Charles Cline

SWANTON - Charles A. Cline, age 96, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 at The Villa in St. Albans.

He was born March 31, 1927 in Swanton to the late Winfield & Orilla (Bradford) Cline.

Charles grew up in Swanton and developed a strong sense of community from an early age. Charles was proud to have served his country as a Seaman Second Class in the United States Navy during World War II. His time in the Navy instilled in him a sense of duty, honor, and sacrifice. As a member of the American Legion Post #1, Charles continued to support his fellow veterans, fostering a strong bond with those who shared his experiences.

After completing his service, he embarked on a career in the production industry, dedicating his talents to Fonda Container for an impressive 41 years. He actively served his community. For 27 years, he selflessly volunteered on the Swanton Fire Department, bravely responding to emergencies and ensuring the safety of his fellow community members. Charles was a man of faith and was an active member of the Swanton Methodist Church.

Charles was an advocate for education and dedicated to supporting the community's children. He was very proud of earning his High School Diploma at the age of 84, and he made sure that all of his family did the same. He was a constant presence around MVU athletics and coached the basketball, track and field, and cross-country teams for many years. The Charles Cline Cross Country & Wellness Course was dedicated to him in 2014. Additionally, he was a proud member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, and the United Paper Workers Union Local 345.

Charles leaves behind his children, Lynn Cline and his husband Carroll Peters of Hyde Park, George Cline and his wife Donna of Swanton, and Cathy Walker of Highgate; daughter-in-law, Sandra Cline of St. Albans; 15 grandchildren; several great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; his brother, Spencer Cline Sr. and his wife Ramona of Swanton; brother-in-law, Jerald Reynolds of Florida; and many nieces & nephews. In addition to his parents, Charles was predeceased by his wife, Betty (Reynolds) Cline; his son, Richard Cline; son-in-law, James Walker Jr.; grandson, Christopher Walker; sister, Constance Prouty and her husband Sanford; and sister-in-law, Jeannie Reynolds.

Friends & family are invited to Charles' life celebration to include visitation on Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 5-8:00 PM at the Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, VT. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Goss Life Celebration Home. Interment with military honors will be in Riverside Cemetery in Swanton.

For those who wish, contributions in Charles' memory may be made to The Villa Resident Activity Fund, 7 Forest Hill Drive, St. Albans, VT 05478 or the University of Vermont Cancer Center, 111 Colchester Avenue, Main Pavilion, Level 2, Burlington, VT 05401.

Condolences, photos, and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com