Charles Franklin Haver

Charles Franklin Haver, 94, of New Philadelphia and formerly of Stone Creek, died May 21, 2007 in Amberwood Manor at New Philadelphia.A son of the late James G. and Florence Alvira (McDonald) Haver, Charles was born September 6, 1912 at Carson, Iowa. Charles and his wife of 73 years, the late Lillian I. Haver, who died April 11, 2007, met when she was just 15-years-old. Nearly three years after they met, Charles drove his brother’s car to Wheeling, WV where they were married on November 4, 1933. Together, they raised seven children, Charles, Gladys, Donald, Larry, Paul, Pauline and Florence. In 1987, the Haver family was recognized for their community support of local events by being named Tuscarawas County’s “Family of the Year”.After completing his formal education, Charles worked as a farmhand on many area farms for a number of years, at Heller Tools at Newcomerstown for 11 years and as a custodian in Stone Creek School for six years. He retired from Landmark at New Philadelphia where he was a loyal employee for 20 years. Charles was also found at the fair and the Swiss Festival where he parked cars for numerous years. Charles was a dedicated member of Grace United Church of Christ at Stone Creek for nearly 80 years. He was also a loyal member of the Jefferson Grange for more than 60 years, earning both state and national degrees. The Jefferson Grange, Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau, the local 4-H Club, the Stone Creek Fireman’s Festival Coffee Committee and church were of great importance to both Charles and Lillian. They devoted many hours and a great deal of passion to the organizations in which they were members. Charles was known countywide for his barbecued chicken he served for 14 years at area festivals and organization fundraisers. His hobbies included pitching horseshoes, playing cards cutting wood and gardening.Charles is survived by his children, Gladys Harrison of New Philadelphia, Donald (Nancy) Haver of Alliance, Ohio, Larry (Wilma) Haver of Seaman, Ohio, Paul Haver of New Philadelphia and Pauline (Norman) Lanzer of New Philadelphia; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Charles Haver, his daughter, Florence Rebecca “Becky” Endlich, and one brother and one sister.Family and friends may call on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia with the Pomona Grange holding services at 7:30 p.m. A funeral service celebrating Charles’ life will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Grace United Church of Christ with Pastor Jim Painting officiating. Burial will follow in Stone Creek Cemetery. Following the committal service, a memorial reception will be held in the fellowship hall of the Grace United Church of Christ.Memorial contributions may be made in Charles’ honor to Grace United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 97, Stone Creek, OH 43840 or the Jefferson Grange, c/o Linn-Hert-Geib, 116 Second Street NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.