Charles Sarabian

Charles Sarabian of Ceres, California passed away at the age of 95 on February 20, 2019. He was born in Sanger, California on October 28, 1923, the son of Jacob and Elissa Sarabian who preceded him in death.

He graduated from Sanger High in 1941, and shortly after he served his country proudly with the Army Air Corps during World War II from 1942 through 1946. He was a Tech Sgt. and his classification was Army Airplane Mechanic/Gunner, Flight Engineer on a B-17 bomber flying missions over Europe. Charles served with the 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy), assigned to the 545th Bombardment Squadron. His bomber was one of General James Doolittle’s squadrons of Flying Fortresses that dropped the last bombs of the European war on the German-held Skoda armament works in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia.

Charles worked for Pacific Bell, was promoted in 1971 to maintenance engineer and later retired after 30 years. While living and working with Pacific Bell in Salinas, he met Donna, the love of his life. They married on April 15, 1969 and moved to Stanislaus County in 1988.

Charles was deeply loved by his family and those who knew him. We will carry him in our hearts forever. He had a passion for racquetball, tennis and golf, and he won several tournaments. He was the first person to hit the ball at the new Creekside Golf Course in Modesto, CA.

Charles is survived by his wife of 50 years Donna Sarabian; two daughters Terry Meyer and Debra Chadwick; six grandchildren Matthew Kelly, Brittany Meyer, Donna Weybret, Kristen Chadwick, Rebecca Chadwick and Michael Chadwick; and four great-grandchildren Alexis Kelly, Hunter Kelly, Brooklyn Kelly and Charles Weybret; three sisters Diana Chilingerian, Dorothy Hazarian, and Alberta Bedoian.

His family would like to thank Orangeburg Manor’s staff for the wonderful love and care of Charles as well as Optimal Hospice for all their care and support for Charles and his family during his final three months of life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to local hospice organizations.

Viewing is on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, CA. Memorial services will be on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 11 am at Lakewood Chapel. A committal service with a military honor guard will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson.