Charles Airhart

Charles William “Chuck” Airhart, age 80 of Navarre, passed away peacefully in his residence on Sunday, September 30, 2018, surrounded by many of his loving family.

The oldest of three children born to the late Vincent William and Florence Ethel Neal Airhart, Chuck was born in Massillon City Hospital on October 29, 1937.

He attended St. Clements and Navarre High School before entering into the United States Navy. Chuck served his country as an airplane mechanic having been stationed in Panama and aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. While participating in a training exercise in Panama, Chuck was involved in an airplane crash that left him as the sole survivor of those on board.

While in the service, Chuck spent a short time in Alabama. There, he met and fell in love with the former Barbara Campbell whom he married on April 28, 1958. Together the couple celebrated 60 years of marriage and raised five children.

Professionally, Chuck was employed by the former Tyson Steel Bearing company for 25 years and later went to work for Cosmo Plastics Corporation for seven years until his declining health forced his retirement.

For eight years, Chuck battled congestive heart failure and was placed on the transplant list for a new heart which he received in 1999. While waiting for his new heart in the Cleveland Clinic, Chuck befriended many individuals who were in similar situations. Those friends ultimately became like family to one another.

In his free time, Chuck enjoyed attending auctions, riding his tractor and meeting up with friends for breakfast.

In addition to his wife, Chuck is survived by their five children, Vicki (Roger) Offenberger, Charles (Karen) Airhart, and Michele (Roy) Randolph all of Strasburg, Robyn Michaels of Bolivar and Michael Airhart of Cincinnati; six grandchildren, Crissy Brady, Bart (Heather) Randolph, Nicollette Airhart, Nathan Randolph, Kris Reed, and Claudia Airhart; five great-grandchildren, Jordan, Damien, and Natalie Brady and Adian and Aria Holland; his sister, Dixie Witter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Airhart.

In keeping with Chuck’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or services. Cremation care has been conducted by Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory at Dover.

Since receiving his transplant Chuck has been an advocate for organ donation. In his memory, the family requests contributions in his name be directed to Donate Life America, 701 East Byrd Street, 16th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219 or by visiting donatelife.net.