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Charles Edward Ridings was born on 26 Nov 1923 in Stark Co, IL; died on 27 Nov 2015 in Volusia Co, FL; was buried in Volusia Co, FL. Notes:
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.
Died:
Major Charles Edward Ridings, age 92, passed away Nov 22, 2015.
Charles attended Stetson University where he majored in Business, and Minored in Sacred Music. He enlisted in the Army March 13, 1943 while living in Kentucky and was discharged in 1947. He later returned to active military service and earned the rank of Major.
He returned to Deland and reestablished his connection with First United Methodist Church where he was a member of the choir as well as a visiting pastor. He served as Chaplin at Florida Hospital for ten years.
He was also involved with the music program at Good Samaritan Lutheran Center. His final years were spent at Alliance Center for Health Care.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, Dec 29, at 11am. at First United Methodist Church of Deland followed by interment at Deland Memorial Gardens.
Buried:
GRid=156294004
Charles married Laura Mae Bumgarner on 28 Nov 1946 in Volusia Co, FL. Laura was born about 1924 in OH; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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1923 - 2015 (92 years)
(1.Charles1) and died. 
