Charles Mingo Obituary

Mr. Mingo was my biology teacher at Harlan High School. He was a highly intelligent, extremely knowledgeable, and very kind. I remember him going to the back of the room to sit next to me and asking me where I thought I was having difficulty. No teacher had ever done that, and I was instantly struck by his gentleness and concern. My prayers are with the family. Take your rest, Mr. Mingo. You lived out your purpose well.

Mr. Mingo was a good principal at Beckman Jr. High in Gary, Indiana. His heart was always in the right place with the children. Rest in peace soldier you won your battle, now enjoy the spoils.

I feel bad because I just saw this. Mr. Mingo was a great guy. I worked with him his first year in Gary at Beckman. He always had a kind word. He loved students I know he is missed.

Mr. Mingo was great to me as a first year teacher. RIP

With deepest sympathy to his family, Charles was my cooperating teacher at Harlan High School when I student taught, we took a graduate class together in 1970.

I had the honor to work with Charles many years ago when we worked together in the Project Wingspread program (1968-1971) where students from Harlan and H-F used the city of Chicago as a learning platform five days a week. His focus on learning and on life influenced not only the students, but also us, the teachers - Betty S, Clem P, and myself. Unfortunately I just learned of Charles' passing. My condolences to his family but his legacy lives on through the many students that he touched. Stephen Mayheu,( Algoma, WI)

We are lucky to have been on the planet at the same time as this fine man. I taught at DuSable under his charge for 3 years. Charlie Mingo has been and will continue to be an inspiration to me in the work left to be done on this planet. He was proud of his family's accomplishments, caring about the young men and women who came into his care within schools and streets alike, and an example to all of us. He was willing to make deep personal sacrifice for the sake of the struggle. I offer my deepest sympathy to you his family. I still count him as a friend and felt joyous every time I heard from him over the years.

My deepest sympathy to the Mingo family. You are in my thoughts.

Christine Ogilvie
Bossier City, Louisiana

My deepest sympathy to the family. We worked together at Whitney Young for many years.

CHarles and I worked together for 15 years at Austin Academy (high school) as assistant principals.

Moreover, we were friends and spent time together at both of our homes.

I just learned of his death today and am deeply saddened. My condolences to Janet and his children.

Knowing Charles and Janet as students at Northern Illinois University during the 60s, then continuing social connections until his passing was truly an inspiration of their love and commitment to a wonderful life together. May you have some peace, Janet and children, with the knowledge that your time with Charles was a gift to be celebrated forever.

Sincerely,

Betty V. Holcomb

I'm deeply saddened by the death of my "Uncle Charles" who was a coworker and good friend of my mother. He always had good advice for me and supported me in my teaching career. He actually helped me land my teaching assignment. He left behind a beautiful family who I know will all greatly miss him. I will keep them in my prayers. Good night Uncle Charles!

My deepest sympathy to the Mingo Family. Charles was a dedicated CPS principal

Janet, Ella and I are sadden by the death of our friend Charles.He was always fun to be around.He had such a witty, intellectual sence of humor.I'll always remember that cross country vacation we took and the fun we had. Charles was one of a kind.The blessing of the Lord will see you and your family through these difficult times

A wonderful man with a kind gentle voice, Mr. Mingo & his loving wife Janet warmly welcome my family and me to our neighborhood some 15+ years ago, inviting me to his home, sharing some of his garden finest produce and giving me advice on how to help my sons excel in this competitive school district. You know it was going to be a good day when saw Mr. Mingo leisurely driving down the street in his red convertible : ), I'm going to miss his warm smile and exuberant spirit, especially at our block party....
Stephen & Niecy McDowell

Deeply saddened by the exit of one of Chicago's great educators, Charles E. Mingo; I am truly greatful to have gotten my H.S Diploma under your watch and provisions @ that historic institution.......may the GOD of all peace send comfort to your family during this time transition.

