Charles Louis Roth

Charles Louis Roth, 91, of Valley Station, KY, passed on to his eternal home on Friday August 14, 2015 surrounded by family who cared for him, at his home of 56 years due to the effects of an aortic aneurysm.

Born at home in Evansville, IN on March 4, 1924, Charles moved with his parents Ocie Flo Vandeveer Roth and Alvin Phillip Roth to Louisville, KY in 1935. Charles graduated from the old du Pont Manual Training High School in 1942. He went to work in the Engineering Dept. of Reynolds Metals Co. until June of 1943 when he entered the United States Army rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant prior to his discharge in 1946. Stationed on the Island of Saipan when WWII ended, he has long credited President Truman’s decision to use nuclear bombs as a life saver for him and many more. Charles returned to work at Reynolds Metals one day after his return home from the Service. In 1947 Charles joined a new team of plant layout engineers as International Harvester Co. had purchased the Curtiss-Wright Aircraft plant that had been built for the war effort. Charles rose to be an industry leader in production facilities planning and cost reduction as he was sent many places around the world by I.H.C. for his unique abilities. He retired in 1983 after being charged with the task of closing of the Louisville Plant, where in his normal style he finished the most unpleasant task three weeks ahead of schedule. He took great pride in the fact he received pay continuously from I.H.C. (later to become NAVISTAR) for 69 years.

Charles was baptized at South Louisville Christian Church, November 26, 1944 by Bro. Olin Hay. He began attending SLCC in 1935. He served for several years as a trustee, engineering and managing several facility improvements until health issues prohibited him.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 25 years Beverly Lynne Drogula Roth, his first born son Stephen Louis Roth and his two brothers Earl Wayne Roth and James Van Roth. Charles is survived by his best friend of 40 years, Wilma Imus, daughter Linda Kay Roth, son Mark Alan Roth (Teresa), grandson Ronald Wade Roth, granddaughter Amy Lynn Roth and a sister Helen Ann Roth Midkiff.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2pm Tuesday at Evergreen Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM Monday, and from 10 AM on Tuesday until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to South Louisville Christian Church (Capitol Improvement Fund), 3845 Southern Parkway, Louisville, KY 40214-0154 or to Hosparus of Louisville.