Charles Ray Held

Charles Ray Held, 79, of Newburgh, passed away Monday, September 21, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born December 21, 1935, in Lamar, IN to the late Bruno and Esther (Foertsch) Held.

He was a 1954 graduate of Chrisney High School and on September 23, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart. Two years after their marriage, in 1958, Charles answered the call of duty and served two years in the Army as a Spec 5 Master Tank Gunner in Germany. In later years, he enjoyed many reunions with his army brothers. Charles operated his own heating and air conditioning business and worked at Alcoa for 38 years, retiring in 1998. He enjoyed camping and exploring our country in his RV, traveling as far as Alaska in 2002. Charles and his wife, Glenda, were members of the Good Sam Camping Club and spent many enjoyable days with their camping friends. After moving from Rockport to Newburgh, Charles became a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and enjoyed serving in various roles with his church family.

Charles is survived by his wife of 59 years, Glenda (Jackson) Held; children, Kimbra (Greg) Enyart of Herrin, IL, Charles Bradley (Andrea) Held of Bargersville, IN, Matthew (Lisa) Held of Portland, TN, and Rachel Cassetty of Bowling Green, KY; nine grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, Mitchell Enyart, Kathryn, Abigail, Charles Blake, and Lindsey Held, McKenzie, Madison, and Kaitlyn Held, Kyle Springer, Chelsea Springer, and Chase Cassetty; sisters, Alice (Jim) Myers of Bloomington, IN and June (Lloyd) Graham of Owensboro, KY; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kris Chilukuri, Dr. Anthony Stephens, and the Gentiva Hospice Family for their excellent care and compassion. They would also like to thank their family, friends, and neighbors for all their loving care and support.

Charles, husband, Dad, Grandpa, brother, uncle, “Charlie”, friend, and neighbor, will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 26, 2015, at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, officiated by Pastor Danny Barr. Friends may visit Friday from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church and Gentiva Hospice. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.