Charles Frederick Sidener, 91, passed from this life at 10:02am on June 22, 2014. Born September 9, 1922 in Allen County to Roy and Mary Rose (Eibling) Sidener, he was a 3rd generation Perry Township resident and farmer. Charles grew up learning the ways of tending animals and caring for the land on the farmContinue Reading
Charles Frederick Sidener, 91, passed from this life at 10:02am on June 22, 2014. Born September 9, 1922 in Allen County to Roy and Mary Rose (Eibling) Sidener, he was a 3rd generation Perry Township resident and farmer. Charles grew up learning the ways of tending animals and caring for the land on the farm his grandfather, Sterling Sidener, had established on Amherst Road in Perry Township in 1885. Charles loved the land and remained actively involved in farming for the majority of his life. As a young boy he attended the Amherst Elementary School in Perry Township and was a 1940 graduate of Shawnee High School. On June 19, 1942 he married his high school sweetheart Alice Schlegel with whom he celebrated 69 years of marriage just days before her death in 2011.
Charles served in the United States Army from November 12, 1942 to December 9, 1945. Attached to the 321st Infantry AT Regiment 81st Wildcat Division, he served in the Pacific Theater and took part in the Battles of Anguar and Peleliu as well as other campaigns in the region. His awards included 2 Combat Infantry Badges, the Expert Infantry Badge, the Southwest Pacific Badge with 2 battle stars, and the Philippine ribbon. He truly was one of the “Greatest Generation”. Charles was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1275 in Lima, Ohio and a member of the American Legion Post 96, also in Lima.
Mr. Sidener worked for the Standard Oil Company from 1952 until 1957 when he moved to the Vistron chemical plant where he was chief chemical operator until his retirement on February 1, 1985 after 33 years of service. Charles had an amazing memory and late in life loved to recount stories of his days working at the chemical plant, including his recollections of nearly every person who worked there. He was a member of the 81st Division WW2 Wildcat Reunion committee, the National Threshers organization, the Farm Bureau of Allen County, Sohio Quarter Century Club, Buckeye Sheriff’s organization, and the Hix ‘N Chix Square Dance Club. His interests included camping, traveling, square dancing, and spending as much time as possible with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church and had been a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for a period of time.
Charles was a devoted husband, father, grand, great, and great-great-grandfather, who enjoyed being involved in the lives of his family. A quiet, steadfast, and honest man who led by example, he will be sorely missed by his family and all who were fortunate to have known him. For the last 3 years of his life following the loss of his beloved wife Alice, Charles made his home at Otterbein Assisted Living in Cridersville. One of his favorite past times there was keeping track of the large flock of geese who are resident to the facility. The family of Charles Sidener wishes to express their deepest thanks to all those at Otterbein who took such good care of Charles and made his final months on earth as comfortable as possible there.
Charles is survived by four children, Janet (Ron) Stevely, of Wapakoneta; David (Cheryl Stefanik) Sidener, of Columbia Station; Larry (Deborah) Sidener, of Cridersville; and Kathy Eberle, of Cridersville; 9 grandchildren, Bryan Stevely, Brad Stevely, Amy (Sidener) Hansen, Eric Eley, Tara (Sidener) Rhodes, Chad Eley, Marc Sidener, Sabrina Eberle, and Kelsey Stefanik-Sidener; 22 great-grandchildren: Joshua, Nathan, Tyler, Chelsea, Cole, Max, Adrian, Catherine, Molly, Leyton, Sarah, Elisha, Claire, Trinity, Dillon, Aaron, Garett, Alivia, Caleb, Landen, Ella, and Avery; and 1 great-great grandchild, Alexa; two sister-in-laws, Shirley Schlegel and Louetta Vermillion; and many nieces and nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Edith Sidener and Marjorie Lehman.
Friends and family may visit at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home in Cridersville on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8pm and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church. Funeral services will begin at 11am on Thursday at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on Hume Road. Reverend James C. Couser will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Matthew Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Church. Condolences may be shared at www.bayliffandson.com.
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