Charles Dayton passed away peacefully on Aug. 6, 2025.

He was born to Lester and Elba Dayton in Pomona, Tennessee, on Feb. 8, 1936.

The family moved to Columbia Station, Ohio, and Charles spent his childhood on the Columbia Hills Golf Course.

He received degrees from Baldwin Wallace, Ohio State and Kent State universities. He retired from Kent State after 33 years of teaching. He was always helping others through organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Heifer Project, plowing people’s gardens with his old Ford tractor and helping rehab houses.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joan; five children, Linda Dayton-Kehoe, Dana (Jenny) Dayton, Julie (Dale) Roberts, Scott (Heather) Dayton and Amy (George) Tessmer, his joy; 12 grandchildren, Miles, Shannon, Meredith, Taylor, Aubrey, Jacob, Daniel, Keith, Parker, Kara, Hanna and Garrett; and 12 great-grandchildren, who brought him even more joy.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Faith.

The family will gather later for a celebration of his life.

They would like to thank the Windsor Medical Center and Crossroads Hospice teams for their kind and gentle care.