ELKHART — Charles Edward Young, 85, of Elkhart, passed away in his sleep at the home of his daughter, surrounded by his wife and family at 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26.

He was born Jan 2, 1931, in Akron, to the late Gordon D. and Edith R. (Vandermark) Young, and later married Dorothy P. Hartle  April 22, 1960, in Warsaw. She survives at home.

Also surviving are his children, Linda D Gray, Michael J. (Linda) Young and Brenda C. (Nieves) Cortes, all of Elkhart; sisters Mary Pike of Rochester, Margaret Yeater of Fenton, Mich. and Opal Epler and Frances Ervin, both of Warsaw.

Surviving grandchildren include Chanda (Francisco) Bicknell and Jennelle Young-Bogart, both of Elkhart and surviving great-grandchildren Dillon, Carlos, Olivia and Charleigh.

A son-in law, Timothy Gray, a brother, Everett Young and a sister, Doris Ann Young, preceded him in death.

Charles considered marrying Dorothy as his greatest accomplishment in life.

He was a loving father, grandfather and friend to all.

He found joy in simple things like spending time with family and friends.

He liked to drink coffee and watch the hummingbirds outside of the window.

He enjoyed fishing, golf, bowling, playing cards and working in his shop.

He also enjoyed wintering in Sebring, Fla., where he leaves behind several close friends as well.

Charles retired in 1994 from Miller Structures of Elkhart and attended Zion Missionary Church.

Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart will be hosting a celebration of life for Charles, starting with a visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30.

The funeral will follow at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1.

Pastors Dale Turner and Jake LaBounty from the Zion Missionary Church in Elkhart will officiate and burial will take place in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola with military honors being rendered by Elkhart DAV No.19 and the USMC Funeral Honor Guard.

Memorial donations may be made payable to the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System or Center for Hospice Care.

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