Charles Hayes Mahaffey

SUN CITY - Charles Hayes Mahaffey, "Chuck", 93, passed away on August 23, 2016. He was born on May 17, 1923, in DesMoines, Iowa to Lawrence and Irene Mahaffey. He is survived by his children, Terri Elgin (Jeff), Mike Mahaffey (Mary); grandchildren, Jill Bertrand (Kaleb), Sam Elgin, and Joe Elgin. He was preceded in death by his brother, Russell; sister, Peggy; and his parents. He graduated from East High School in Des Moines and in 1941, enrolled in the Army Air Force ground school to begin pilot training. He also attended the US Signal Corp Radio school, was promoted to sergeant, and sent overseas to serve in the South Pacific, Philippines, and Japan. In 1948, Chuck returned to Iowa and enrolled at Morningside College where he met and married Betty Wharton. They later divorced. He was recalled to active duty and two years later received his honorable discharge in 1952. Chuck returned to Des Moines, enrolled at Drake University, where he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education and Composition, with drums and trumpet being his primary performance instruments. For the next 35 years he taught instrumental music and was band director in Eldora, Le Mars, and Des Moines, Iowa and then taught in the Minneapolis, Minn. school system. He was a member of the American School Band Directors Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia International Music Fraternity.vChuck played numerous dance jobs all over the midwest before retiring to Sun City, in 1988. He began to perform with and direct five area bands, among them, The Sun City Pops Band and up until the age of 91, he directed and played drums with the Sun City All Stars Band. At the beginning of his time with these bands, he met his "wonderful gal" and loving companion, Jean Huff. In his retirement he also enjoyed golf and tennis. Chuck was a very accomplished musician and band director. His outgoing personality and social nature endeared him to countless friends, audiences and especially his loving family. Services were held 2 p.m., Friday, August 26, 2016, at the Freedom Plaza chapel and burial was in Des Moines at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to The American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation. Please join Chuck's family in sharing memories, pictures or videos on his tribute wall at www.caminodelsol.com.