charles C. Warfield Youth Community Service Award to a young person in the community whose commitment to service mirrors his dedication to social justice and community service in the greater Kalamazoo community. An ordained minister, Charles first served as Associate Pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (Chicago, IL). Later, he would serve as an ordained elder at Galilee Baptist Church and was steadfast in his support of numerous churches in the greater Kalamazoo area. He faithfully worked with the Senior Citizens Advisory Board, Community Based Education Advisory Board and Northside Ministerial Alliance. Charles was preceded in death by his father Bernis Warfield Sr. and mother Della Smith-Warfield and his siblings Delma Grier, Bernis Warfield Jr., Helen Humphrey and Dr. John Warfield. He is survived by his beloved wife Dr. Martha Warfield; his son Carl Warfield (Sheila) of Grand Rapids, MI; his daughter Kharen Warfield of Kalamazoo, MI. He was devoted to his grandchildren, their education and the experiences that would enhance their future. His legacy is steeped in the success of his grandson, Nicholas Warfield, granddaughters, Nia Warfield of New York, NY, Chani Warfield of Grand Rapids, MI, and Kennedy Shelton of Kalamazoo, MI. He is survived by a host of nephews, nieces and extended family members. The family sends its heartfelt thanks to the wonderful team of Dr. Stephan Dallas and Dr. Marcia Liepman, whose personal and professional services were sincerely dedicated to his care and comfort. Additional thanks to the staff at Bronson Hospital Cardiac Unit, Southern Hospice Staff and Caregivers and Fresh Perspective Home Care Providers.