Charles Pike

A devoted servant of the Lord and Gospel Preacher for 60 years, Charles loved his family, reading, watching sports and studying the scriptures. He was known for his gentle demeanor, generosity and compassion. Charles Bruce Pike, 89, of West Chester, Ohio, died at UC West Chester on January 11, 2025.

He was born on September 23, 1935, in Somerset, KY to Bruce and Hazel (nee Williams) Pike. He graduated from Somerset High School in Kentucky and moved to Cincinnati where he played semi-professional football. He raised his family in Norwood and West Chester, Ohio where he lived for 61 years.

Charles was introduced to the love of his life, Josephine in 1954 through mutual friends. They went on a double date to the movies and quickly knew they were meant to be. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married September 24, 1955 at Josephine's family home in Somerset, Kentucky. They were married for 69 years.

 Charles and Josephine started their family of their own in 1957 and their children meant the world to them. Pamela, Patricia, Philip and Paul were the focus of their lives and can remember countless family meals at the dinner table. and many enjoyable times at sporting events and family vacations.

One of Charles's favorite roles was that as a grandparent. He treasured his time with the grandkids and great-grandkids and loved being their Grandpa and Papaw. He never failed to offer a loving hug and a subtle joke and was a steady presence providing comfort and strength to the entire family.

Charles had a soft spot for animals. He enjoyed feeding the birds in his yard and observing all the interactions they had. He spent many hours outdoors, reading on the deck and watching the birds come to visit. He also had many special pets over the years to include his beloved dogs Frosty and Frisky and cats Mittens, Princess and Mary Rose.

Charles was passionate about his job and diligently worked for Diamond and Smurfit International for 42 years, until the plant closed its doors. However, his greatest passion was preaching. For over 60 years, Charles preached the Gospel throughout Ohio and Kentucky.

Charles was an active member at Pisgah Church of Christ, where he retired from preaching in 2016. After his retirement, he remained a faithful attendee and devoted his time and energy to teaching Bible classes, encouraging others and fellowshipping.

Charles will always be remembered for his devotion to God and the way that he always prioritized his faith. He exemplified unconditional love and set a true Christian example for all those around him. He was always ready to help anyone in need, whether it was family or not. He spent countless hours visiting at hospitals, consoling bereaved families and offering compassionate support in any way he could to those around him.

He was a wonderful father and excellent listener. We couldn't have asked for a better spouse, brother, parent, grandparent or man of God and will miss Charles every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him and his legacy will be cherished with the generations that follow him.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Bruce and Hazel (nee Williams) Pike, and is survived by his wife Shirley Josephine (Burton), brother Ray Pike, children Pamela (Karl) Flem, Patricia (Kevin) Brown, Philip (Melissa) Pike and Paul (Gaye) Pike, grandchildren Kortney, Korinn, Kathleen, Kaleb, Amanda, Kendra, Nicole, Austin, Aubrey and Garrison and great grandchildren Jameson, Cole, Melanie, Lilian, Evelyn, Maximus, Vivian, Thor, Bjorn, Dagny, Addie, Benjamin, Harleigh, Bentley, Jackson, Easton and Kasper.

Visitation will be held at 11:00 am on January 17 at Hodapp Funeral Home in West Chester, Ohio. Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 pm. A graveside service will follow. The family invites all guests to a fellowship meal at Northeast Church of Christ immediately following the graveside service.