RESPECTFULLY,

Patrick Tramble

On behalf of the Harlan High School Class of 1970, our former high school teacher, Mr. Charles Mingo, was a great educator and a guiding light of peace and justice for not only John Marshall Harlan High and other schools but the great city of Chicago. He will be missed.

Mr. Mingo was my Biology Teacher in 1965. He was nice. He made a deal with me for 2nd period Biology. Since I had Foods/Homemaking as a 1st period class, he said if I cooked the squid that we had to dissect that day, that I wouldn't have to dissect -or- eat it. (Man was I glad!) So I came walking into class with a platter of "Sautéed Squid". My classmates had to dissect a raw squid first, then taste it as prepared by your's truly! I'm told it was kind of sweet. I loved Mr. Mingo for that! I must have had a crazy look on my face when he told us of the up-coming assignment---so he made a wonderful adjustment for me. That's the kind of teacher that he was. He was such a laid-back, nice man. Cherished and Missed.

Family is precious and great men lead their families into the world by example. Uncle Charles was that man. The lessons and wisdom I learned from him still guide me today. I was blessed to have him in my life --- as we remain blessed to have him in our memories. Still leading by examples, even in my dreams.
Thank you uncle Charles

I am sorry for the recent loss of Uncle Charles. I visit uncle Frank often because I live in the area where he is. Marcus Warren

Charles was a great, wonderful friend, loved and admired. Many fond memories as a teacher and administrator colleague. My prayers are with Janet and the rest of the family at this time of sorrow.

Charles Mingo and I shared a professional relationship of collegiality that was explicitly united in a common purpose and respect for each other's ability to discuss and work towards ways to improve the education of our youth. Charles and I were also the best of friends. Though he accomplished much, he continued to be an ordinary person. Rest In Peace, Charlie Mingo.

Mr. Mingo was a person who believed in getting an education. If it was not for him I would not have attended Whitney M Young HS. May you have the memories of him to comfort you in the coming days. (Graudate - Class of '86)

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

I was sadden when I heard from my oldest sister Violet of Charles passing. My condolences, we are (I believe) are his third cousins. My grandmother was Viola and mother Cleo.

R.i.p big daddy mingo, class of 91, u came in 88 and made the Du better, thanks for the love you showed all of us. You are one of the good ones.

Mr. Mingo was a great educator and a beautiful person. I remember him from biology class days at Harlan High school in the late 1960's.
I was blessed to speak with him and meet his wife several months ago at a restaurant. He has made a positive impact on so many lives in his lifetime. Only heaven knows how many. I send my condolences to his wife and family and praises to God for his life. May he rest in peace. We will certainly miss seeing him at school reunions and other event around town. To God be the glory!

Janet, Jennifer and siblings.
Nathan, out sons, and I are so very sorroy about the passing of Charles. Thinking about him brought back many happy memories of out days and Harlan, our days at Whitney Young, and especially the days when both of you lived accross the hall from Nathan and I. I will see you at the services at the services on Thursday.

My Condolences to the Mingo Family. Mr. Mingo was a great man. RIP Mr. C. Mingo. Johnny B. Crowder (WYHS C/O 1990)

Big Brother, you were an inspiration to us all. I will surely miss you. Thank you for your dream and vision of RIM, Retirees In Motion, of which you were one of the founders. Our breakfast club will not be the same without you. Rest in peace! Celia Coleman

Sir Charles E. Mingo, you are truly the best teacher, principal, mentor and friend a guy could ever desire. Your friendship and tutelage has given me an 18 year principal. I will sorely miss you. Your confidant Dr. Larry J. Thomas (Uncle Larry)RIM Breakdfast Club

May you "Rest In Peace" from the Breasfast Club. Yours In The Bond,
Bro. Dr. Stephen L. Jones, Sr

Rest in peace Charles, you are most deserving. You blessed my spirit from the time I joined the staff at Whitney Young in 1978 until now. I can still hear you calling me "Dolores Mae."
Dr. Dolores Freeman

Our prayers go out to the Mingo family. Mr. Mingo influenced so many lives and especially the lives of so many dolphins. I remember working with him as a student and as a colleague at the national college fair. He was a great educator and colleague. Our lives were blessed and
enriched by your presence. And indeed, "service is the debt we owe society for living," thanks for your path of positivity. Alicia Gilmore Catching, WY class of 1980.

