Charles Burns Dunwoody

Rev. Charles Burns Dunwoody, 103, of Yorkshire, Ohio, passed away at his home on Friday, August 21, 2020, surrounded by his family.

He was born on April 15, 1917, to the late William and Goldie (Burns) Dunwoody. In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Ermil Evonne (Shope) Dunwoody in 2017; and his sister, Brida Ortner who died at the age of 102.

Charles is survived by his daughters, Sally Peterson and her husband Richard of Molokai, Hawaii, Jane Good and her husband David of Yorkshire, and Sue Dunwoody and her husband Craig Dieringer of Schoolcraft, Michigan; Grandchildren, Julia, Amy, Cami, Jennifer, Rebecca, Aaron and Micheal; great grandchildren Katie, Felicia, Toby, Paige, Ben, Lia, Nani, Madden and James.

The family celebrates the life of Charles who lived most of his life in one square mile in Darke County and 100 years on his family farm outside of Yorkshire. His life spanned from plowing his fields with horses and cutting trees with 2-men saws to all the modern equipment. His 103 years includes his 73-year marriage to Ermil starting with a ceremony during his last 7 day leave before shipping off to WWII.

During the war he was in the 330th regiment of the 83rd Division as a Chaplain's assistant. This unit was on the front line of D-day, Northern France, Hurtgen Forest and the battle of the Bulge. His unit was involved in freeing people from concentration camps at the end.

Returning to the states he became acquainted with his 1 ½ year old daughter. He enjoyed inventing things that made working easier from making a no-till drill before anyone even thought of it, to ways to make rag rugs easier to make. His creativity also extended to telling his grandchildren stories of "Charley Boy and his dog Buster".

As with most farmers, there were accidents, from his falling off of barn roofs to having his beloved '51 Ford tractor running over him from his foot to his shoulder, catching his arm on fire on July 4th and numerous trips to emergency with cut fingers, etc. All was not misfortune, however, here were joys too. In the last two weeks of his life he got to ride his tractor, by himself, back to his new bridge and to the woods.

But his faith in God was what propelled him through his life's journey. He was a long-time member of Gideon's International. He helped to start up Darke County Youth for Christ and he was active in jail ministry. One of his proudest achievements was when he became a licensed lay pastor. He pastored at his home church, North Star Congregational church, and also at Versailles Baptist Church. He retired from pastoring when he was in his late 90's.

Due to COVID 19 the family is not holding a public funeral. A graveside service will be held for family at a later date. The family will make a You Tube memorial of Charles' life that will be available to anyone who wants to celebrate an amazing life of 103 years, 5 months and 6 days. Family and friends will be notified when it is completed.

Memorial contributions can be made to Gideon's International or St. Peter's Neurological Center, 78 W. Main Street, Burkettsville, Ohio 45310.

Online condolences and Hugs-From-Home may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus, with the arrangements.