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- Charles Edward RIDINGS
Charles was born prior to the Great Depression, the second son and youngest child in the family of boys.Dad was born into a humble family. Charles attended the All Male High School in Louisville, Ky, prior to attending Bowling Green University.
Charles's brother Craig was several years older. Both sons had wavy hair, thick, like their dad Charlie. Charles liked music, participating in choirs, choir director, soloist, pianist, and organist. He and Mom both instilled a great love for music, and encouraged the four children to take music lessons, and learn how to play instruments, and participate in choirs.
Charles served as a lay pastor in the Methodist church for decades, filling in for Pastors when they had a family emergency, so he subbed for them as needed. Charles and Laura both active in the Methodist church, form many years, He would be the organist/choir director at local churches, ( a second source of income). Religion was very important to Charles and Laura, as it had been in their own families growing up, it was never optional, but required and instilled in their children from day one.
Charles served in the Army for years, serving in Greenland, London, England (during the bombing) and also in the Korean war. He wasn't one to talk about those years, especially the wars. After World War II, Charles moved to Florida for college, it was there he met and married Laura (after a three month whirlwind courtship and engagement.) When Charles left the military active duty, he continued in the reserves until he served a total of 20 years. When Dad retired from active military duty, our family moved to Illinois, where he went to work for Barber Coleman Co.
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