I am truly grateful for the impact Mr. Mingo had on my life as a student at Whitney Young from 1978-1982. My prayers are with the family and friends. Patricia A. Willis Holliday

Our sincere sympathy to the Mingo Family. Mr. Mingo was one of the best educator at Austin High School. Now God has call him home to rest.
Jackie Allen, class of '72

Charles Mingo was my homeroom teacher at Harlan High school during the years 1966 - 1970. He was a concerned, caring teacher, a mentor and an inspiration to me and many other students. I still remember Project Wingspread and the multi-cultural experiences it provided. He encouraged me and so many to go to college. My condolences to the family. And many thanks for sharing your wonderful husband, father and brother with us. It was an honor to be touched by him. Sincerely,
Shirley Watts Henderson, Harlan Class of '70

RIP Mr. Mingo. I appreciate your example while I was at WY.
Michael A. Armstrong Sr. (WY Class of 1982)

My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Mingo. -Timothy Higgins (WY-Class of 1986)

Rest in peace Mr. Mingo. I was lucky to have you as an influence.
Karen Chew (Whitney Young Class of 1981)

Mr. Mingo was a wonderful mentor, not simply my boss. He guided my progress as a new teacher. I am forever grateful for his lessons! I will always remember his last words to me as we shared a laugh, "Everybody can't walk with the big dogs!" He had that gigantic personality and taught me to bring my boss solutions instead of problems! Hugs to his family and let those great memories comfort you!

May God comfort and keep the Mingo Family in this time of sorrow. Our families were neighbors for many years on Princeton Ave. When I attended WY my grandparents were so pleased that I was under the care of Mr. Mingo. Rest in peace. (Class of 83)

Condolences to the Mingo family. Brother Mingo was a man who influenced generations. Whether as a Founding Brother of Epsilon Omicron chapter of

Condolences to the family

Our deepest sympathy to the Mingo Family. God has a plan for all of us and he had a plan for Charles. He will give you the strength to carry on.

I will sincerely miss my uncle Charles. He always had a funny story to tell and a wealth of knowledge to share. I will miss his laugh and sharing tips on hostas. He is at peace and I know his memory will live on in all of the lives he touched.

I remember Mr. Mingo as a strong admninistrator with a great sense of humor. My condolences to his family.
(Whitney Young class of '78)

My name is Michael Rabin. I was a friend of Frank Mingo Jr. In reading
about the passing of Charles,it brought back such fond memories of Frank.He always spoke so highly of his family in general and now I see in the life of Charles how true his high praise was.My condolances to the Mingo family.God bless you all and give you strength. Your Truly Michael Rabin

Rest In Peace Mr. Mingo. An awesome administrator at Whitney Young H.S. He taught us responsibilty, dignity and respect. Our kids today could learn alot from Mr. Mingo. Bridget Henry(WY c/o '85)

With sincere condolences to the Mingo family on your loss. He had a presence at the Illustrious Whitney M. Young Magnet H.S.
Thea Johnson C'1980

I knew Mr. Mingo not as the educator, but as the parent of students, while his children were at Robert A.Black Magnet School. He was the epitome of support, co-operation,and encouragement to his children, the faculty, and our whole school. RAB former faculty member, Joanne Vee.

