Charles Essex

Charles Chuck Robert Essex Jr., born July 21, 1931, to Charles and Matilda (Gockenbach) Essex in Buckeye Lake. The Lord called Chuck home on January 3, 2016.Chuck proudly and faithfully served in the US Air Force for 30 years. During his career he provided security detail in many situations and locations.Following his military service, his career path led him to serve as an insurance claims manager with the former Buckeye Union and Continental Insurance companies.Chuck was a faithful servant and member of First Community Church of Buckeye Lake. He held many leadership roles in the church and lived out his faith daily in his walk with Christ.To his family, he is remembered as hero, chef, confidant, helper, lunch date, dinner date, protector, provider, friend and role model. He was a gentleman and ever ready with a hug, kind word, prayer or sound advice. Family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and acquaintances were blessed with his generous heart and ability to anticipate a need. The lives of those he touched are better for having known him.He is survived by his loving family: wife, Claudian J. (Starr) Essex, whom he married on June 3, 1952, children Carol Whitt of Colorado Springs, CO, Charles (Jacque) Essex III of Fountain, CO, Cindy (Craig) Cooperider of Hebron; grandchildren Lori Norris, Adam Darnell, Brandi (Dan) Larson, Melanie (Shane) Haug, Tia Marriott, Danielle and Kyle Cooperider and Shelby (Josh) Wells; 8 great-grandchildren, and his loving church family at First Community Church in Buckeye Lake; Dan Schilling his good neighbor and friend, along with current pastor and long-time friends Kevin and Charlotte Blade.He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harry Donald Essex and Larry Barnett Essex; great-granddaughter Abagail Faith Marriott (the first person he sought out in heaven)His family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at the Kirkersville home of HOSKINSON Funeral and Cremation Service, 285 E. Main Street, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm and again on Thursday from 10:00 am until funeral services commence at 11:00 am at the First Community Church, 4381 Walnut Rd. in Buckeye Lake. Burial will follow in the Kirkersville Cemetery.Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to First Community Church, 4381 Walnut Rd, Buckeye Lake, Ohio 43008.An on-line guest register and video tribute are available at hoskinsonfuneral.com