Charles J. Whitworth

Middletown...Charles J. Whitworth, 87, resident of rural Middletown, passed away late Sunday evening at his residence after an extended illness.He was born in Jefferson Township, December 19, 1919, the son of Charles and Nellie Pierce Whitworth.He had owned an operated Whitworth Auto Body for many years and had worked for the former Red Allen Chevrolet and Sanders Motors in Sulphur Springs and Middletown.He was a 50 year member of the Sulphur Springs Masonic Lodge and the OES #110 of Middletown. He was an active member of the Sulphur Springs Christian Church.He was a 1938 graduate of Sulphur Springs High School and had been offered scholarships in basketball and baseball to Purdue University.He refereed 30 high school basketball games a years and loved farming, and professional baseball.Survivors include his wife of 69 years: Phyllis of Middletown and a grand-daughter: Barbie Hoover of Middletown, 1 sister: Virginia Thurston of New Castle,He was preceded in death by his parents, his only child: Janice Hoover, and several brothers and sisters.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 4:00 PM at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th with burial in Miller Cemetery.Friends may call on Wednesday from 2-4 PM.Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.com