Charles M. Philhower (93), died Monday, October 18, at Reid Hospital following a lengthy illness.  He was born in Richmond on February 21, 1928, to Earl L. and Lura Philhower, and lived his entire life here.

He graduated from Richmond High School in 1946.  He joined the United States Air Force and served 3 years overseas during WW II.  He was in the USAF Reserves for 6 more years.

Upon his return to the US, he married his high school sweetheart, Miriam L. Bullen, on June 23, 1950.  The couple was married 71 years, until her death on October 15, 2021, just 3 days before his.

Charlie went to work as a manufacturing engineer at AVCO and was there until it closed.  He then worked for Ford Motor Company in Connersville until he retired.  While working full-time, Charlie and 2 friends began their own company, CMJ.  They were in business for several years.

Charlie was a member of the Richmond Amateur Radio Association, beginning in 1964.    He thoroughly enjoyed being a ham radio operator, even having a vanity license plate on his car with his call number, WA9KZC.

He could fix or build just about anything.  He added rooms to their house and remodeled others.  He was always "fixing" something, be it electrical, plumbing, or other things around the house.

Charlie also liked woodworking, setting up a workshop in his basement.  He made cabinets, rocking chairs, recipe boxes, etc., and especially small wooden crosses that he gave to anyone who wanted one.

He was a member of Trinity Methodist Church.

Charles is survived by his son Paul Philhower (Rebecca) of Indy, daughter Robin Kullerstrand of Richmond, grandchildren Megan Philhower and Marci Johnson (J.R.), great-grandchildren Zoe Philhower, Tziporah, and Isiyas Johnson, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Miriam Bullen Philhower, grandson Timothy Charles Philhower, sisters Miriam Terhaar and Alberta Miller, brothers Leslie and Fred Philhower, and 3 infant brothers and sisters.

Along with his wife's, Charlie's private family service will be at 1:00 Thursday, at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home.  Friends may call from 12:00-1:00.  Burial will be at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stegallberheideorr.com