A Charles ‘Charlie’ Crass /Nov. 28, 1937 – July 11, 2023

A Charles “Charlie” Crass was born on Nov. 28, 1937, just outside of Montesano, Washington.

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A Charles “Charlie” Crass was born on Nov. 28, 1937, just outside of Montesano, Washington. He accepted Jesus and was baptized at the age of nine. He graduated from Montesano High School in 1955 and went on to attend Grays Harbor Collage.

Charlie married Betty (Vatovich) in 1959. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

He worked in, and gave his time to his beloved Montesano community, serving on the Montesano School Board, directing the singing group “The Young Pillars” and teaching Sunday School. He served as a Trustee and Elder at the Montesano Church of God, directed church, youth and community choirs and was the Scout Master for Cub Scouts and Asst. Boy Scout leader. He was a member of the Montesano P.T.A, an MHS Superband volunteer, the Miss Grays Harbor Scholarship Director and served on the Grays Harbor County Fair Board. Charlie served on the Grays Harbor Senior Companion Program Advisor Board, trained and was appointed as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children (CASA), became a Stephens Ministries Leader and taught landscaping at the Montesano Community School.

Charlie’s vocation placed him in the heart of the community and gave him the opportunity to use his gift of social connection and communication. He spent nearly 40 years in his first career as a produce manager, overseeing teams in several communities in Grays Harbor. Later in “retirement” he spent 18 years, providing reassurance and a friendly face while transporting patients from all over Washington state to Chehalis for eye surgeries.

Charlie could fix anything (or at least try), he loved being outdoors, working in the yard, listening to music and reminiscing with people. His favorite times were being with family, talking, laughing and celebrating life together.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Betty; their children, Brian (Sarah), Barbi (Monte) and David (Jeannette), grandchildren Josh (Carly), Emili, Cole, Kamden, Jane and Oliver, great-grandchildren, Cecilia, Magnolia, Wren and Easton and brother Ross. He was preceded in death by his parents Willard and Emma Crass, his sisters June, Byrla, Barbara and Donna, brothers Loren and Orville and grandson Jake.

A memorial reception will take place on Saturday, July 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Montesano Church of God.