Charles Stake, 83, of Gardners, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 18, 2016, at Pinnacle West Shore Hospital in Mechanicsburg. He was born on October 21, 1932, in Newville to the late Elmer and Ethel (Barrick) Stake.
Charley grew up in Newville and served in the U.S. Army (1953-1955) in Germany and during the Korean War. Having received his Certificate of Registration from the State Board of Barber Examiners in 1958, Charley later opened his own shop in 1961, “Charley’s Barber Shop” on Louther Street in Carlisle, where he stayed until his retirement in 2013. During that time he served as President of the Carlisle Barbers’ Association. Charley lived life to the fullest with humor and zest. He traveled solo by motorcycle to the Pacific Ocean and sailed up and down the Middle River and the Atlantic Ocean. He was a self-taught, lifelong learner and avid reader. If he could dream it, he could build it. He was a member of the Susquehanna Wine Guild, and in his free time, he tended to his vineyard and bottled his own wine. He completed the NAWCC Museum’s Advanced Clock Repair Course and enjoyed working with and repairing clocks.
In addition to his loving wife, Helen Smith, he is survived by his three children; Anita Rae Smith (Ron), Shippensburg, Gerald Stake (Jami) and Beverly George (Duff) of Carlisle, five grandchildren; Jessica Chestnut, Levi Smith, Alee Long (Evan), Lydia George, Naomi George, and three great-granddaughters; Julia Chestnut, Aubrey Chestnut, and Malena Long. He is also survived by two brothers; Alvin (Mary), Shippensburg and Benson (Pat), Newville and two sisters; Bonnie Trostle (Richard), Amelia Island, FL, Betty Stake (David DeHart), Mechanicsburg and several nieces and nephews. Charley was predeceased by one brother, Paul.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Brian Bonner, the medics of Cumberland Goodwill EMS, Dr. Collins and the staff at the CRMC for their outstanding care, as well as the staff at the Pinnacle West Shore Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to share a random act of kindness because, as Charley would say, “Life is short, let’s drink the good wine now”.
At Charley’s request, there will be no services. Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Carlisle is in charge of the arrangements.