Charles Ellsworth Mock, Jr., native and long-term resident of Altoona, died peacefully Friday, December 8, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, after a brief illness.  In October, he and his wife, the former Betty Jane Vaughn, celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary.

      Mr. Mock was born in Altoona to Charles Ellsworth and Agnes Maud (Carolus) Mock on May 23, 1918.

      During World War II, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a Military Policeman at Gowan Field in Boise, ID.

      Following the war, he began a long association with Benzel's Bretzels that was to last nearly 60 years.  Known as Charlie Mock, he began as a route salesman and later became an independent distributor of Benzel products.

     Charles and Betty were long-time members of First Baptist Church in Altoona, where he served as a member of the deacon board and in various capacities in the church's youth programs.  When they moved to Virginia nine years ago, they transferred their membership to People's Baptist Church in Harrisonburg.

     In addition to his wife Betty, he is survived by his brother Claire Richard, and his sister Doris Jean, both of Altoona, as well as four children, Richard Charles of Columbia, S.C., and Acapulco, Mexico, Jack Lee and Ann Mock of McGaheysville, Va., Karen Jo of Edisto Island, S.C., Jodi Lyn and Vincent Gianfrancesco of Cranberry Township, and, seven grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.  One grandson, Corey Sullivan, pre-deceased Mr. Mock.

    The family will receive visitors at Myers-Somers Funeral Home, 501 6th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602 on Tuesday, December 12, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM and from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 1209 17th St, Altoona, PA 16601, and will be officiated by the Reverend Tyler Pepper and Richard Beatty, a nephew of Mr. Mock.  Interment will be at Alto-Reste Park in Altoona.