Charles F. Mades passed away peacefully at Doey's House in Hagerstown, MD on October 1st, 2026. Charles was the son of Charles D. and Naomi S. Mades. He was born on May 15, 1940, in Washington DC.

Charles F. Mades of Washington County, Maryland, lived a life defined by dedication, service, and an unwavering commitment to the community he called home. For more than four decades, he wore the badge of law enforcement, dedicating his career to protecting others and serving the people of Washington County and the State of Maryland.

His career began with the Maryland State Police, where he served for 25 years and retired as sergeant. Those years established the foundation for a lifetime of public service and leadership in law enforcement. His commitment to the profession continued when he became Washington County Sheriff, a position he held for 20 years, from 1986 through 2006.

As sheriff, Mades' service extended far beyond the responsibilities of his office. He became involved in organizations and initiatives throughout Maryland and Washington County, working to strengthen law enforcement, support young people, protect families and improve the community.

He served with the Maryland Sheriffs' Association, including as treasurer and president, and was president of the Maryland Sheriffs' Institute. He was also involved with the National Sheriffs' Association, Maryland Chiefs of Police Association, Maryland Correctional Administrators Association, American Jail Association, FBI National Academy Association, Maryland State Police Alumni Association and the Fraternal Order of Police.

His commitment to public safety also led him to serve on the Maryland Police Training Commission, the Correctional Training Commission, the Maryland Juvenile Justice Advisory Council, and the Commission on the Future of Maryland Courts. He gave his time and experience to the Administration of Justice Advisory Committee at Hagerstown Community College, the Washington County Narcotics Task Force, the Washington County Transportation Advisory Committee and the Washington County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council.

But Charles Mades' service was never limited to law enforcement.

He understood that protecting a community meant caring for the people within it. Charles served as JV Coach of St. Maria Goretti High School basketball. He coached his sons throughout their years at Halfway Little League. He continued his legacy refereeing boys/girls high school basketball. He served on the advisory board of the Salvation Army, Washington County Sports Hall of Fame, and on the boards of the Child Advocacy Center and Friends of Safe Place, where he also served as treasurer. He was a former board member of the Maryland State Sheriffs' Youth Ranch and Shining Tree Children's Home in Hagerstown. He was also a member of Hagerstown Elks Lodge No. 378, Funkstown Legion, Redmen, Moose International, Williamsport Country Club, Masonic Lodge No. 217, Tall Cedars of Lebanon (where he served as Grand Tall Cedar), Hagerstown Shrine Club(where he served as President), Royal Order of Jesters, Scottish Rite, Sahara Unit, Kentucky Colonels and Ali-Ghan Shrine in Cumberland, Md.

His public service continued after his years as sheriff. He later served on the Washington County Board of License Commissioners, continuing his commitment to the community and to public service.

Yet behind all of the titles, appointments, boards, badges, and years of public service was a man who understood the importance of family and the meaning of following a calling.

Charles was a strong supporter of faith. He was a proud member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Halfway, where he served as an Eucharistic Minister and Usher for many years.

Charles Mades followed in the footsteps of his father, carrying forward a family tradition of law enforcement and service. What began with the example set by his father became his own life's work—a career devoted to protecting others, serving his community, and helping those who depended upon him.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Nancy Gracia, and son, Mark Mades.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, son, Mike Mades(Laura), daughter, Melissa Weber(Mark) and daughter-in-law, Susan Mades. His 9 grandchildren, Whitney Mades, Hannah Krug(Mike), Matt Weber(Sara), Will Mades(Jessie), Zach Weber(Jordan), Kaitlyn Mades (Shane), Mary Caroline Mades, Josh Mades(Hannah) and Joe Mades. He also has 9 beautiful great grandchildren, Wyatt, Harris, Kenzie, Vera, Cameron, Colton, Jameson, Harper and Mason.

Charles F. Mades' life cannot be measured simply by the number of years he wore a badge. It is measured by the people he served, the organizations he strengthened, the young people he supported, and the community he spent his life working to protect.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 4pm to 8pm at Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd., Hagerstown, MD. A service will be held at 11am on October 7, 2026, at the funeral home. Rev. David Ray will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriner’s Children’s Philadelphia, Office of Philanthropy, 3551 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140 or Doey’s House, 11370 Caring Pathway Lane, Hagerstown, MD 21740.

Online condolences are accepted at www.minnichfh.com.