He attended the University of Arkansas for two years and transferred to Oklahoma State University where he graduated in 1959 with a BS in Personnel Management. He received his MS degree from Oklahoma University. While at the University of Arkansas and Oklahoma State University he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and the military ROTC program.

Following graduation he entered the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Adjutant General Corp. He went on to complete 21 years before retiring as a Major, May 1, 1981. He was awarded the US Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the First and Second Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal while serving at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers of Europe (SHAPE) in Paris France, the Bronze Star Medal and the First and Second Oak Leaf Cluster and the Vietnam Service Medal. His service included two tours in Vietnam, two tours in Europe and stateside assignments in Austin, Texas, Washington DC, Redstone Arsenal Alabama, Indianapolis, Indiana and Fort Hood, Texas where he retired April 30, 1981.

After retiring Charles worked 20 years for The McCoy Corporation retiring in 2002.

Charles had the wonderful opportunity to serve the City of San Marcos in many ways: Heritage Association (Patron Membership), Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center, Meals on Wheels and the City of San Marcos Transportation Board. He was an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and was a member of The First Presbyterian Church in San Marcos where he served several terms as a Ruling Elder.

He served on the Board of Directors for the Presbyterian John Knox Ranch.

He loved gardening, woodworking, reading, volunteering and being a proud father and grandfather.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Reverend John Blue and wife, Claudia and his niece, Keli Blue.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Francile; his son, Charles Lamar Blue, Jr.; his grandson, Charles Lamar Blue, III and his wife Tammy; his granddaughter, Michelle Elizabeth Blue. He is also survived by sisterin-law and brother-in-law, Finetta and Tony Banfield; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Crawford; nephew, Kevin Blue and wife, Lisa; nephew, Tony Banfield, Jr. and wife, Katia; nephew, Greg Banfield and wife, Janet, nephew, Brett Banfield and wife, Suzanne, niece, LeAnn Crawford and husband, Steve, nephew, Matt Crawford and wife, Juliana.

A Military Graveside Service will be conducted at Central Texas Veteran’s Cemetery in Killeen, Texas on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 11 a.m.

Arrangements under the direction of Legends Funeral Home in San Marcos, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society, Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center, First Presbyterian Church of San Marcos, Heart to Heart Hospice or to a charity of your choice.