Charles was raised on a farm in the Klamath Basin, attending Henley schools and graduating from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Technology and a Master's degree in Soil and Water Conservation.

Charles' career spanned work for the Oregon State University Agricultural Experiment Station, various farm & irrigation companies, the USDA SWCS (now NRCS) and later as a self-employed Oregon registered real estate appraiser.  Over the years, Charles has volunteered with the South Suburban Sanitary District, Oregon Water Resources Congress, Klamath County Planning Commission, Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation, and the First Presbyterian Church.