Charles Franklin Backus Sr.

Charles F. “Chuck” Backus, Sr., 91, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born October 29, 1933, in Dixie, West Virginia, Chuck lived a full and remarkable life defined by service, curiosity, and generosity.

He was preceded in death by his son Randy Feher, and is survived by his children Susan Thompson of Galloway, NJ; Shelly Talmo of Tempe, AZ; and Chuck Backus, Jr. of Springboro, OH; as well as his brothers John Backus of Dixie, WV and Harold Backus of Sunbury, OH. He was a beloved father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend whose kindness and humor touched everyone he met.

Chuck served his country with honor in the United States Army, completing two enlistments in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Following his military service, he began his career with Western Electric in the 1960s, where he contributed to early Nike-Zeus missile development in the South Pacific. He later moved to Bell Labs, where he spent the remainder of his professional life and became known as a gifted Unix troubleshooter—earning the rare distinction that “Charles has no peers,” a compliment that meant the world to him.

Outside of work, Chuck found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid fisherman, frequenting the lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and creeks of the Columbus area, including the Hoover Reservoir, Olentangy River, and O’Shaughnessy Reservoir. He was also a passionate winemaker, happily sharing his homemade “plunk” with family and friends.

During his long retirement, Chuck lived actively and with purpose. He could often be found working in his yard, tending to his plants, and helping neighbors with their landscaping. He also exercised regularly and was unrivaled on the stairmaster at his local gym, impressing friends and trainers alike with his endurance and determination. His love of the outdoors was matched by his love of words—he wrote a litany of poems, many of which he shared with those closest to him.

Chuck will be remembered for his generosity, wit, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. He lived with curiosity and kindness, offering a helping hand and a warm smile wherever he went.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.

UP A TREE - by C.F. Backus Sr; Fall 2014

You're up a tall tree, on the lowest limb,

to escape the wolves that hunted you down.

Your situation is dire;

You need to climb higher;

But the way up is blocked

by a huge hornet's nest

that you can't climb around.

The limb you're on is bending down;

And you're already too close to the ground.

The wolves are howling, and jumping and growling;

And angry hornets are buzzing you,

making a frightening, menacing sound.

The sun is hidden by ominous clouds,

and the sky has an eerie glow.

You feel a strong wind out of the north;

And the limb keeps bending;

And it's bending too low;

And the birds have stopped singing;

What do they know?

The wind blows harder, and the tree starts to sway;

And the limb keeps bending 'til it breaks away.

Then you're on the ground among hornets and wolves,

and you realize there's only one way,

that you have a chance of surviving this day.

So, you get down on your knees and pray

that God will help you without delay.

Then the hornets are buzzing, and stinging the wolves;

And the wolves yelp and whine with dismay.

They tuck their tails between their legs,

and ,one by one, run away.

The wolves are gone.

The wind has calmed down.

The hornets are quiet,

And there's barely a sound;

And you're still on your knees,

on the ground.

You thank God again and again;

Then the sun comes out;

And you feel it's warmth on your skin;

You get to your feet, and thank Him again;

And the birds are singing.

AMEN.