Charles Earnest Havens

Charles was born in Rocky Gap, VA to William Easley Havens and Effie Nunn Havens on March 13, 1925. He attended the Hollybrook School and went into the Navy in July of 1943 during WWII. While in the Navy, he was Ship Cook Third Class. His battle station operated 3 inch guns during the war. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on December 17, 1947.

After his discharge, he became a truck driver for Groseclose in Welch, WV, Intermont Express, Bell Express, Smith Transportation and retired from Overnight Transportation with 20 years of service.

His hobbies included farming and raising beef cattle. He was a member and Deacon of the Laurel Fork Church of Christ and helped form the Rocky Gap Volunteer Fire Department.

Charles married Alma Frances Gunter on December 17, 1949. They enjoyed a long marriage which spanned 65 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife Alma, sisters Ethel Peabody and Victoria Muncy, two grandchildren – Jordan Nipper and Reed Gragg.

He will be cherished in memory by sons William E. (Bill Havens) and wife Gina of Rocky Gap, VA; Howard (Punch) Havens and wife Mary Ann of Rocky Gap, VA; Danny Havens and wife Cindy of Rocky Gap, VA and daughter Debbie Carroll and husband Tim of Bluefield, VA. Eight grandchildren – Jonathan and Joshua Havens, Christine Havens, Danny Havens, Jr. and Tammy, Chuck Havens and Missy ; Amy Shrader and Matt and LCPL Cory Nipper. Charles’ pride and joy were his four great grandchildren – Maddie Shrader, Ryan Havens, Hunter and Ethan Gragg.

A special thanks to Hospice of Southwest Virginia and staff including Dr. Turski, Cindy Leighton, Pam Kline, Diana Gills, Deanna Hines and Keith Prator.

Visitation for Charles will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at Roselawn Funeral Home Chapel from 12:00-2:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 with Reverend Paul Looney officiating. Military graveside rites will conclude in Roselawn Memorial Gardens weather permitting.

To leave online condolences with the family, please visit www.roselawnfuneral.com.

Services entrusted to Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, Princeton, WV.