Charles F. Kellenbarger, 74

Lt. Col. Charles F. Kellenbarger, 74, of Emerson, unexpectedly passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2011, in Escondido, Calif.

Charles Kellenbarger was born to Glenn and Mabel Lane Kellenbarger Feb. 1, 1937, on the family farm near Emerson.

After graduation from Tarkio College in Tarkio, Mo., Charles joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served 24 years in Command and Control squadrons, until his retirement in 1983.

He operated the Call Charlie Appliance & Home Repair business until 2002.

Charles worked tirelessly alongside his wife, Pat, as she directed Military Parish Visitors, helping thousands of San Diego-based military families. He led mission teams 18 times to Gleanings for the Hungry in Dinuba, Calif. He served his Lord, his nation, and the Parkinson's medical research community well.

Charles is survived by his wife of of 54 years, Patricia; his son, Mark (Pilar) of Encinitas, Calif.; daughters, Cindy (Randy) Wright, of Escondido, and Dawn (David) Vollmar, of Elk Grove, Calif.; sister, Grace McKee, of Red Oak; brother, Harry Kellenbarger, of Lincoln, Neb.; six grandchildren, and an infant great-grandson.

Services with full military honors took place June 16, at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church. Interment will be at Miramar National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will take place Sunday, July 31, in Emerson.