Charles Bartlett

Charles Franklin Bartlett of Famville, VA died in the early hours of May 8, 2013. Mr. Bartlett was born September 1, 1925 in Galax, Virginia to the late George W. and Katie Mae Thomas Bartlett. At the age of 17, Charles left Southwest Virginia to join the United States Navy, where he finished high school and began his training and instruction to become a Fighter Pilot. Mr. Bartlett served the United States as a Naval Aviator during World War II and Korea.
In early 1944, while serving on the USS Natoma Bay as a fighter pilot in the Pacific Theatre, Mr. Bartlett was shot down and was lost at sea for over 3 days. Once he was returned to his ship, he finished out the war in the Pacific, serving with four different squadron groups. By the end of the war, Charles was the recipient of the Purple Heart, American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and WW II Victory Medal.
After his military service, Mr. Bartlett was a successful business owner and Professional Golfer. He played on the Pro Tour in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In 2010 he was awarded his 50 Year Gold Pin with the PGA.
In 1989, Charles married Alice Linkins Senger and they celebrated their twenty-fourth wedding anniversary May 6, 2013.
Mr. Bartlett is survived by his wife, Alice Linkins Senger Bartlett of Farmville, a daughter, Susan Lynn Montez of Connecticut, five step-children, Christine Senger-Bryan (Philip) of Dillwyn, VA, Anna Carol Senger of Appomattox, VA, Daniel Martin Senger, III (Diane) and Peter F. Senger (Sharon) of Curdsville, VA and Paul D. Senger of Delaware. Sister, Shirley Bartlett Melton of Galax, VA.  Six great-step children, a grandson, Randall Bartlett Nixon of Virginia, two nieces Linda Richboro of Lincolnton, NC, Eleanor Green, Roanoke, VA, two nephews, Stanley Maiden, Bangor Maine, Charles Maiden of Virginia. He is also survived by Joseph Ward of Arkansas who was thought of as son to both Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett.
Charles Franklin Bartlett has taken his last flight.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 10, 2013 at six o’clock pm with visitation to follow at the Shorter Funeral Home of Farmville. Interment will be held at two pm, Sunday, May 12, 2013 at the Felts Memorial Cemetery in Galax, VA. He was loved and he will be missed.