Charles "Chuck" Homan, of 2215 Warrensville Road, Montoursville, Pa., died Saturday morning, July 21. 2012. He and his wife, the former Ruth Stunkel, were married at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the late Dr. J. Ray Houser on Jan. 23, 1945. He remained a lifetime member.
Chuck served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard L.C.I. 17, the command ship of the 1st Amphibious Force. Following their first invasion at Sicily, where many of the invading troops drowned, Chuck volunteered to swim ashore and rig up a lifeline to save the troops from drowning during the next two invasions, Salerno and Anzio, Italy, saving many lives. Chuck was awarded by the U.S. Navy a full four-year scholarship to any college of his choice.
Chuck was the son of Charles J. and Amelia Goertz Homan. Surviving are his two children, daughter, Carol R. Forbes (Clyde) and son, Kurt C. (Amy) and four grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister, Mary Dorman, of Williamsport.
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VETERAN
In October 1945, upon his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Sears Roebuck until he entered the insurance field in November 1952. Spinal injuries caused by the Salerno invasion grew progressively worse and was told to retire on disability in 1975.
Determined to remain occupied, he took an artist course founded by Norman Rockwell. As a result, he became a professional artist and founder of "The Loyalsock Art Gallery."
As stated in his book War, Love, Hope, and Faith, his remains will be spread around the base of his flagpole. Officiating will be the Rev. Kenneth Elkin, pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church and the playing of the U.S. Navy Hymn and Taps. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 142 Market St., Williamsport, PA 17701.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, in St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the church from noon until the time of the service.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Kaufman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.
