Dr. Charles H. Claibourne

Dr. Charles “Chuck” Claibourne, born March 5th, 1941 passed away in his sleep Monday surrounded by family. Born in Wilmington to Earl and Pauline Claibourne, Chuck spent most of his life in Central Ohio, where he and Helen raised their family. He is survived by Helen, his two sons David (Erin) and Mark (Jenni), and his grandchildren Conner and Sophia.

Chuck grew up outside of Wilmington, Ohio where he and cousins Ron Claibourne and Nancy French Ward would ride horses and reenact Roy Rodgers and Dale Evans movies. He graduated high school from the Kentucky Military Institute in Louisville. Chuck earned his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University in 1963 and his D.D.S. at OSU’s College of Dentistry in 1968. Following University, he served his country in the United States Army and was deployed to Vietnam as a member of the US Dental Corp where he earned a Bronze Star.

Throughout his life, Chuck prioritized his family. He was a loving and caring husband to his wife of 53 years, and a supportive father and mentor to his children. He was active in their lives and activities regardless of how busy his schedule was. He believed that creating, supporting and nurturing a strong family was his most important responsibility and remained committed to this goal.

Chuck established his dentistry practice close to his alma mater, where he served a short tenure as a professor, before moving his office to Worthington. He cared deeply about his patients and put them at the center of his private practice. In the evenings after family dinner he would call patients he had treated that day to make sure they were feeling alright. He would also regularly volunteer his time and expertise to provide dental care to homeless families through the Interfaith Hospitality Network and by making free mouth guards for Thomas Worthington athletic teams.

Being involved and making a positive difference in the Worthington community was of great importance to Chuck. He never missed an opportunity to get involved in community organizations. In 1996, the Worthington Chamber of Commerce recognized his successful dental practice and extensive civic engagement by honoring him with the “Small Businessman of the Year” award. He was member of Rotary International (Dublin-Worthington Club) and used this as another opportunity to give back to the community.

Chuck retired at the age of 58 to spend more time with his family and community service activities. He remained involved in Ohio State alumni affairs throughout his life and was an avid supporter of all things Buckeye. He could also frequently be found on the tennis court, where he played up to his 80th birthday, or enjoying his love of the outdoors especially gardening. He role modeled citizenship and served his community and country throughout his life. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, who also worked tirelessly to improve his community.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 9th at the Worthington United Methodist Church at 10am. The service will be followed by a luncheon from 11-2pm in the Ohio Room at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, 100 Green Meadows Dr. South, Lewis Center, Ohio.

In leu of flowers the family suggests making a charitable donation to the “Make a Wish Foundation” or the “Worthington Resource Pantry,” a food bank where Chuck volunteered.

https://secure2.wish.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate_today&chid=100-000

https://www.worthingtonresourcepantry.org/waystogive1