Charles L. Erb, 83, of Troxelville, peacefully entered eternal rest on Sunday, July 28, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania.
Charles was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, 1940, in Adams Township, the son of the late Willard and Inez (Benfer) Erb.
Charles was a 1959 Graduate of West Snyder High School. During his teenage and early years, he boxed in Lewistown, played fastpitch softball for the Troxelville Tigers (under the tutelage of the late Larry Loss in the Snyder/Union County Softball league), and enjoyed "pick-up" basketball games. Throughout his time in high school, Charles was also known for reading "Uncle Josh Stories" to the grade school kids.
In his adult life, Charles served in the United States Air Force, and upon being discharged, worked at Beavertown Weaving Mill before entering the profession of truck driving for multiple employers, including D&R Transport, Scott Garrison Trucking, and Bruce Garrison Trucking.
On September 25, 1970, Charles married the love of his life, Ruth Woodward of Honey Grove, Juniata County, who has survived him. They enjoyed going to the races at Port Royal as well as spending time at their cabin in Delaware where they went to the beach and fished from the pier.
Charles was a member of the Modac hunting camp, the NRA, and several local fire companies. Some of his favorite hobbies were hunting and fishing, especially with his son and family members. He also loved to read and enjoyed military history (particularly the Civil War). Most importantly, Charles' faith in the Lord was without question. He attended church and held memberships at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church in Troxelville and St. Peters Independent Bible Church in Beavertown. Charles read his bible religiously and created his own dinner prayers which he was more than happy to share with family and friends.
Although Charles was a truck driver and experienced various employment opportunities, his true passion for work was farming. He worked part-time with his father and brother from the time he was old enough "to be of use," as he put it. In 1989, Charles continued his favorite endeavor when he and Ruth purchased the family farm. Charles and his family successfully farmed various crops and exhibited many champion Yorkshire hogs and Southdown sheep over the years. He took pride in showcasing quality animals, samples of grain, hay, fruit, and vegetables at the Beaver Fair and larger shows, including the PA Farm Show.
Charles was a great man who was humble, generous, kind, incredibly forgiving, and who will be missed greatly on this earth. He loved his entire family, and in addition to his wife, is survived by his son Greg and wife Robin, grandson Garrett Zubler and wife Deidre, great-grandson Michael Zubler, niece Carol Hoffman and husband Trent, niece Barb Wiand and husband Glenn, nephew Steve Erb and wife Katrina, as well as multiple grandnieces and grandnephews.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Inez, in addition to his brother, Orvis, and his wife Violet.
All of Charles' services have been entrusted and will take place at the Kreamer Funeral Home, 130 S. Zechman St., Beavertown, PA with visitation on Friday, August 2nd from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Funeral will occur on Saturday, August 3rd with a final visitation at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Alvin Smith and Rev. Matthew Schuster officiating.
Burial will be held in Troxelville Union Cemetery with a meal to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Charles' behalf to a local fire company of choice: Beaver Springs Volunteer Fire Company at 1015 Center Avenue Beaver Springs, PA 17812 or Beavertown Volunteer Fire Company at 222 S. Sassafrass St. Beavertown, PA 17813