Charles Trough

SALEM – Charles Trough, age 72, died at 4:25 a.m. Monday, March 4, 2019 at Salem East Health Care.

We lost a great man, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Chuck was quick with his wit and loved and supported all those around him. He was fair, honest, and believed in the value of the individual. He enjoyed working outside in his yard and loved nature and puppies.

Chuck was born at the Rush Homestead of his grandparents in Hanoverton, Ohio, to parents the late Harvey and Elizabeth (Rush) Trough on November 29, 1946 and graduated from United Local High School in 1965.  With just one semester left of his senior year at Kent State University, he volunteered to join the U.S. Army. After serving one year at the Pentagon, Chuck was sent to Viet Nam as a Counter Intelligence Advisor. He returned to Kent to complete his bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree from Youngstown State University. He enjoyed a 37-year career teaching math in the Salem Public Schools and only entered retirement when the chemotherapy treatments affected his energy at the onset of his ten-year battle with cancer. He found joy and was grateful many years prior to his illness that his 49 times of donating blood would be going to neo-natal babies.

On March 2, 1973, he married his adored wife, Donna (Blender) Elias, at the First Christian Church. She survives along with devoted family, daughter, Dawn Rene Elias Blake of Atlanta, GA; son, Darren Elias of Salem; grandson, J. Brooke Blake of Atlanta, GA; sister, Mary Helen Lyn (Victor) of Scottsdale, AZ, and nieces and nephews. Also preceding him in death in 2002 was his beloved son-in-law, Jim Blake of Atlanta, GA.

His final wishes will be honored requesting no funeral services, and all memorial contributions should be sent to the Salem High School Alumni Association, 330 E. State Street, Salem, OH 44460 to continue helping students reach their dreams as he did.

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