Charles “Charlie” Ellwood Blouch Jr., 95, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, comforted by his loving family. He was born on September 9, 1930, in West Lebanon, a son of the late Beulah (Reed) and Charles Ellwood Blouch Sr.
Charlie was a veteran of the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for 6 years. Following his military service, he was a carpenter by trade and worked for various contractors for the next several decades building homes, with many of those years specializing as a finisher, before retiring from Wickes Lumber in Ephrata.
Charlie was an avid Hershey Bears Hockey fan. He and his wife June were season ticket holders for decades. In his free time, Charlie enjoyed hunting, tending to his vegetable garden, and traveling with his wife. Charlie was a devoted family man and was very proud of his only grandson Ben, whom he supported in all endeavors. Charlie, as an avid angler, even taught Ben to fish as a child. As a master woodworker, in his basement woodshop he created the most beautiful jewelry boxes for his girls, magazine racks, picture frames, Christmas crafts and decorations, and many more treasured items for over 60 years. Numerous family and friends benefited from receiving his hand-crafted gifts, perfected with love.
As a faithful life-long member of the Midway Church of the Brethren (now known as the South Lebanon Community Church) Charlie served in many roles, preferring to express his faith through countless acts of humble service. It was within that very church on March 2, 1958, that he married the love of his life, June A. Merkey.
Charlie, nicknamed “Son” by his family, is survived by his wife of 67 years, June; their daughters, Sandra L. Cole and Karen S. (David) Secoges; his only grandson, Benjamin D. Secoges; his sister, Donna Olesh; in addition to many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Beulah and Charles; and his siblings, Doris Klahr, Norma Gettle; Sterling Blouch and James Blouch.
Services for Charlie will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 11:00 am in South Lebanon Community Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am until time of service. A private family interment will follow within Midway Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you honor Charlie with a donation to the Lebanon County Christian Ministries, 250 South 7th St. Lebanon, PA 17042.
