Charles Robert Blackard, 92, passed away Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at River Oaks Health Campus in Princeton.

He was born July 17, 1919 in Fort Branch, to Virgil and Ruth (Martin) Blackard both now deceased.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Nancy Blackard of Princeton; daughter, Christa Jo Haugh and husband Dick of Princeton; grandson, Robert K. Compton and his wife Andrea and great granddaughter, Cayla Jo all of Fishers; sister-in-law; Lois Smith of Patoka and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Charles retired from Emge Packing Company in Fort Branch as a plant foreman in 1982, where he worked for 36 years. He was a life member of the Princeton Elks Lodge 634, where he was Past Exalted Ruler, member of VFW Post 1147 and American Legion Post 25 both of Princeton.  He was an avid golfer, a long time member of the Princeton Country Club. He was a 50 year member of Prince Lodge 231 F. & A.M. and 50-year member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Evansville. He was a Boston Red Sox baseball fan and an Indiana University basketball fan.  He enjoyed gardening and raising roses.

He graduated from Fort Branch High School in 1937, where he lettered in baseball and basketball. He also played Legion baseball for Princeton.  

Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force during W.W. II and volunteered to be a bomber pilot.  He flew 53 missions in the Pacific Theater.  Crew members from the local VFW tell of wanting to be on Charles' plane because they could count on him getting them home.  He was known to have brought several planes back with gaping holes in their sides. 

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton with Rev. John Dunn officiating.  Burial will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Fort Branch. 

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time on Friday at Colvin Funeral Home. Military rites at the graveside will be provided by VFW Post 1147. 

Charles was one of the favorites of the staff of River Oaks, where he resided for the past five years. The family is appreciative of the care and compassion shown by the employees of River Oaks and Southern Care Hospice.