David (Dave) Charlton, 81, of Bowling Green, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family. He was born on January 19, 1945, in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Dave is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 61 years, Amy, whom he married on June 19, 1965. Together they built a life centered around family and shared values that will continue through generations.
He is lovingly remembered by his children: Laura (Bryan) Harmison, Cindy Charlton, and Sandy (Ryan) Mazey. He was a proud grandfather to his grandchildren: Nichole Eschedor, Tiffany (Tyler) Rowland, Kimberly (Mike Jones) Eschedor, Morgan (Kevin) Hoppes, Sydney Mazey, Ashley Harmison, Bryan Robert Harmison, and Codee Harmison, and to his great-grandchildren: Kinsley Jones, Brooklyn Jones, Jameson Hoppes, and one on the way. Dave is also survived by his brother, Robert (Bob) Charlton, brother-in-law Bob Davis, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo and Mildred (Immel) Charlton; his eldest daughter, Debra Charlton, his in-laws, Edward and Lenore (Helberg) Eschedor; his sister, Barbara Davis; his sister-in-law, Pat Charlton; ; his niece, Jill Davis; and his nephew, Dale Eschedor.
Dave dedicated many years of his career to Champion Spark Plugs for 26 years until its closure, and later continued working at the Wall Street Journal until his retirement. Outside of work, Dave found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He raised Hereford cattle for many years, and could be found in the corner of the old cattle barn during the Wood County Fair. He is an Honorary Otsego FFA Chapter member. He loved hunting, and was a long-time member of the Bowling Green Rifle club. He also enjoyed playing and watching golf, listening to old country music, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. Many will remember him in the garden, where he created lasting memories with his grandkids. What began as selling tomatoes in the summer of 1999 to help with the grandkids college fund grew into a passion for gardening and sharing his harvest, specifically pumpkins, with the community. He was also a member of the UAW, the Wood County Historical Society, and a lifetime member of the NRA.
To honor Dave, the family is asking those attending services to wear blue and/or their favorite blue jeans.
Because his family was involved with the beef barn at the Wood County Fair for 40 + years, please consider making a donation to the Wood County Agricultural Society.
Visitation for David will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 1:00 until 4:00 at Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, Bowling Green. His funeral will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 11:00 am at Hope Lutheran Church, 13507 Cloverdale Rd, Bowling Green, OH 43402. Burial will immediately follow at Fish Cemetery.
Online condolences as well as fond memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
