Charles “Chuck” Lobb, Esteemed Engineer and Historian, Passes Away at 93

Charles “Chuck” Lobb, a distinguished electrical engineer and passionate aviation historian, has passed away at the age of 93. He departed this life peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of contributions to engineering, aviation, and his community.

Early Life and Education

Chuck was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Lloyd and Urazelle Lobb. He spent much of his childhood in Winnetka, Illinois, where he developed an early interest in technology, earning his ham radio license while attending New Trier High School. The family later moved to Deephaven, Minnesota, where he graduated from Deephaven High School in 1950. Notably, he served as the senior class president and was recognized for his achievements in the National Honor Society and the National Athletic Scholarship Society, excelling in both football and track.

After high school, Chuck joined the Air Force ROTC while pursuing a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1955 with a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the USAF Reserve. Following a short postponement to fulfill a military contract on the Greenland Ice Cap, he served on Active Duty in the Air Force from 1956 to 1958.

Career in Engineering and Aviation

In 1958, Chuck began his professional career at Hughes Aircraft in Los Angeles while also serving as an active reservist with the 303rd Air Rescue Squadron based at Long Beach Municipal Airport until 1960. His musical talents shone through when he met his future wife, Charlotte Jane (Carter) Lobb, while playing clarinet and tenor saxophone in community orchestras. The couple married on August 9, 1961.

Chuck continued his education, earning a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California in 1968. He dedicated nearly three decades to Hughes Aircraft, ultimately serving as Assistant Director of Technical Education and Corporate Director before retiring in 1988.

Beyond his professional achievements, Chuck was an avid aviation historian. He conducted extensive research on the history of the Torrance Airport, also known as the Lomita Flight Strip. His findings culminated in the publication of “Images of Aviation–Torrance Airport,” a comprehensive collection of information and photographs.

As an Air Force officer, flight instructor, and pilot, he was honored with the naming of the Chuck Lobb viewing platform at the Torrance Airport. He played a crucial role in developing the Torrance Amateur Radio Association (TARA) from 1988 to 2007, establishing a partnership with the City of Torrance’s emergency communications team. In 2007, he authored a handbook on disaster preparedness intended for Torrance residents.

Legacy and Remembrance

Chuck Lobb is remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his quick wit, love for storytelling, and fondness for cats. He is predeceased by his wife, Charlotte, and his sister, Barbara Costigan. Chuck is survived by his two daughters, Carolyn (Tim) Jerry and Patricia (Tom) Dunlap, along with five grandchildren: Rachel, Andrew, Christopher, Ryan, and David, and two great-grandchildren, Levi and Annabella.

In honor of his contributions, memorial donations can be made to the Southern California Historical Aviation Foundation. For more information, visit their website at wmof.com/donate.