Charles Henry Loomis, 96, U.S. Navy Veteran
Charles Henry Loomis (known best as “Henry”), age 96, of Vermilion, died Friday, January 23, 2004 at his home following a brief illness.
He was born July 9, 1907, on the family farm near Bowling Green, Ohio.
Henry’s family later moved to Scotch Ridge, Ohio, and on to Perry, Michigan where he graduated from Perry High School. He attended Hiram College and graduated in 1928 with a BA degree in mathematics before entering the manager training program with the SS Kresge Company. After several management assignments with the Kresge stores in Ohio, Michigan, and New York, he opened a Ben Franklin store in Avon Lake. Five years later, he sold the Avon Lake store, and opened one in Vermilion. In 1973, he sold the Vermilion store and retired.
Henry was a Lieutenant in the Supply Corp of the US Navy during WWII from 1943-1946. He was a member of Vermilion Rotary and Chamber of Commerce and had been president of both organizations. He was also a member of the Vermilion American Legion, had previously been a Vermilion Councilman, participated in the Lorain County Senior Citizens group and Senior Citizens Income Tax Program. He and his wife, Ruth, attended the Vermilion United Church of Christ Congregational. Henry loved reading and gardening.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Ruth (nee McMahon); a daughter: Donzy Brinkert of Grand Haven, MI; 2 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 3 step-great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents: Charles Clarence and Fai Della (nee Donzy) Loomis; his first wife of 27 years, Ada Marie (nee Barnes); a brother: Ralph; and a sister: Elizabeth.
Friends may call Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the family plot in Bowling Green, Ohio.