Mr.Charles Mingo, GONE TO SOON!!!! encouraging words to The Mingo. He will be missed. THE FORD FAMILY

Mr. Mingo was truly an advocate for children and education! Carmela Wimberly (Whitney Young class of 82)

Thank you Mr. Mingo for allowing me the opportunity to learn and teach in your school. You taught me what it meant to be a teacher and to educate. Your committment to your students and your faculty were unwavering. I am the educator I am today, in large part, thanks to the opportunity you gave me and the challenges you allowed me to work through. You taught me what it meant to be empowered and the lessons I learned at DuSable are with me every day. You created a safe space for some of the most vulnerable children in Chicago and you will truly be missed. Thank you.

Mr. Mingo was a great man and as a Whitney Young alumni, I fondly remember looking up to him! He was a big teddy bear with a heart big enough for us all. My condolences to the entire family......he will forever be remembered with honor and respect. Lynn R Cook

Mr. Mingo was so inspiring and encouraging! Condolences to his family! Sherry Brice Sykes (WY Class of 1980)

My deepest sympathies to the Mingo family. Mr. Mingo was an imposing figure in the halls of WY, but he was well-respected. His daughter, Jennifer, was a classmate of mine and a nice girl. God bless you all. Donna Dickson Deloney, WY c/o 85

My deepest condolences to the Mingo family. I worked for years with Charles at Young. He was a man who loved his family and his vocation. He enjoyed life and loved to laugh. He will be missed.

To the Mingo family: May Charles rest in peace. The pain is gone, the drums are still, the smoke has disappeared, the battle's done and heaven is his heritage.

WHAT A WELL RESPECTED MAN R.I.P MR MINGO YOU HAVE LEFT YOUR NAME I THE HEART OF MANY OF YOUR STUDENT.

Shiela McIntosh-Risdon class of 91 (IF YOU THINK YOU CAN!!!! GO PANTHERS)

A great man and a great administrator. Condolences to the Mingo family... Anchelle Williams (Whitney M. Young "85")
And the Williams Family....

I am a Whitney Young alumna (Class of '86) and was friends with Jennifer back then. I remember Mr. Mingo as a firm but kind Assistant Principal. My deepest sympathies to his friends and family.

My sympathy and prayers are with the entire Mingo family at this time. Mr. Mingo was a true inspiration to me an so many others during our time at Whitney Young. He had the most innate ability to chastise you while providing a 'teaching moment'. A great educator and human being....Rest In Peace. Charles E Jackson, WY Class of '85

A great man and renowned educator who I had the great pleasure to work with at DuSable High School. He will be missed. Condolences to the Mingo family.

As a graduate of Whitney Young and student there while he was Assistant Principal, I found him to be a dedicated administrator who left a positive mark on all of us who were blessed to know him. God bless him and his family! We will miss you. --Connie Simmons Moran c/o 1986

R.I.P Mr.Mingo

To the Mingo family on behalf Of the late Mary L. JOnes family.Mr. Mingo an my mom work hard togather to make Dusable High Schol a better place for students to come an learn they started the 2nd chance program.On behalf of me an my entire family we send our blessing to the entire Mingo family Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. bless you all.

Charles E. Mingo was a mentor to me during my tenure as an educator at DuSable High School. He was innovative, creative and most of all dedicated! I will always remember him because I am today, because of his vision for me....I offer my support and expression of fond memories for an enormous man in every sense of the word. May he rest in peace and may the family find comfort in all that he has meant to them and to others...his legacy lives on forever passed from generation to generation!

To all of the Mingo family...heartfelt prayers for comfort. Your father has always been one of my fondest memories as a parent and role model in education. He raised awesome children!

So incredibly sorry to hear of his passing. He was a brilliant man and educator. Firm but loving. His commitment to education was unflappable and he set the standard for all future educators. Heaven just got a little smarter. My condolences to his wife and children. Thank you for lending him to all the children he helped father, mentor and educate. He helped mold boys into men and girls into women. A true beacon of light in a world full of darkness. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Whitney Young Magnet H.S. c/o '90

What a great person. You will always be remembered.

