years in the industry. “One day I got a call from a Senator and he said


‘The President needs an eagle for his library. Can you do it?’ I said ‘Yeah, does he pay?’ He said ‘Yeah.’ I talked it over with Linda and said we think we can do this,” he said. Charles and Linda worked together for years. He


handled the main carving of the eagle, and she fin- ished with detail work. Linda often helped with con- ception and design for his pieces. They were and remain a team. As time marched on, Charles began to realize


his carving days were limited especially since he was known for large pieces. So he began to hand carve molds that would later be used for casting to make Christmas ornaments and secure income for his future. It was a good move. “As it turned out, I can no longer do the carving,”


he said.


HOW IT ALL STARTED Their story begins 38 years ago at a Mountain View


diner. Charles walked in and ordered a cheeseburger from Linda, his waitress. They struck up a conversation, were smitten, and


three days later, Linda left her hometown of Mountain View to move to Branson with Charles. She laughs at the spontaneous move, but it was one


of the best decisions of their lives. “All my best years have been with Linda,” Charles


said, looking lovingly at his wife. At that time, Charles was a carver at Silver Dollar


City, which he referred to as the “carving capitol” of the United States. The cost of living was inexpensive and he could afford to explore his craft. “I became addicted to it,” Charles said of his skill.


Chuck Widmer shows a mold and finished ornament. The ornaments are made of Babbitt, a combination of melted tin, silver and bismuth.


Stop going where life is taking you.


The hardwarestore.The paint store. Maybeit’s time youtraded the work and worryofmaintaining ahome forachance to getmoreout of life.


To learn how you can get more out of life, call (870) 425-2494.


All faiths or beliefs arewelcome.


Living Well i November/December 2017 9


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