Charles Phillip "Chuck" Von Schaaf
At the young age of 57, Charles Phillip “Chuck” Von Schaaf, Jr. entered the gates of heaven on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. He was surrounded by friends and family in his final moments at Memorial Herman Southeast Hospital in Houston, Tx.
Chuck was born on June 5, 1967, in Atlanta to Phil and Vicki Von Schaaf. He was the grandson of the late Jack and Ruth Von Schaaf of East Ridge. He grew up in Chattanooga, and was a proud 1986 graduate of East Ridge High School. He graduated with honors from the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in Dover, NJ and later earned a ministry training degree from Rhema Bible College in Tulsa, Ok.
Chuck is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Rachel Von Schaaf; sons Chase (Megan) and Carson Von Schaaf of Hayden, ID; his stepson Bruce J. Courtney; and his stepmother, Pat Von Schaaf, as well as aunts and uncles, David and Jackie (Von Schaaf) Sandifer, and Brad and Missy (Von Schaaf) Keith; and cousins, Stacey, Hal, Phillip, and Jake. He leaves a legacy of laughter and servitude and will be greatly missed by many.
A professional artist and cartoonist, Chuck was the owner of BlaqThumb Creative Productions. He was a gifted artist and dedicated his talent boldly to the Lord. He honed his skills through education and practice, enabling him to incorporate his artistic abilities in ministry with children and youth designing elaborate themed murals in classrooms, billboards, and promotional materials. He did background work for Marvel and D.C. Comics. Upon meeting his earthly ‘idol’, Stan Lee, his wife says that’s the ONLY time she’s ever seen him at a loss for words. He always had a way of making others laugh, and he never met a stranger.
Chuck loved God with all his heart. Every piece of art he created was signed with his name and 1st Peter 1:3 (“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by His great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance – an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.”) No matter what Chuck was going through, he lived life with that great expectation. He passionately worked as a Children’s and Youth Pastor for many years, touching the lives of hundreds who have kept in touch with him over the years, and still recall him fondly. Some later became missionaries or pastors themselves. Chuck had a Godly impact on the lives of so many, and he absolutely LIVED 1st Corinthians 13.
Only a year ago, Chuck and his wife moved to their property in Alvin, Texas. He immediately felt at home, spending countless hours outside with the dogs, playing with and training his constant furry companions, German Shepherd Ozzie, and his black lab, Pepper, and he named all the trees on the property. He could find JOY in every moment. The highlight of his week was being able to attend High Point Church in Friendswood, Tx., with his wife. He and Rachel quickly became involved in working with the children’s ministry and he gave it his all – as he did with everything in life.
He will be lovingly remembered for his incredible art, his kindness, his wit, his positive outlook on life. Chuck enjoyed sharing gifts of his art with family, and members of his medical care team. He will be sorely missed as the host of Game Nights and for sharing the long held Von Schaaf family tradition of Christmas Cookie Fest.
A Celebration of Life in Chattanooga will be held to honor him in his hometown. An informal gathering of friends and family to celebrate, remember, and share the good times and life of Chuck Von Schaaf is Oct. 12, from 2-5 p.m., at the American Legion, 3329 Ringgold Road in East Ridge.
Greeting friends and family, sharing memories, music, and amusing stories, comments and accounts of Chuck’s early life, later life, (including his ERHS antics and contributions) from family and friends will be the focus of his Celebration of Life gathering.