Charles R. Prince's Obituary
PRINCE, Charles R., age 78, of West Carrollton, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025, at his home.
Charles graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, class of ’64. He honorably served in the United States Army and was part of the 82nd Airborne Division. He was very proud of the 78 jumps he made. He was a member of the West Carrollton VFW and the Miamisburg Moose. He retired from Kroger as the head produce clerk in 2011 after 42 years of service. He attended Rivers Crossing Church in Cincinnati, where he greatly enjoyed participating in the Blood Brothers Ministry.
Outgoing and kind, he loved deeply and was passionate about the most important things to him. After his wife, Karen, had a stroke several years ago, he never missed a day visiting her. He was a very devoted husband and would spend hours with her daily. He tried to go see her every day and he felt guilty when he couldn’t go. Charles had many friends and enjoyed the regular poker nights at his house every weekend. He was considered a man’s man due to his love of hunting, fishing, and having a great conversation with the guys.
Camping was a life-long tradition. He started with a tent, then a single wide, until his adventure included a park model in Heritage Hills, Indiana. Hunting deer during Thanksgiving became a family tradition that he passed down and taught his skills to others. Fishing was another one of his hobbies. He especially enjoyed fishing when he was able to make memories with his family and friends. Every year, he would take three or four fishing trips with his buddies to Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Canada.
Charles loved all sports, especially The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bengals. In addition, he collected sports memorabilia. He looked forward to attending all his grandkids sporting and school events. He loved spending time with his family. For the last several years, they have been making a family tradition of going to Hilton Head for the summer. He usually never started his oven at home during the summers because it was officially grilling season. He would grill nine months out of the year. Charles always looked forward to family gatherings, holidays, and cookouts at the pool. He enjoyed visiting yard sales and scrapping metals. He would help clean out garages and then take everything to camp, where he was known as the “Garage Sale Guy.” For over 20 years, he collected Christmas items and created a large Christmas village that was quite intricate. Among many things, Charles will be remembered for his love of his family and his faithful dog companions.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Bessie Prince, and brother-in-law, John (Joyce) Faulkner. He is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Karen Prince; son, Michael (Karey) Prince; daughter, Lisa (Rob) Mays; four grandchildren, Alyssa Prince, Branden DeLess, Robby (Mackenzie) Mays, and Zachary Mays; sister-in-law, Judy (Edward) Beekman; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service will be at 6 PM on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. Ben Steiger will officiate. The family will receive friends from 4 – 6 PM on Thursday, January 30. If desired, contributions may be made to the Blood Brothers Ministry. Condolences are available at www.connerandkoch.com.
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