Life trustee Charles Youngker ’42, who joined with his family in funding Tarr Hall and Youngker Hall, died Jan. 7, 2008, in Buckeye, Ariz. He was 87.
Youngker started in agriculture as a laborer, working alongside his father and brother, Ben Youngker ’43, to turn desert into productive farm land. At their height, the Youngkers farmed 18,000 acres in Arizona, and Charles served as the president and subsequent board chairman of the National Cotton Council, as well as on numerous industry and community groups. He received Cornell’s Distinguished Achievement Award in 1969.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Bolton Youngker ’43; stepmother, Martha; one son; one daughter; four adult children by marriage; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Among those preceding him in death were his brother, and first wife Madelyn Rydeen Youngker ’41.
