Charles R. Stroup

Charles R. Stroup, 87, of Montoursville, was welcomed into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, while surrounded by his family, on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, at The Meadows Assisted Living Community, Montoursville.

Born March 7, 1927, in Muncy, he was a son of the late Isra Ray and Emma Pearl (Budman) Stroup. He was predeceased by his loving wife, the former Frances L. Gamble on Jan. 10, 2013. Together they celebrated 58 wonderful years of marriage.

A 1945 graduate of Muncy High School, Charlie earned the status of champion marble shooter and enlisted in the Navy prior to graduation. Following his service in the Navy on the USS Helena CA75 Heavy Cruiser, he worked 42 years as a postal clerk in the Muncy Post Office. In later years, Charlie and Frances worked for C. A. Reed Co., servicing greeting card displays which afforded them the opportunity to visit and explore many parts of the United States.

Charlie was a longtime member of Community Baptist Church in Montoursville, where he enjoyed leading singing, greeting with his wife, and serving as an elder for many years. Most of all, he was an encourager and enjoyed sharing his faith in Christ with everyone he met.

An avid outdoorsman, Charlie enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and gardening and sharing these skills with his children. He also enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially bowling, and was inducted into the local Hall of Fame chapter of the American Bowling Congress. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

Surviving are three sons and daughters-in-law, and two daughters and one son-in-law: Curtis and Janet Stroup, of Pittsburgh, John Frederick “Rick” and Jane Stroup, of Lock Haven, Timothy and Roseanne Stroup, of Montoursville, Sherry Roush, of Northumberland and Elaine and Kash Bartlow, of Montgomery; a sister, Shirley Ulmer, of Zion’s Grove; ten grandchildren: Chris Ann, Ryan, Ravynne and her husband Jordan, Jamie, Bethany, Nathan, Seth and his wife Alysa, Morgan, Kohltin, and Brooke; three great-grandchildren: Anna, Ryan, and Eloise; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by a brother, Gordon Stroup, and three sisters, Irene Bailey Carpenter McFarlin, Esther Plankenhorn and Lucille Pelham Jacobson.

The family planned a Celebration of Life service held at 3 p.m. Sunday Sept. 14, at Community Baptist Church, 1853 State Route 87, Montoursville. The family received friends at 1 p.m. prior to the start of the service.

A private burial was held at Muncy Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Community Baptist Church, 1853 State Route 87, Montoursville, PA 17754.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grenoblefuneralhome.com.