Cheryl Johnson - WY Class of 1983

Charles you were a fun loving positve man. you will be missed. BLESS IT BE



Floyd and Mertis Odom,and Family
Markham IL

He was respectable and always expected excellence. A class act, Mr. Mingo will be missed, and never forgotten. Dr. Kimberly King Garrett (Whitney M. Young class of 1984)

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

I love you Uncle Charlie!! God bless you, Buddy. I'll see you on the other side. Love, Vicky

Thankful for every day we had with Mr. Mingo; he was truly wonderful.

A. Thornton - c/o 1988

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Expressing my deepest sympathy to the Mingo family. Charles did good work on earth and now will continue his great work in heaven.
Dr. Linda Echols

On behalf of the Jones Family, c/o 91 & 92 we would like to express our Sympathy. Thanks for allowing our mother Mary Louise Jones to share her Vision at DuSable....

Mr. Mingo, You were the originator of "Tough Love". I didnt appreciate it at the time but, I thank you for keeping me in line. You will be missed. Maurice Miles- Whitney Young Class of 1985

He was my first principal as a teacher. Sorry to hear that he is gone.

My Heartfelt prayers go out to the family of Charles A, Mingo he is one f the main reasons I stayed & graduated from Du Sable H.S. god truly blessed this man with courage & conviction thank you Mr.Mingo for everything that you were God bless you. Jerry L,Jackson c/o 91

He was very inspiring.

men I serve today. Thank you for top notch leadership. I will never forget you!

Praying for the family of Charles Mingo. Bernina Scott C/O 90

To the fam god is good all the time. love zipporah lewis and fam. class %96

Mr. Mingo found out i was walking an hour to get to school and he would leave bus tokens for me...i truly loved Mr. Mingo a.k.a Joe Clark..he loved his students at DuSable..he would say.."if you think you can you're right,if you think you cant you're right"...and he believed we could..

To a great man May you rest in peace.
Mico Gardner Cooper DuSable Class of 91

My prayer goes out to the family, Mr. Mingo Change alot of lives. he is our history and will never be forgotten.. the man who gave me my diploma. you will be missed. Lakisha Bennett Williams C/o 1995

To the family of Charles Mingo. I had the pleasure to work with and socialize with Charles and it was a pleasure to do both! He was truely a professional and enjoyed his work in education: he also liked to socialize and had a really good sence of humour. I remeber playing 'bid wist' with him years ago and he was good at that too!At the time, he loved a good game! He will be missed! I shed tears for you...Mingo Family....not for Charles, for he is at peace and feels no pain...but for the family and friends he has left behind!

Mr Mingo was my principal at Beckman and i remember him standing outside talking to my dad in the morning and after school Mr.Mingo went above and beyond to ensure the safety of his students in addition to making sure the school remained a productive place i will surely miss him and all i can truly say is Well Done he has completed and closed the final chapter of his life and moved on to Glory....Carl Brandon Jr

I really enjoyed working for Mr. Charles Mingo. He was an exceptional principal who was not afraid to give teachers leadership roles in our school. He nade our school exciting. I will miss him. My prayers to the family. Audrey Martin, Ruleville, Mississippi.

To the Charles E. Mingo Family: GOD is our refuse and strength in times of trouble. Memories are everlasting and can be replayed at any time. You are in my prayers.

Oliver Hainey Lombard, Illinois

R.I.P
P.WHITE, Class of '71

I am honored to have had Charles E. Mingo as a personal friend for so many years. He and his family reached out to me during my personal illiness and he has always shown concern for me and my family. I will always remember him as the most innovative, creative, intelligent, concerned, God fearing man I have had the oportunity to know in this life time. My Prayers and Love go out to the family. Rest in Peace. Love Always, Mr. Odis Gene Richardson

Mr. Mingo always stood behind his students!! My heart goes out to his family. Class of 1995

My deepest sympathy to Charles Mingo's devoted wife and children. He was an outstanding educator and mentor, whose contributions to the students and teachers that he touched, abounded. May he have eternal rest.