Charles R. Hahner

Charles Roger Hahner
Date of Birth: February, 5th 1924
Date of Death: December, 16th 2013

Chuck Hahner was member of "The Greatest Generation". This group of people that we owe so much to should never be forgotten. Chuck was one of these WWII men who quietly went about their business building lives and communities.

Chuck grew up in Shawnee, Kansas in the depression years as the 4th and last child of John Hahner and Fern Shipman. Chuck had two brothers, John and Frank, and one sister, Dorothy. At the age of 2, his mother died, and shortly after that his father remarried. Emma and her two daughters, Alberta and June were blended into the family. He was taught to work hard and waste nothing. Through the depression, the boys sold fruit and vegetables after school and in the summers. He said there was little time for play.

After graduation in 1941 from Shawnee Mission Rural High School on a Friday, he started work on Monday. No such thing as taking time off. After two years of working, he enlisted into the Army Air Corp. He attended basic flight school in Enid, Oklahoma and was later stationed at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver. The War was winding down and Chuck did not get shipped overseas. He maintained an interest in airplanes throughout his life.

Like many people who visit Colorado, he decided to stay. He met the love of his life, LaVonne Cole and knew within 30 minutes he would marry her. Vonnie had the perfect fun loving attitude to compliment Chuck's practical side. Chuck held various jobs, but wanted to be his own boss. He started Hahner Wholesale Sign Company and became known for his outstanding neon glass work. Many of his signs stayed lit for decades. His son Roger joined the business and worked with Chuck for many years.

Their marriage was blessed with 3 children, Roger, Theresa, and Clayton. In 1964 they moved from Denver to Green Mountain, where they spent the rest of their life. They moved into one of the many new subdivisions that were built to accommodate Denver's post war growth. Through the years there were countless gatherings and picnics with their large extended family. New Year's Eve was a special event, with all the adults going to the Elks and cousins celebrating together. These were the happiest times in their life. Chuck had an outstanding memory and could recall events and dates throughout history. He also enjoyed gardening and his many fruit trees. He was a man who could fix just about anything and took pride in his self-reliance. He also was an avid skier until age 75. Chuck and Vonnie had nearly 53 years of marriage before she passed away in 2003. He always said how lucky he was to have found her and referred to her as his "Dream Girl".

Chuck will be greatly missed by his family, but never forgotten. He would not want us to cry, but remember him as the simple, honest and loving man he was.

Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association or the heart association of your choice.

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