Charles Trautwein
(July 14, 1926 ~ November 7, 2017)

Charles Trautwein, age 91, died November 7, 2017 at Riverview Assisted Living Facility in Barboursville, WV as a result of medical complications that included Alzheimer’s disease. His wife of 67 years, Anna Trautwein, preceded him in death on July 16, 2017. He leaves his daughter, Patricia Johnston and her husband, Harry Johnston; his grand-daughter, Leigh Hall and her husband, Ryan Hall; his nephews and nieces, and other relatives and friends. Mr. Trautwein was born on July 14, 1926 and raised in Sydney, WV, the son of Fred and Ora (Noe) Trautwein. He had 10 siblings who also preceded him in death. Mr. Trautwein grew up in Wayne County, West Virginia and lived most of his life in Huntington, West Virginia. He graduated from Wayne High School. Mr. Trautwein joined the U.S. Navy in 1944, where he served two years with the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) during World War II. He attended Marshall University. He met his wife Anna Lee Compton during her senior year in high school and they were married, June 1, 1950 at a private ceremony in Wayne, WV. Mr. Trautwein worked at A.K. Steel Corporation (formerly Armco Steel) in Ashland, Kentucky for 33 years. He retired as an Expeditor in the production department in 1988. Throughout the years, Charles maintained friendships with Navy UDT Team #23 members, many of whom passed before him. He enjoyed talking about his experiences in the Navy and made several trips to Little Creek, VA and Fort Pierce, FL to visit the UDT/ Seal Museums. At home, Mr. Trautwein enjoyed gardening and yardwork. He was a member of American Legion Post 93, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9738, UDT/Seal Association, Little Creek, VA and Fort Pierce, FL, and the Masonic Lodge #66 of Fort Gay, WV. A graveside service will be held 1:00 PM, Monday, November 13, 2017 at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery,130 Academy Drive, Dunbar, WV, with military funeral honors and a brief eulogy by Pastor Steve Hinkle.