Charles Krystynak Sr., 79, of Ronceverte, WV, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at the Peyton Hospice House in Fairlea, WV, surrounded by his daughters, Mellissa and Bridget.
Charlie was born August 31, 1937, in White Sulphur Springs, WV, to Ted and Clara Belle Krystynak.
Charlie, as most everyone knew him, was an amazing father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all who encountered him. His smile was infectious, and his sense of humor never wavered even in his last days. Charlie was an avid golfer and bowler for many years. He was the first to bowl a 300 in December 1983 at the old bowling alley in Fairlea. Charlie even caddied for Sam Snead in his younger years. Charlie’s compassion to help others and organizations in need was endless. His donations to Penny Pitch, local EMS, police, and schools were important to him. He was a humble man of kindness and pure generosity, especially to his children, grandchildren, and his beloved community. He loved West Virginia and was a true Mountaineer fan.
He served in the United States Navy from January 1956 to November 1959 as an aircraft mechanic helper on the USS Champlain. Charlie worked several places during his life in West Virginia, which included Kellwood, The Homestead, CSX Railroad, Division of Highways, The Greenbrier resort, and most recently owner and operator of The Midway Tavern in Caldwell, WV, for over 25 years. During his time at The Midway, Charlie had the joy of watching and being part of Chan Witt’s climb to fame with visits from the TV shows “That’s Incredible” and “PM Magazine.” He was of the Baptist faith; he loved attending his grandchildren’s events, playing golf, dancing, bowling, visiting casinos, and playing cards with friends. He was a member of the “Coffee Club” at Hardee’s for several years, a former member of the Lewisburg Elks, Valley View Country Club member, and a regular patron of the American Heritage Music Hall in Ronceverte, where he loved to dance on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Clara Belle Krystynak; the mother of his six children, Norma Chambliss; and one grandson, Shane Krystynak.
He is survived by siblings, Edith May Horton of Deland, FL, Brenda Booth of Roanoke, VA, Charles Krystynak of Deland, and Patricia Ellis of Las Vegas, NV; children, Charles Krystynak Jr., (Mary) of Buffalo, WV, Elizabeth Harrison of Hot Springs, WV, Charlene Shepherd (Paul) of Staunton, VA, Darlene Krystynak of Nashville, TN, Mellissa Krystynak (Brian Bertke) of Ronceverte, and Bridgett King (Jay) of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren, Brandon, Savannah, Marica, Alexis, Evan, Victoria, Gabbi, Sarah, Madeleine, Meredith, Ranger, and Olivia; and four great-grandchildren.
Visitation for Charles will take place at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Ronceverte on Saturday, September 17, 2016, from 2-4 PM.
Pastors Chad Smailes and Frank Fisher will conduct the funeral service beginning at 4 PM on Saturday with military graveside burial immediately following at Greenbrier Memorial Gardens in Lewisburg, WV.
Pallbearers will be Victoria Krystynak, Brandon Krystynak, Jay King, Brian Bertke, Evan Boone, and Billy DePriest.
In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation may be made to Peyton Hospice House in Fairlea, or to the American Heritage Music Hall in Ronceverte in memory of Charlie Krystynak.
The family would like to thank the amazing care given by the staff at the Peyton Hospice House to their father over the last four weeks. The compassion and kindness shown by the staff allowed him to make his journey home in love, peace, and comfort. The family will forever be grateful to the staff for their love and kindness.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Ronceverte is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary originally published in the September 16, 2016, edition of The West Virginia Daily News.
