Paul A. Charlton journeyed to his heavenly home on Thursday, August 13, 2009.

He had resided at the Golden Living Center in Buena Vista since November 2008.

He was born on April 28, 1920, in Moorefield, West Virginia.

He was the son of the late Minnie and Salem Charlton.

He was a veteran of World War II and took great pride in having served his country.

He married Josephine Gilbert on June 28, 1947. They enjoyed 38 wonderful years together until Jo passed away on June 17, 1985. Paul lovingly cared for Jo throughout her journey with Alzheimer's and was lost without her. The Lord blessed Paul again when he began a beautiful friendship with Virginia Wagner. Their friendship brought joy to both of them.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Jo Charlton, special friend, Virginia Wagner; two brothers, Ralph Charlton and Jack Charlton, and a cousin Tom Charlton.

He is survived by his daughter, Paula Charlton; a niece, Elizabeth (Mike) Norton; and nephew Ralph L. Charlton. He is also survived by his "adopted" children, Beth Schramm, Lisa Bolen, Angie and Rad Patterson, as well as "adopted" grandchildren, Lucas and Amber Bolen, Conrad, Katy and Maggie Patterson, Amy Walters, and Brian Yelverton.

Paul had a special furry friend, Sweetie, who will miss his Paw Paw.

He is survived as well by special friends Patsy and Henry Staton, Phyllis and Junior Tomlin, Joann and Fred Yelverton, Dottie Hostetter and Lewis Graybill, Frances and Bob Wagner, Charlotte and Henry Schrieber, Dolly and Jim Wagner and special friends from church, Betty Jo Garrett, Everett Entsminger, Andrew Hellmuth, and Hannah Garrett.

Paul was a member of the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church and served as deacon. He loved the church and attended regularly until health issues kept him from doing so.

He was retired from Burlington Industries.

Paul enjoyed people and loved his job as a greeter at Walmart and worked there for five years.

He had a strong work ethic and looked upon each job he ever had as a blessing from our Lord. He loved flowers and gardening and was known to plant as many as 100 tomato plants each summer. The only activity Paul loved more than the gardening was sharing the bounty of his gardening with others.

Great appreciation is given to the nursing staff at Golden Living Center for their loving tenderness and care of Paul. This group of people were his "Angels on Earth." May God bless each of them.

A memorial service to celebrate Paul's life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bart Hellmuth and Rev. Tony Nix officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church or to Rockbridge Area Hospice.

Arrangements are being handled by the Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Service.