Charles P. Corke

Date published: 11/24/2009

Charles P. Corke

Charles Philip Corke, 84, of Richmond went to be with the Lord on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.

He spent most of his adult life and raised his family in Oakton before retiring to Fredericksburg.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Elaine Corke, and is survived by his two daughters, Kelly C. Pledger of Manakin Sabot and Kristi L. Schlegelmilch of Culpeper County; his sister, Lorraine Lacey of Aurora, Colo.; and his grandchildren, Heather Bentley, Lindsey Schlegelmilch, Ryan Pledger and Hannah Pledger.

Mr. Corke was born Oct. 7, 1925 in Studley, Kan., and grew up in Hoxie, Kan. He graduated from Sheridan Community High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 18, serving from July 1, 1943, through Aug. 26, 1946, when he received an honorable discharge. His military career included service on the USS White Plains, CVE 66, a Casablanca Class aircraft carrier that was engaged in combat operations throughout the Central Pacific during World War II. He was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific 1 Star, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon, and attained the rank of lieutenant j.g. He received his degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska and worked for the Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, for more than 39 years, fostering a sincere love and respect for the Native Americans. He fell in love with and married Lois in Nebraska and they enjoyed over 60 years of marriage.

A memorial service honoring Mr. Corke will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at River Road Presbyterian Church, 8960 River Road, Richmond. Following the service, he will be interred with his wife at 2 p.m. in Culpeper National Cemetery in Culpeper.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

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Date published: 11/24/2009