Charles Jacobs

Charles Morse Jacobs of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on November 22, 2025, just five months shy of his 100th birthday. He was devoted to his family, faithful to God, loyal to his country, eager to share lifetime stories, and sharp as a tack until his dying day.

Charlie is survived by Patricia, his beloved wife of 68 years; sister Betty Mattey; children and spouses, including Charlene (Richard) Williams of Sadieville, KY; Janet (Andy) Brewer of Knoxville, TN; Andrea (John) White of Kettering, OH; Leslie (Mark) Wannemacher of Chaing Rai, Thailand; and Jonathan (Kelley) Jacobs of Kathleen, GA; along with 13 grandchildren, their spouses and 21 great grandchildren, including Weston who he joins in heaven.

Born on April 17, 1926, in Lonaconing, MD, he was the fourth child of Earl and Patience Jacobs. He graduated in 1944 from Homestead Senior High School in Pittsburgh and was immediately drafted into the Army Air Corps to serve as a Turret Mechanic-Gunner on a Superfortress in the Pacific Arena with the 44th Bomb Group, 66th Squadron and other units during World War II. He was proud to serve his country and, after his discharge in 1946, he continued in the Reserves for six years.

Charlie was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a chemistry degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He joined Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation as a metallurgist, which eventually brought the family to Dayton. He was a life-long learner, reader, researcher and experimenter who encouraged others to do the same. Seeing Charlie meant being prepared with your latest “word for the day” -- his fun way to help you expand your vocabulary while occasionally expanding his own! He and Pat made sacrifices to ensure that each of their children graduated from college and have since championed their children’s and grandchildren’s careers and contributions in a wide variety of fields.

Charlie discovered bowling in high school and kept rolling strikes and spares throughout his entire life – even putting his skill to work to win tournaments to help fund his college education. His strategy and technique were impressive – as were his scores (including one score of 298 when he was in his 90’s). Yet it was the friends and fellowship that created the Perfect Score for him at Poelking Woodman Lanes each week, where he most recently bowled in the Beanie Bowlers League. His passions also included gardening, and he was well known for his raspberries, tomatoes, peppers and leeks. He was an advocate for preserving and planting trees to protect the environment and its inhabitants.

Many will recall Charlie’s now infamous “100 yards” – his cautionary phrase to parting drivers to maintain distance and stay safe. To honor Charlie, we will hold a Celebration of Life service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, during his birthday weekend at Fairhaven Church Chapel. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, contributions may be made to one of the following organizations to continue Charlie’s passion for life-long learning:

• Washington-Centerville Library Foundation for health and science books in the Charlie Jacobs Centenarian Collection Link: Dayton Foundation | Donate Credit Card (please note in honor of Charlie Jacobs in the notes when donating).
• The Wright State University Raiders Direct – BOWL which provides scholarships to members of WSU’s Women’s NCAA Division 1 Bowling Team. When making your donation, please note “to honor Charlie Jacobs” at the end of your name: Make a Donation | Wright State Raiders

Charlie regularly ended notes to his family with this promise from the Bible which he claimed as his life verse: Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”