Charles E. Kanode

1929 - 2008

Charles E. Kanode, 79, of Henry, Va., passed away on Friday, November 21, 2008. He was born on March 1, 1929, in Galax (Carroll County), Va. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eva M. Kanode; two daughters, Diana L. Goering and husband, Douglas, of San Antonio, Texas, and Linda R. Montalbano, of Richmond, Va.; two grandsons, Karl Goering and Joseph (Jay) Montalbano; and one granddaughter, Barbara L. Goering. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Fern B. Kanode, of Axton, Va.; five nephews; and three nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Delmar L. Kanode; mother, Lattie L. Kanode; son, Barry L. Kanode; brother, Roland A. Kanode; and sisters, Evelyn L. Ziglar and Mary W. Farmer. Mr. Kanode was a member of Mill Creek Baptist Church where he served as Secretary of the Brotherhood for many years, Deacon, and was a member of the church choir. He retired from the United States Army with over 22 years of active service in the grade of Chief Warrant Officer W-4. He was a senior Army aviator (Helicopter and fixed wing) for over 16 years. He served in Korea during the war and was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam during the war. He was awarded air medals, commendation medals and numerous campaign medals. He was awarded the Legion of Merit at his retirement from military service. He received the Veteran of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding service to his country, and his community by the veteran organizations of Martinsville Henry County on November 12, 2005. He was employed by Virginia Department of Social Service for eight years and was the Personnel and Safety Director for Henry County Plywood Corporation for seven years. He was the Quartermaster for United Henry County VFW Post #2820 for over 14 years and he was a life time member of the Disabled American Veterans Post #52. Funeral services will be conducted 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2008, from Mill Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Tom Teems officiating. Interment will be in Virginia State Veterans Cemetery, Amelia, Va. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service, Rocky Mount, Va.