Theodore Charles

Theodore W. Charles, 93, of Allentown, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2016, in the In-patient Hospice Unit of Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. He was the husband of Doris A. (Williams) Charles who passed away in January 2016. They would have been married 68 years in April 2016. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late A. Milton and Mable (Sames) Charles. Theodore graduated from Allentown H.S. in 1941 and attended Muhlenberg College. He was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church, Allentown for 87 years until it's closing and then became a member of Cedar Lutheran Church in Cetronia. Mr. Charles was a Tool and Die Maker at Mack Trucks for 47 years before retiring in 1988. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during World War II in Normandy and the Central Europe drive. He was wounded twice and received two Purple Hearts. Ted was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, served as Commander of Chapter 190 of the Lehigh Valley and of the United Veterans of Lehigh County. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans as well as a member of the Cedar Hill Memorial Park Memorial Day Committee. Mr. Charles was a Past President of the United Veterans of Wars (1977 and 2005) and was Past Commander of Post #13 Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served with Cub and Boy Scouts of Pack 29, Cetronia, for 47 years and served with other scouting organizations. Ted served in the past with the board of the Allentown Festival of Bands and enjoyed attending many band concerts throughout the years. He was also a member of many other organizations throughout Allentown and the Lehigh Valley. Ted was a long-time member of the L.V. Railroad Club and was an active member for more than 20 years with the M.O.R.A. Club. Ted loved to travel, visiting all 50 states and other areas abroad. Survivors: sons, Scott and wife, Anna, Reading, Keith and companion, Kathy, Whitehall, Bruce and wife, Janet, S. Whitehall Twp., Ted and wife, Kathi, Schnecksville; daughters, Cathy Staub, Diane, Allentown, Cheryl Oyler and husband, Emory, Chambersburg; sister, Thelma Naugle of Allentown; grandchildren, Eric, Bradley, Mark, Hadyn, Emily, Quinn, Daulton, Nathan; step-grandchildren, Katherine, Kelly, Ian, Jordan; great grandsons, Max, Benjamin, Luke. Brothers, Albert, Hayden, Robert and Randolph and Son-in-law, Byron, preceded Theodore in death. Services: 10:30 AM Monday in STEPHENS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 274 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown. Call 9:30 - 10:30 AM Monday in the funeral home. www.stephensfuneral.com. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Memorial Park. Contributions: in lieu of flowers, to veterans organization of one's choice or Cedar Lutheran Church, 3419 Broadway, Allentown 18104.