Charles Edward Bare

Charles (Chuck) E. Bare, 86, of 1411 Dogwood Road, Staunton, VA passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Augusta Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville.

Chuck was born in Fulks Run, VA on June 8, 1939. He was the son of the late Hazel and Marvin Bare.

He graduated from Broadway High School class of 1957.

Chuck started his career with Bosch and Lomb Optical in 1957. In February 1958 as an office clerk then promoted to assistant to vice president of Southern Bakeries in Atlanta, Georgia. June 1965 Chuck went to work as Superintendent of Maintenance for Smith Transfer. While working for Smith's transfer, he was transferred to Louisville, KY as assistant Superintendent of Maintenance in June 1970 to August of that year. He then took the position of Superintendent of Maintenance in Charleston, WV with Smith's. While in Charleston he received his pilot license from Benny Mallory for instrument and multi-engine planes. In 1975 he transferred back to the home office of Smith Transfer in Staunton. In 1979 he was made Director of Equipment and Maintenance. He resigned from Smith's in 1987 when ARA bought the company after working for 22 years for Smith's.

November 1987 he was working for Charlie Obaugh as office manager.

In 1989 Chuck took the position as Director of Maintenance for William Edwards Trucking in Verona and he retired in 2009.

Retirement found Chuck traveling on his Gold Wing Motorcycle with Doug Bare, Charles Crist, and Richard Alston across the country and Canada.

Chuck drove a school bus at 16. He enjoyed racing Go-Karts and stock cars, as he was a fan of Nascar. He took up golf and was proud of his hole-in-one. He was an excellent auto mechanic.

Chuck was excited and proud to fly the P51 Bomber and the Goodyear Blimp.

He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church of Staunton and sang in the choir.

In 1965 he married Melinda Stiteler Bare who survives. This past August, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He leaves a son, Michael Bare; a brother, Douglas Bare and sister-in-law, Lynn of Maryland; brother-in-law, Gary Stiteler and Debbie Snyder; nephews, Gary Jr., Josh and Carson; niece, Kinsley.

He leaves his favorite cats, Summur and Midnight, who were always by his side. He took Midnight for walks and she would follow every morning like a dog with no leash.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. A graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Woodbine Cemetery in Harrisonburg with Pastor John Peterson officiating.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Staunton at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, February 1, 2026. Following the service, a Fellowship Luncheon in the Great Hall. Please RSVP for the luncheon to melindacostumer@aol.com or call 540-810-3653. All are welcome to stay and share memories of Chuck's life.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Covenant Presbyterian Church, PO Box 2948, Staunton, VA 24401, Salvation Army of Harrisonburg, or a SPCA.

The family is grateful for the wonderful staff that cared and loved Chuck at Augusta Nursing and Rehab in Fishersville during his final days.