Obituary of Charles Pendexter

BRUNSWICK — Charles Pendexter, 89, of Brunswick, died Sept. 30 at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Windham, Aug. 24, 1921, the son of the late George and Mabel (Thompson) Pendexter. He graduated from Windham High School, attended two years at Gorham State Teacher’s College and finished his undergraduate studies in geology at Bates College. He was awarded a Fulbright scholarship for a year of study in geology at the University of London. Upon returning to the United States, he completed his graduate and doctoral degree at Washington University. He served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II. Charles spent his career as a research geologist for Exxon Corporation, traveling widely and spending much of his life abroad. He published many articles in professional journals regarding his field work and research. He also had a vast range of other interests, including travel, opera, classical music and history. He was also a passionate gardener and read avidly in all of those fields. Perhaps his greatest achievement beyond his career was his collection of prints and drawings, carefully and knowledgably assembled over a lifetime. In December of 2009, Charles gave those art works to the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, expanding Bowdoin's already rich print holdings by 20-percent. Throughout last summer, the museum displayed a small portion of his gift under the title, “Scratching the Surface.” More special exhibits of other parts of the collection are planned. Charles especially enjoyed sharing his expert knowledge with a wide circle of friends. He is survived by one brother, Milton Pendexter of Rumford Point; and several nieces and nephews. On-line condolences may be offered to the family at www.directcremationofmaine.com.