Colonel Charles Wascom

Retired Colonel Charles Lamar Wascom passed away at his home in Folsom on Sunday, May 31 surrounded by his family.  He was born on October 5, 1939 in New Orleans, LA.  He is survived by his two sons David Wascom (Molly) and Patrick Wascom; grandchildren Ian Charles Wascom, Madeleine Wascom, and Sophie Wascom; sisters Judy Loyde and Paula Boyce.  He is preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Ola McKee Wascom. Colonel Wascom graduated from LSU in 1962.  He later obtained a Master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University.  He was Cadet Captain and a Distinguished Military Cadet in LSU ROTC. A graduate of U.S. Army War College, he also completed studies at Defense Information Officer School, Field Artillery School, Company Commander School, and the Defense Language Institute. He served his country in the Louisiana National Guard for two years and on active duty in the U.S. Army for 27 years. He retired in 1989 at the rank of Colonel.  He served two tours in Vietnam, the first as Battery Commander, Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Artillery; the  second  as Senior Advisor,  2nd  Battalion,  15th Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. He also served as chief of public affairs for the Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, and Headquarters, 5th Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. His military awards include two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, four Meritorious Service medals, two Army Commendation medals, the Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, and the Staff Service Medal, First Class awarded by the Republic of South Vietnam. Following retirement from the military, Colonel Wascom accepted the position of director of the San Antonio American Red Cross, and during his 12 years there led the chapter to meet or exceed its donation goals for two years. He served as executive director of the San Antonio Fiesta Commission for 10 years, then retired again, this time to his native Folsom, where he was active in his church choir and community activities. He was also an avid LSU sports fan and a member of the Tiger Athletic Foundation. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date, to be announced.  His family would like to thank Dr. Elizabeth White, the kind Interim Health Care and Hospice staff, and all of those who have shown so many kindnesses over the past few days  for the visits, the phone calls, the food, and the love and support shown to them.