I was born in Potwin, KS, September 9, 1923, and that makes me just about 75 years old., thanks be to God.  I was baptized  in Newton, KS later that year.  I received my First Holy Communion and was confirmed in Eldorado, KS (St. John's).

I grew up in a small town, population of about 250.  I went to public school in Potwin until my senior year, and then we moved to Matfield Green, KS, and I continued my schooling in the general school in CottonWood Falls, KS.  While living in Potwin I attended St. John's Catholic Church in Eldoredo, KS, 15 miles away.  We also went to catechism on Saturday afternoons.  Then after moving to Matfield Green, we attended St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Stron City, which was 13 miles away.

As soon as I was big enough to work, I was working for farmers.  Everything I earned went to my home.  I was the eldest son of a family of 8 children.

I graduated from High School in May 1941.  In September of 1941, I went into state school in Hutchinson, KS to learn welding.  After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor I joined the Navy in January 20, 1945.  I entered a mixed married before the Catholic priest in Philadelphia, the Catholic Church being St. Mary's.

I returned to Spokane in 1946, and I am still here.  My wife died on February 5, 1998, after eight years of illness.  I am retired and living alone in my 100 year-old family home.

Charles Coleman