Charles Austin Gochenour III was born March 2nd, 1955 to James (Jim) Emerson Gochenour and Joan Eloise (Lee) Gochenour at Witham Memorial Hospital in Lebanon, Indiana. Charles was married to Karen Lee (Gulley) Gochenour on August 13th, 1977 at Old Union Church in Jamestown, Indiana. Charles and Karen were blessed with two children. A son, Greg Gochenour, and a daughter, Laura Gochenour. He is survived by a sister, Sheila Scott, nephew Matt Scott married to Carly Scott, and a great-nephew Nathan Scott. Sue Noland, sister, is deceased.

Charles held many jobs during his life. Among them are working at Cotter & Company, Case New Holland, as a maintenance man at Brownsburg School Corporation, Wal-Mart associate, and as a school bus driver. He especially loved driving his bus and interacting with the kids on his route. Charles possessed quite a sense of humor and loved playing tricks on people. His laugh was quite unique. If you heard it, you knew who was nearby .

Charles absolutely adored animals. When he lived next to Old Union Church, Greg and Laura brought home many animals that had been abandoned at the church. All of them were fed and cared for. Most found new homes, but some stayed and were loved by Charles and his family. His final two dogs, Merlin and Houdini, were affectionately referred to as The Boys.

A massive IU fan, Charles collected memorabilia and at one point decorated a bathroom in the white and scarlet of his team. His nephew Matt rooted for Purdue. Much hilarity ensued. Charles also loved collecting model cars and tractors.

Charles believed in doing for others and mowed many lawns and tilled many gardens through the years. Payment in cookies and other baked goods was always wholeheartedly accepted. Charles lived in Boone County his entire life and had many friends he'd see around Lebanon. He was a kind, good, and hard-working man and will be dearly missed.

Family and friends will gather Monday, July 6, for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon.

You are invited to visit the website where you may sign his online register and leave a personal message at www.strawmyerdrury.com.