Charles R. Lukehart

Charles R. Lukehart, 87, of Indiana, Pa., passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025.

Born in Indiana County to Clair and Rebecca (Hamilton) Lukehart, Charles was one of six siblings, all of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his "buddy" and beloved wife of 66 years, Joan (Howells) Lukehart, who passed away on July 6, 2020.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Valerie Henkel of Harrisburg and Lorie Lukehart of Clarion, Pa. He will be warmly remembered by his grandchildren Alison (Gordon) Judge, Justin (Camille) Henkel, Christopher (Natalia) Gursky, Lucas (Karrah) Henkel, and Nicholas Gursky; and great-grandchildren George and Charles Judge. He will also be dearly missed by his sister-and brother-in-law, Dora and John Greene; and by his sister-in-law Babe Howells (William).

A 1956 graduate of Marion Center High School, Charles was in the Army Reserves, worked as a truck driver for 30 years with Refiners of Butler, and served as a proud shop steward for Teamsters Local #273. He was a dedicated member of Hope Lutheran Church in Homer City, the Elks Club of Kittanning, and later a cherished resident of the Ecumenical Retirement Community in Harrisburg.

Charles had a gift for building community through his church, around town, or even just in the aisles of Walmart. He was also known for his gentle teasing, "What time are we eating?", and classic 'Pap' questions like "Got a girlfriend yet?" He always had a knack for sparking conversation with humor.

Charles enjoyed the small rituals that created connections. He loved to take walks around his neighborhood, Stone Ridge in Indiana, to chat with his neighbors and he would take his great grandkids with him when they'd visit. At holidays, he would hand out a single bottle of beer-usually an Iron City-to each family member of age for a shared toast. Back in Kittanning, he would always invite a grandkid to help him mow the lawn on his tractor. And he'd often leave the door unlocked on weekends, just in case the grandkids decided to stop by and surprise him with a playful "boo."

Hi wife, Joan lovingly called him "Chuck," and together they built a life full of love, laughter, deep commitment, and adventure. Their partnership was the kind that anchored a family and inspired everyone around them. Whether it was traveling together to Florida, Alaska, and many other places, or simply sitting side by side in the living room, they were happiest just being together.

Now, after five years apart, Charles is reunited with the love of his life-and as he always liked to say, "I get to sit beside Grandma." His family takes comfort in knowing that's exactly what he gets to do, forever. He will be deeply missed and long remembered.