Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Chuck Nighswonger, who left us on June 4, 2024, at the age of 77. Surrounded by his loving family in his final moments, he was a man of humor, faith, and wisdom, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones. Chuck was a pillar of strength and a beacon of love. His absence leaves a void in our hearts.
Charles “Chuck” Dale Nighswonger was born in Wichita, Kansas on August 28, 1946, and lived in Viola, Kansas for the first 12 years of his life with many family generations. He attended Box Elder High School in Brigham City, Utah and went on to pursue his education at Utah State University, graduating with a degree in Business. Chuck had a 32-year engineering career with Thiokol Corporation and was transferred to Kennedy Space Center in 1984 where he worked until his retirement in 2006. Chuck and his beloved wife Martha married in 1988 and founded the Night Swan Intracoastal B&B in New Smyrna Beach Florida in 1990, and they enjoyed running it together until 2013.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Martha, four children, Kris, Hollie (Joe) Amaro, Claire (Ray) Delacqueseaux, and Charlie (Kelly) Nighswonger. Chuck was a devoted grandfather to seven grandchildren, Alexis Amaro, Nathan Colburn, Josie (Alec) Cruz, Lily, Ella and Shane Britt, and Blaire Nighswonger, and his great grandson, Alec Cruz Jr. Chuck is survived by his brothers, Frank (Aleen) Nighswonger and Bill (Wendy) Nighswonger, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Doris, and his sister, Cinda Nighswonger.
A service to celebrate Chuck’s life will be held at 11am on June 12, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 509 Magnolia Street, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Afterwards, a luncheon will be served at the church.
Chuck will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His legacy will live on in the lives of his loved ones. Some of Chuck’s last memorable words were “I’m so proud of all my kids.”
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome and may be given to the Bike Ministry at First Presbyterian Church, which Chuck pioneered and successfully lead for 8 years.
He was a great friend and next door neighbor in the prefabs in Logan Ut. circa 1965.
He visited me in Vernal Ut. for a while and we went fishing at Flaming Gorge for a few days.
Great memories and even a few fish.
I went with him to Colorado while he was visiting friends or family.
It was a steep walk to the house and his young daughters held my hand going up the slope.
Beautiful kids.
Somewhat recently he stopped by in Vernal to visit but I was in Alaska.
He was going to show Charlie the Utah State campus.
We laughed afterwards that after one look his son said “Get me back to Florida!”
I have a letter he sent me about his underwater search for Challenger if any of you are interested in having it.
Damn. He was a good friend and a better person!
You will be missed "Chunk".