Charles "Charlie" W. Scott

SCOTT, Charles “Charlie” W., Sr., age 97, of Centerville and formerly of Kettering, passed away Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Village in Centerville.

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, he was the youngest of six children born to the late Robert E. and Henrietta (née Maurer) Scott. Educated in the Elizabeth schools, he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, class of 1944. In November of that year, he entered the United States Army. After training in Georgia and Texas, he was assigned to duty in the Philippines. There, he processed combat casualty information and depositions from liberated POWs, which were used in subsequent war crimes trials of Japanese military personnel. After discharge, he joined the Hyatt Bearings Division of GM and took advantage of the GI Bill and GM’s education assistance program.

At the end of July 1954, Charlie found the love of his life, Diane, at the Jersey shore. He had a great sense of humor and was known for being the jokester in the crowd. He could always get everyone to laugh with his skillful ability to deliver a joke, and that was one of the things that attracted Diane to him. In January 1955, he and Diane (née Windheim) of Nutley, New Jersey were married at the Brookdale Baptist Church in Bloomfield, New Jersey. That marriage welcomed three children, Charles Jr., Lisann, and Amy. He graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting on June 6, 1962. He remained with GM until he retired from Frigidaire.

Charlie faithfully attended Washington Heights Baptist Church for many years with his family. Diane and Charlie enjoyed traveling and having adventures together. Some of their more memorable places were Myrtle Beach, Green Pond, and Radio City Music Hall. They would travel to Myrtle Beach every year and enjoy the warm water washing ashore. They spent many summers at Green Pond at the family cottage in New Jersey. It was fresh water and simply beautiful and tranquil there. At Radio City, they were able to stop and see the Rockettes. They went on several cruises, including the Caribbean, Alaska, and New England. It became a tradition that they would travel back to New Jersey to visit with family during the Christmas holidays. Charlie always kept in contact with his buddies from New Jersey and would visit with them as often as he could.

Charlie was an avid bicyclist and would ride two to three times a week either around the neighborhood or on the bike path in Yellow Springs. He loved books, especially by Tom Clancy. He was very knowledgeable and loved history. He always told his kids, “Know your history, or you will repeat it.” He enjoyed the challenge of crossword puzzles. Every night, he and Diane had a routine of watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. He had a love of old music and an extensive collection of old vinyl’s. His favorite music was classical and romantic. He regularly went to Jim’s Barber Shop in Kettering for a haircut. He also had a second agenda: the same group of guys would meet to share jokes and discuss current events. When Charlie and Diane first moved to Kettering, 53 years ago, they would have annual bonfires with their family and neighbors. He was well known for his beautiful penmanship. Among many things, he will be remembered for his love for his family, his dependability as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and how he taught everyone the importance of a firm handshake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Henrietta Scott; one brother, Robert; three sisters, Ethel, Irma, and Eleanor. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Diane; one son, Charles “Chuck” (Tammy) Scott, Jr.; two daughters, Lisann (Mike) Spence and Amy (Tom) Crawford; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mabel J. Carter.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Washington Heights Baptist Church on Far Hills Avenue, for their missions. Condolences at www.connerandkoch.com.