Obituary for Charles Arthur “Charlie” Day

CHARLES ARTHUR “CHARLIE” DAY

Charles Arthur Day, 98, of Connersville, went home to be with our Lord on Friday, August 5, 2022, at Reid Hospice in Richmond. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Charlie was born March 3, 1924, in Connersville to Harry and Mary Foster Day, the first of two children. Charlie grew up in the Alpine area in Southern Fayette County. Growing up, Charlie was an active member of 4-H. In 1937, he moved with his family to the Harrisburg Area. While in high school, he worked across from his home on the Broaddus Farm. He graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1942. Charlie was the last surviving member of his graduating class of 16 students.

After graduation, Charlie worked for Hap Mustin’s Farm. A few years later, he went to work at Roots-Blower. While at a get together on Halloween night 1945, Charlie met the love of his life, Ellen June Humphrey. They were married June 25, 1948, at Central Christian Church in Connersville by the Rev. Ray Montgomery. Together, they raised four sons. After their first son Barry was born, Charlie left Roots-Blower and went back to working where he liked best: outside for Albert Robinson’s Farm. In 1955, he went to work for Ben Johnson Farms, where he worked for 39 years retiring in 1994. After retirement, Charlie and Ellen moved back out to the Harrisburg area on his parents’ old homestead. Charlie remained busy after retirement, tending to their garden and mowing his 1 1/2-acre property by himself until he was 95. He also enjoyed woodworking, watching his favorite sports teams, and spending time with his family.

Charlie was an avid IndyCar Fan. He attended every Indianapolis 500 from 1961-77, seeing his favorite driver A.J. Foyt win all four times in person. He also was a fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Indiana Hoosiers Basketball, and Indiana Pacers and rarely missed a broadcast game or race. Charlie and Ellen loved to travel and took many vacations with their sons across the U.S. as well as a couple of cruises and a trip to Hawaii by themselves.

Charlie was a faithful and active 85-year member of the Harrisburg Union Church and a nearly 70-year member of the Harrisburg Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) Lodge. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Ellen (Humphrey) Day; three sons, Timothy Day, Douglas Day, and James Day; daughters-in-law, Brenda Chandler, Karen Day, and Marsha Day; five grandchildren, Brad Day (Lisa), Chris Day (Catherine), Stacy Huntington (Michael), Haley Day, and Lindsey Day; 10 great-grandchildren, Layne Baldwin, Morgan Day, Bo Day, Emma Day, Hannah Hadler, Alivia Kutz, Carter Day, Zachary Huntington, Elena and Nora Shumate; niece, Gena Hurst and nephews, Brian Humphrey and Greg Humphrey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Harriett Day; oldest son, Barry Day; grandson, Ryan Linn-Day; granddaughter-in-law, Molly Day; daughter-in-law, Janet Day; nephews, Rusty Kidd, Jeff Kidd, and Scott Kidd; and niece, Lorri King.

A Celebration of Life Service for Charlie will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at the Harrisburg Union Church at 11 a.m., with Pastor Bill Lowry officiating. Burial will be in Dale Cemetery. Family and friends may come for visitation on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home from 4 p.m. until 8 pm. Memorial Donations may be made to the Harrisburg Union Church.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.