Charles W. Crate, 68, US Air Force Vet., enjoyed sports, and grandkids
Charles “Charlie” Walter Crate, 68, of Vermilion, died Tuesday, February 10, 2004 in Metro Health Medical Center, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.
He was born April 5, 1935 in Beaver, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. He has been a Vermilion resident for the past 35 years since moving from Pennsylvania. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1955 to 1958. He worked as a FAA Air Traffic Control for Oberlin airport for 22 years, retiring in 1982. During his retirement he volunteered for many charities.
He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Vermilion. He was also a live a member of AMVETS Post #22 in Vermilion and a member of Vermilion VFW Post #7576 and Vermilion American Legion Post #397. He was active with Meals on Wheels and the Vermilion Athletic Boosters. He enjoyed fishing, all sports, bowling, was an excellent cook, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Bonnie Marie (nee Bolyard), two sons Bradley and his wife Shirley Titchnell of North Ridgeville, and David and his wife Amy Crate of New Lexington, Ohio, two daughters, Cindy and her husband Kevin Blake of Ottoville, Ohio and Diane and her husband Steve Cooper of South Shore, Kentucky, six grandchildren, three grandchildren, brothers James Crate of Dallas, Texas, and William Crate of California, and his sister Mon Kennedy of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold John and Edith Catherine (nee Aarron) Crate, his step father, Mark Benedict Aaron and sister Catherine Jean McDonough.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 13, 2004 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio.
Services will be held at the Riddle Funeral Home, Saturday, February 14, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Jim Holmer, pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church and Reverend James Cox, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church co-officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery with Military honors conducted by the Vermilion Veterans Council.
Contributions may be made to the Vermilion AMVETS Post #22 Mortgage Liquidation Fund, PO Box 199, Vermilion, Ohio, or any American Veterans Association.