KREM-TV anchor, technician Charles Cromwell dies at 77

Steve Cromwell said one of the best ways to describe his late father is “patriotic.”

“I don’t know if there was a man more patriotic,” Cromwell said.

Charles Cromwell, whom longtime Spokane residents may remember as a television news anchorman, died Sunday due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 77.

A native of St. Maries, Idaho, Cromwell worked for KREM-TV – as a news anchor from 1964 to 1966, and as an audio announcer and production technician from 1977 to 1991, his son said.

He was public relations director for Spokane Public Schools from 1968 to 1977.

Cromwell served in the Marines from 1946 to 1948 and “was always fighting the cause for the U.S. way,” Steve Cromwell said.

Cromwell lived in Spokane for 43 years. In addition to Steve Cromwell of Spokane, he is survived by a daughter, Christine Uselman of Everett; and a brother, Gardner Cromwell of St. Maries.

The family is planning a private remembrance in the summer. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Spokane or the Spokane Veterans Home.