Charles Rae Stocker

Charles Rae Stocker, 85, of Bolivar, died Monday, November 7, 2011 in Hennis Care Center at Bolivar following a period of declining health.A son of the late Carl and Mildred (Hutchins) Stocker, Charles was born October 1, 1926 at Dennison, Ohio.Charles graduated from Uhrichsville High School in 1944. He then continued his education at the College of Wooster before receiving his master’s degree from Kent State University.He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served during both World War II and the Korean conflict as a hospital corpsman.Charles started his professional career as a school teacher with Midvale School District and would ultimately retire from Eastlake North High School at Eastlake, Ohio in 1983. During his tenure as a school teacher, Charles also served as a football and track & field coach.He was an avid woodworker and especially enjoyed creating intarsia pieces. Charles also had a great sense of humor and an uncanny ability to make people laugh. He was a member of the Bolivar United Methodist Church.He is survived by his wife, Judith (Stevens) Stocker whom he married on August 11, 1951 at Buffalo, New York; a son, Michael (Karen) Stocker of North Canton; two daughters, Patricia (Philip) Clinker of Dover and Nancy Stocker of North Canton; four grandchildren, Christopher (Rebecca) Hartley of Willoughby, Ohio, Mandy Stocker of North Canton and Jason and Andrew Clinker both of Dover; two great granddaughters, Michaela and Julia Hartley and many nieces and nephews.Charles was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, George Stocker and a sister, Joan Porter.In keeping with Charles’ wishes, cremation will take place through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory at Dover. A memorial service celebrating Charles’ life will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 2 p.m. in the Bolivar United Methodist Church with Rev. Linda Hall officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.The family suggests that contributions be made on Charles’ memory to the Bolivar United Methodist Church, 248 Poplar Street, Bolivar, OH 44612 or to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622.