CHARLES EDWARD GLASFORD

Charles "Eddie" Glasford, 87, of Richland, WA went home to his Lord and Savior on May 6, 2010, with his loving family and his Pastor at his side.

Eddie was born December 24, 1922 in Carbondale, IL to Lena Rendleman and Charles Glasford. He attended Carbondale schools until the age of seventeen when he lied about his age so he could join the Missouri National Guard. The day after Pearl Harbor, Eddie was inducted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country for the duration of World War II.

In early 1944, while a patient at the Veterans Hospital in Walla Walla, WA, Eddie met his future wife, Virginia Pike, at the USO. Eddie always liked to tell the story: "I walked up to the snack bar and asked her "What ya got to drink?" and by the time she got to orange juice, I knew I was hooked!" They were married in the chapel of McCaw General Army Hospital on April 7, 1944. They moved to Richland, WA where they raised their son Darrel. Ed worked as a power operator at Hanford, primarily in the 100 B area, until his retirement in 1985.

Eddie and Virginia enjoyed their retirement spending time with their family and traveling. They took several interesting trips to places like New York City, Mexico, Germany, and London, England.

Ed was a member of Richland Lutheran Church, a lifetime member of the VFW, and was active in many other organizations and clubs over the years.

Eddie always had a variety of interesting hobbies, including building and flying model airplanes, hunting, fishing, fly tying, bowling, golfing, oil painting, and competing in pistol and archery competitions. He was an early member of the Colyak Bowhunters archery club and was the WA State Archery Association Champion in the American Round in 1970. He was a livelong avid photographer and an amateur radio operator KA7LVY for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bill.

Eddie is survived by Virginia, his wife of 66 years, his son Darrel Vicki, grandchildren Lisa, David Teri, and Jill, all of the Tri-Cities, WA area, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was especially excited about the anticipated birth of his first great-grandchild, Chase Edward, who is due to join the family this summer.

The family wishes to express their gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Kadlec Medical Center, and to the members and staff of Richland Lutheran Church, especially to Pastor William Martens.

Graveside services will be held Friday, May 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland, WA. Einan's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please express your thoughts and memories on our online guestbook at www.einansfuneralhome.com

Eddie liked this saying from an old headstone:

"Pause and smile as you walk by, as you are now once was I"