Charles Zeune

Charles “Gov” Zeune, 79, passed away at Mt. Carmel East Hospital on March 22, 2022, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio, on October 29, 1942, to the late Howard and Beulah (Gambill) Zeune. He earned his beloved nickname “Governor”, shortened to “Gov”, when his grandfather once commented that he walked around like he was important when he was a young boy.

Gov graduated from Watkins Memorial High School as a member of the Class of 1960. After graduation, he spent many years working on the family farm in Pataskala, Ohio. In addition, he worked with his brother, Rob Zeune, at Rob’s Sinclair service station and drove a milk truck with his uncle Charles Zeune, after whom he was named. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Gov would eventually own several businesses, including Zeune Construction, The Croton Hardware and John Deere Dealer, and Apple Communications.

A man with a generous heart and an infectious smile that would light up any room, Gov had many friends and family members with whom he spent time doing all the things he enjoyed. An avid golfer, he played hundreds of rounds during his lifetime and passed his love of the sport to his sons, nieces and nephews, and friends. With a love of the outdoors, Gov enjoyed building and flying model airplanes and loved boating and waterskiing – and he created happy, fun memories with close friends and family. He was happiest in the country where he lived, and he loved horses and John Deere tractors. Most endearing is that Gov would do anything to lend a helping hand whenever he could.

Gov is survived by his wife, Becky Zeune; sons, Doug (Connie) Zeune and Rodney Zeune; stepchildren, Carmen, Leslie, and Eric; nine grandchildren; sisters Patty (John) DiCenzo, Susan Zeune, and Cindy (Jeff) Mills; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Beulah Zeune; his son, Bob Zeune; his brother, Rob Zeune; and his sister, Janice Harris.

Thank you to everyone who called and visited after Gov’s accident, especially to his very close nephew, Ron Carruthers, and niece, Lisa Carruthers-Lybarger. Gov never knew a stranger, and he will be remembered and missed by many.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022, from 4-7 p.m at the Crouse-Kauber-Fraley Funeral Home, 225 N. Main St., Johnstown, Ohio 43031. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Mount Carmel East Hospice.