Dennis C. Charlton, 48, U.S. Army and National Guard Veteran

He was born May 16, 1955 in Huntington, WV. He has been a Vermilion resident for the last 5 years, moving from Oberlin.

Mr. Charlton was a veteran of the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. He worked as a postal worker for Cleveland Post Office for the past 15 years. He was the alternative Union Representative for the Postal Union, where he enjoyed helping people determine their rights. He also enjoyed working in the woods and reading about real estate.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 25 years, Caralee Ray (nee Snyder); son: Thomas Schwarz of Elyria Township; 1 granddaughter; 2 brothers: Thomas E. Charlton II and Kenneth R. Charlton, both of Elyria; a sister: Kathi Anne Bowen of Scottown, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Thomas Charlton and Betty Jean (nee Bronson) Charlton-Chinn.

The family will receive friends Friday, January 23, 2004 from 4-8 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio, where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct a military service at 7:30 p.m.

Services will be held at the Riddle Funeral Home on Saturday, January 24 at 1 p.m., with the Reverend William Seith, pastor of Elyria Zion United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion.

Memorial contributions may be made to Erie County Humane Society, 1911 Superior, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.