Charles “Charlie” Franklin Surber, 87, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2019 following a brief illness. His wife, Doris Jean Surber, preceded him in death. He is survived by daughters, Karen (Jeff) Casey, and Sandra (Carmen) Stumpo, sisters, Irene Dellinger, Iva (Charles) Harrington, and Lorene Davidson, sister-in-laws, Judith (Ken) Johnson, Helen Smith, Betty Smith, Sadie Surber, brothers-in-law, Ray Cox, Bill (Betty) Smith, grandchildren, Alison (Adam) Beasley, Kristen (Cody) Barber, Matthew and Nicholas Stumpo, Rachel (Ariel) Gonzalez, Mark Gonzalez, Shannon (Keith) Gabbard, Nathan (Elizabeth) Casey, Lydia Casey, and Benjamin Casey and 11 great-grandchildren – Jordan, Mason, Hayden, Dawson, and Lydia Beasley, Connor and Collin Barber, and Sophia and Isabella Gonzalez, and Penelope and Delaney Casey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Colletta Surber, brothers, George, Howard, Victor Surber, sisters, Myrtle Surber, Marie Phelps, and, Mae Young. He was born at home in Eubank, Kentucky, Pulaski County. He will be missed by his much loved nieces, nephews, and cherished friends, who just as much his family.
He was a gifted storyteller and often told stories of his childhood and his life on the farm and his early years of working in downtown Cincinnati in the late 1950’s. He invested 29 years working at the Clifton Friendly Service- a vintage Mobil gas station that served automotive needs in the heart of the Clifton community. Years of college students and others knew him for his quick wit and warmth and he seemed to remember everyone he ever met. After his retirement from the station, he served in ministry with the Clifton Church of Christ for the next 28 years, retiring at the age of 84 to spend his remaining years with his family. He had classic one liners, was quick to reach out to others, had a great love for country music, and he loved his golf buddies, finally making a ‘hole in one’ that after all those years gave him bragging rights. He endeared himself to many through his gift of friendship and his own brand of humor. He will be deeply missed by his large circle of family and friends and his example will remind us all of what is most important.
Visitation at the Clifton Church of Christ, 695 Berkshire Lane, 45220. Monday February 11 from 3-7pm. Funeral Service at the church Tuesday, February 12 at 10am. Internment at Reading Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HelpCureHD.org or the Cincinnati Urban Ministry Outreach (CUMO) Summer Camp Fund. Donations for CUMO may be sent to the Withamsville Church of Christ 846 Ohio Pike 45245.