Charles E. “Chuck” Gatrell, 80, of Seventh Avenue in LaCroft, passed away at Blossom Nursing Home in Salem following a lengthy illness, at 10:55 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2015.

A son of the late Enlo Gatrell and Lula Heddleston Gatrell Snyder, he was born at his home in East Liverpool on January 1, 1935.

A U.S. Army veteran, he served in Alaska as a truck driver during the Korean War era. Following his time in the service, he worked for over 37 years as a mold maker at Homer Laughlin China Company.

He was happiest when surrounded by his family – and especially loved baking his “famous” apple pies for them. He also loved fishing and playing golf – and never gave up on his Cleveland Browns.

Surviving him at home is his wife of 44 years, Kay Taggart Gatrell.

Also surviving are three daughters: Brenda Gatrell of Chicago; Richelle Gatrell and her companion, Mark Gruszecki, of Lisbon; and Emily Mitchell and her husband, Chris, of Salem. He also leaves behind his beloved grandson, Hunter Mitchell – as well as his canine companion, Buddy.

A sister, Helen Sanford, survives in Vero Beach, FL, along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Harold Gatrell, Carl Gatrell, Dale Gatrell, Violet Travis, Evelyn Neilson, Dorothy Green, Thelma Loughley, Gloria Massey, and Homer Hayes.

Friends may visit at the Dawson Funeral Home on Sunday, where the family will be present from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.

Pastor Gary LeMasters will conduct services to be held at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. Monday. The Tri-State Veterans Burial Group will provide full military honors at that time.