Charles J. “Chico” Lenhard, 88, of Elyria, went home to be with the Lord, November 15, 2012. He was born September 4, 1924 in Chauncey, Ohio and was a 1943 graduate of Clearview High School. Charles served with the U.S. Army during WWII and was part of the second wave of the Allied invasion at Omaha Beach and was awarded the Purple Heart. He attended Dyke Business College in Cleveland and was employed at Fruehauf Trailer Company in Avon Lake and then from 1970-1993 as Superintendent of Matainence for the Elyria City Schools.

He was a member of Clarksfield United Methodist Church and a former member of Elyria American Legion Post 12.

Charles is survived by daughters, Reverend Patricia J. Sheldon (Ron) of LaGrange, Rebecca J. Lenhard (John Fisher) of Lewisville, Texas and Robin Blumenthal of Middleburg Heights, Ohio; grandchildren, Ronald J. Sheldon (Denise), Aaron J. Sheldon (Jessica) and Jayne L. Blumenthal; great grandchildren, Thomas J., Adam J., Sarah J. and Harrison James Sheldon; sister, Gladys Lenhard of Amherst and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Thelma G. Lenhard in 1995; companion, Joyce Storrie in 2012; grandson, Seth J. Sheldon in 2004; parents, Vincent and Rosa Lenhard; brothers, Joseph, Vincent, William and Robert Lenhard; sisters, Margaret Henderson, Mary Lenhard and Ruthie Mayti.

Friends will be received Sunday November 18, 2012 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Dicken Funeral Home, 323 Middle Avenue, Elyria. A funeral service will be Monday 11:00 AM November 19, 2012 at the Funeral Home with Mr. Lenhard’s daughter, Reverend Patrica J. Sheldon officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Seth J. Sheldon Scholarship Fund, Keystone Education Endowment Program, P.O. Box 542, LaGrange, 44050 or Hospice Services of Southwest General, 18659 Drake Road, Strongsville, 44136.