Robert L. “Bob” Charles, 91, went home to be with the Lord late Tuesday evening December 21, 2021, at the Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg.
He was born September 9, 1930, in Altoona a son of the late Paul C., Sr. and Elva (Dibert) Charles.
Surviving are three sons, Gregory Charles of Englewood, Florida., Steven Charles (Aileen) of Altoona, David Charles of Clearfield, two daughters, Paula George (Walter) of Altoona, and Barbara Brown of Sarasota, Florida, a special adopted son, Ronald Theriault (Drenda) of Cape Coral, FL; eleven grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, Judy Decoskey of Altoona.
Bob was preceded in death by a son, Michael Charles, a brother, Paul Charles and his former wife, Nellie Mae Charles. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Mr. Charles was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, where he served on the Property Committee for over ten years.
He served in the U.S. Army with the 78th AFA Battalion, of the 2nd Armored Division in Europe during the Korean Conflict.
Bob was a 1948 graduate and attended Penn State University, Clarion State University, and the University of Michigan. He held a Bachelors’ Equivalency, and a Masters’ Equivalency in Vocational Education. He also held a Pennsylvania State Journeyman’s License in Automotive Technology. He held many specialty certifications from the major auto manufacturers. He was certified as an instructor in Automotive Technology, Auto Body, PA State Inspection, PA State Emissions, and CDL.
He was employed at the Clearfield Career and Technology Center from 1965-1978 as an instructor in Automotive Technology, and as a supervisor of Adult Evening Education from 1975-1977. Bob was then employed at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center as an automotive technology instructor, including years as a PA State Inspection Certification instructor, PA Emissions Certification instructor, and a CDL instructor. He was also Evening Adult Education Supervisor from 1980-1984. He retired with 32 years’ service in Education.
He was a member of Clearfield Lodge #314, F. & A. M.; the Valley of Altoona, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite bodies; and the Jaffa Shrine, where he was a former member of the Clearfield Oriental Band, and the Jaffa Color Guard. Bob was also a life member of the Bavarian Aid Society, and the Newburg Fire Association.
He enjoyed helping others, and one of his favorite pastimes was building dollhouses and donating them to charities. Bob enjoyed skiing, road biking, dancing, traveling, and casino trips.
Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Tuesday December 28, 2021, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home, Inc., 501 Sixth Avenue, Altoona where a Masonic funeral service will be held at 11:45 a.m.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Tuesday December 28, 2021, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home, Inc., with Rev. Drew McCaffery officiating followed by military honors.
Interment will be made privately at Alto Reste Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations please be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, 200 Third Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, or to the charity of your choice.
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