Charles Lynn Goldman Jr.

Charles Lynn Goldman Jr., a man whose hands built more than just wood and metal—they built stories, laughter, and lasting memories—passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, in Peoria, Arizona after a sustained illness. Born on July 12, 1959, in Mount Vernon, Illinois, Charles’s journey through life was marked by skill, passion, and a boundless spirit that endeared him to all who knew him.

A Certified Carpenter, Heat and Air Conditioning technician, and a master of mechanical work, Charles crafted his career with the same care and dedication he applied to every guitar string he plucked and every vehicle he tended. His talents were not confined to his trades alone; he was a blue-blooded lover of rock music, the color blue, Mexican food, and the great outdoors. Fishing and camping—always with his cherished “Pepsies”—were escapes that let him blend his love for nature with his desire to bring joy and laughter to those around him.

Charles's journey took him from the heart of Amarillo, Texas, to the rugged plains of Cheyenne, Wyoming, with each place etching its influence on his life’s narrative. He carried the pride of his work deeply, most notably honored with the Blue Ribbon Award at F.E. Warren Base, a testament to his outstanding craftsmanship in carpentry.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Charles was beloved for the way he made people laugh, a gift as warm and genuine as the sunsets he watched with those he loved. For 35 years, he shared a profound bond with his long-time companion and life partner, Sandra Kay Gauna, whose memory he now joins. He also was a cherished son to Charles and Louis Goldman and a great-grandfather to Amire Montoya, both now departed.

Charles leaves behind a vibrant legacy through his children—daughter Katrina Manasco of Arizona and her husband Roger, and his son Max Gauna along with daughter Nadia Gauna, both of Wyoming. His lineage blooms further with 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, a lively testament to a life richly lived and deeply loved.

As a man who built and repaired with steady hands, who strummed melodies into the quiet, and who shared joy as freely as the open skies he cherished, Charles Lynn Goldman Jr. leaves us all with indelible impressions of strength, warmth, and enduring spirit. He will be remembered not only for the skilled craftsman he was but for the laughter, love, and music that shaped his extraordinary life.