Charles C. Withrow, age 95, of Evansville, IN, passed away at 6:20 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2019, at St. Vincent Hospital – Evansville. Charles was born November 7, 1923, in Evansville, IN, to the late Harry and Velma (Hedges) Withrow. He graduated from Bosse High School in 1941 and was a Veteran in the United States Navy.
Charles was a pilot during World War II, flying over China, Shanghai, and Japan. He attained the rank of Ensign. Charles worked for Koch Label Company for 47 years before retiring in 1988.
After retirement, he started his own woodworking business and worked with several interior designers as well as being a vendor at various craft shows. He and his wife, Nellie, traveled all over the United States. Charles was one of the founding fathers of Nativity Catholic Church.
Along with other men in the parish, he mowed the lawns, installed pews, was president of the men’s club, was one of the first lectors, worked the summer socials, and used his carpentry skills to the betterment of the church. He hand-crafted the candleholders, the pulpit, the presider chair, and he built tables for the senior club at Nativity, as well as the display cases and storage units in the cafeteria. Charles and Nellie received the Simon Bruté award in 1997.
He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Charles is survived by his sons, Donald Withrow (Fran) of LaPorte, TX and Mitchel Withrow of Evansville, IN; daughter, Velmarie Sitzman of Evansville, IN; grandchildren, Honour Netek (Jack), Shane Sitzman, Brooke Zucha (Eric), and Sarah Weaver (Mike); 11 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren. Charles is preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of 58 years, Nellie Withrow, who passed away in 2006; brothers, Donald Hubert, who passed away in 1927 and Harry Laverne, who passed away in 1967; and son-in-law, Joe Sitzman, who passed away in 2019.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 24, 2019, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1303 South Green River Road, with Father Bernie Etienne officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2019, at BOONE FUNERAL HOME EAST CHAPEL – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue with full military honors being rendered by the American Legion Kapperman Post 44 and a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:00 a.m. until service time, Friday, May 24, 2019, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Gilda’s Club at 5740 Vogel Road, Evansville, IN 47715.
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