Charles ‘Chuck’ Patrick Verschoore, 84, of Madison, AL passed away Monday. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil August Verschoore and Josephine McManus Verschoore, and brother, Thomas Verschoore.
Born in Rock Island, IL, he graduated from the University of Illinois in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He began his engineering career with Chrysler Corporation’s missile division. He then moved on to work for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL for over 30 years. During his tenure, he served as the test laboratory’s deputy director and the associate director of the propulsion laboratory. After his civil service retirement in 1995, he consulted for Lockheed Martin and KT Engineering until 2009. He contributed to America’s space program from its infancy, landing a man on the moon to the Space Shuttle program. From slide rules to computers, he was there for it all.
Chuck enjoyed coaching little league baseball and was often admired as “Coach Verschoore”. He was a faithful member and volunteer at St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Huntsville. He also attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Madison. He was an active member of the Huntsville Elks lodge for over 20 years, and volunteered as a NASA Emeritus Docent at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
Survivors include his dear friend, companion and wife of 62 years, Shirley Sloan Verschoore; children, Denise Satt (James), Michael Verschoore (Susan), Patrick Verschoore (Laura) JoLayne Frentzel (Michael), and Rachael Samples (Stuart); twelve grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
Chuck will be fondly remembered as a loving father, avid gardener, and golfer, proudly accomplishing two holes in one. We love you and miss you, Dad “Rocket Scientist.”
Visitation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 13 at St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Huntsville, AL. The funeral Mass will follow at the church with Father William Kelly officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery
