Charles Thomas Haldeman

Charles Thomas Haldeman was born in Columbia, PA on October 25, 1937. Charles died on May 16th, 2026 in Ft. Myers, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents Lester & Hazel Haldeman, brother in law Robert Zeamer & niece Carrie Mathiot.

Charles is survived by his wife Eleanora (Baker) Haldeman of 66 years of Santa Barbara-Laguna Lakes, Fort Myers, FL. The two high school sweethearts grew up 5 blocks apart on Chestnut Street in Columbia and enjoyed a lifetime of love cherishing their family, supporting each other's careers, and traveling the US and Europe.

Charles was the oldest and is survived by his three sisters in Lancaster, PA. Barbara Zeamer, Patricia (husband Bo) Bright, and Connie Plasterer. Charles also had many nieces and nephews.

Charles' legacy includes his two sons David Haldeman (wife Susan) and Dr. Richard Haldeman (wife Julie), four grandsons; Steffan Haldeman (wife Kristina) Jordan Haldeman (wife Danielle) Hayden Haldeman and Hogan Haldeman, and five great grandchildren; Skyla, Liam, Quinn, Nova and Jude.

Charles grew up in a small town, his father, Lester Haldeman owned the town’s dry cleaning and tailoring business: Charles Haldeman & Son. Lester was one of the first persons in town to own a Model T. Charles graduated from Columbia High School, and served as a volunteer firefighter. In those days it was a hook and ladder truck, so they were nicknamed, “Hookies.”

Charles attended Franklin & Marshall College graduating with a Bachelor degree in Business.

Charles proudly served as an Officer in the US Navy in Norfolk, Va. and sea duty.

In his post military career he was employed by Eastman Kodak in sales/marketing. This job took the family on 9 corporate moves along the East Coast, ultimately with a move to Kansas City. It was in Kansas City that Charles made a career move to United Telecom which became Sprint, holding Executive level positions at both companies.

After retirement Charlie volunteered at the Church Food Pantry on Thursdays and loved serving others.

Charlie and Ellie enjoyed 38 years in Leawood Kansas and had a fun group of friends they met in a couples tennis league. They had season tickets to watch the Kansas City Chiefs and their two sons were graduates of Kansas University.

In 2015, Charlie and Ellie moved to Ft. Myers, Florida to be close to their son David. They settled into a home in the Laguna Lakes Community and Charlie enjoyed gardening for many years. He loved going out to restaurants and quickly adjusted to the warm climate, palm trees and year round greenscapes.

Interment will be at Village Presbyterian Church, Prairie Village, Kansas. There will be a celebration of his “Wonderful Life” in a few months.