Charles D. Santrock

Charles D. (Charlie) Santrock, of Rocky Mount, at the age of 80 years, died on Sunday, June 24, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward L. and Rubie Santrock; and one brother, Eddie Santrock. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Peggy W. Santrock; his children, Donna S. Gutierrez, Brantley (Pete) Santrock and Nancy S. Nolan (Curtis); and grandchildren, Brantley Gutierrez, Victoria Gutierrez, Charlie Nolan, Mary Beth Nolan, Katelyn Santrock and Carter Santrock. Charles proudly served his country in the United States Air Force receiving many Decorations and Awards for his outstanding military service, serving in Korea and Vietnam. He was an outstanding citizen of Rocky Mount and Franklin County. After retirement in 1973, he taught at Franklin County High School for five years, later an Industrial Engineer at the Lane Company, served on the Planning Commission for the Town of Rocky Mount, and elected to Town Council in 2001. He was also a member of the Rocky Mount Lions Club, Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, a life member of the Methodist Men, Sunday School recorder and Usher Board. Charles has given more to the community in the name of patriotism. His greatest joy was being active in the American Legion Post #6, as Commander and Adjutant, during which he attended and presented American Flags at many military funerals. He also placed American flags on Veterans graves on Memorial Day and enjoyed working with the Junior ROTC programs at the high school. Charles was a member of VFW and Veterans Memorial Commission, where he presented programs on patriotism and the American Flag to various organizations. In 2004, Charles was presented the Franklin County Patriot Award, in 2007 was presented the Medal of Honor by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and in 2011, the American Legion Hall was named after him and he was honored with the Post Commander Emeritus, which is the highest honor given in American Legion. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider memorial contributions to your local chapter of the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, #106, Roanoke, VA 24018-3551; to American Legion Post #6, 136 Tanyard Road, Rocky Mount, VA 24151; to Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, 35 North Main St., Rocky Mount, VA 24151 or to Franklin County High School, Junior ROTC Program, 25 Bernard Road, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. All of his friends are invited to a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bruce Tuttle officiating. Arrangements by Lynch Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 140 Floyd Avenue, Rocky Mount, Va., 540-483-5533 .