Charles Watcher

Charles Watcher, 85, of Pottsville, formerly of Minersville, passed away Saturday at Schuylkill Center.

Born June 21, 1932, in Duncott, Cass Township, he was a son of the late Samuel and Ann Ritsko Watcher.

He was a 1950 graduate of Cass Township High School and worked as an anthracite miner for Baron Coal Co. and Swatara Coal Co. He had also worked on highway construction with County Construction.

A devout Christian, he was a member of First United Methodist Church, Minersville.

He and his family were well-known for go-kart demonstrations during community parades throughout the region. He enjoyed ice-skating. He was a devoted family man and was a loving husband, father and grandfather, mentoring his only grandson, Robert, from childhood to adulthood, encouraging him in sports, ice-skating and driving his Mustang.

The last of 16 children, Charles was predeceased by seven infant siblings and eight adult siblings, including John Watcher, killed in World War II, Andrew Watcher, Metro Watcher, Anna Watcher, Mary Watcher, Theresa Barnhart, Margaret Spangler and Kathryn Hill. He was also preceded by a canine friend, Fluffy.

Surviving, in addition to his grandson, are his wife of 63 years, Shirley Marks Watcher; three children, Deborah Conway and spouse, Michael, Llewellyn, Charles Watcher and companion, Marie Hill, Pottsville, and Richard Watcher, Pottsville; a granddaughter, Nicole Conway; two great-grandchildren, Devon and Brooke Lemke; a sister-in-law, Margaret Watcher, Severn, Md.; nieces and nephews; his canine friends, Benji and Pepper.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in First United Methodist Church, 144 Carbon St., Minersville. In lieu of flowers, contributions will be accepted to be used in accordance with the wishes of the family. Dutcavich Funeral Home has charge. Visit www.dutcavich.com.

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