Charles Otto Schnuth, 94, of Fort Myers, FL passed into life with Christ on December 16, 2024. He was born on March 22, 1930, in, Vanport, PA to parents Clifford Sr., and Mary (Summers) Schnuth. He served in the U.S. Army and was discharged from the Corps of Engineers in Ft. Belvoir, VA. He moved to Florida in 1986 after living in Western PA and Eastern KY.

Charles (also known as Rusty in his younger days) was full of life and energy; he had been an avid golfer with an astonishing 7 holes in one! He served two terms as president of the Men's Association. Among other things, he loved the water and owned many boats, both power and sail, and he enjoyed entertaining many guests on his motor yacht "Solid Gold." He enjoyed staying active and never missed an opportunity to learn new things or travel to see new places. He enjoyed vintage cars and was once the proud owner of a bright yellow Corvette. An avid storyteller, he could strike up a conversation with anyone and walk away as a friend.

Charles began his career in the oil business in 1949 as a general laborer with Valvoline Oil Co., purchased by Ashland Oil & Refining in 1950. He began his climb up the management ladder in 1970. In 1976 he became a Certified Safety Professional through education and experience. There were only 4,625 safety professionals worldwide at the time. In 1977 he assumed the position of Manager of Safety, Health, and Security. He was responsible for many of the company's rules & regulations. In 1980, with the Dupont Corporation, he was responsible for the regulations and handling of hydrofluoric acid. During his career he did studies in Epidemiology and human exposure to toxic substances. Charles taught construction safety at Marshall University in 1980 and1981. He was voted Safety Professional of the Year in 1983 by the West Virginia and Kentucky Safety Council. He had been in charge of the fire department that extinguished a serious fire (with fatalities) in Ironton, Ohio. His actions prevented the evacuation of southern Ironton and resulted in being commissioned a Kentucky Colonel on November 11, 1980.

Charles was past president of Kyova Industrial Aid Commission; the West Virginia Safety Council; and the National Petroleum Refiners Association in PA, WV, OH, and Western NY. He was a Master Mason Member of St James Lodge #457 in Beaver, PA. He served two years as a volunteer for the Cape Coral Police Department and in many roles at his church, Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church, where he was a member for many years.

He is survived by his daughters, Valerie (Rodney Parrott) Roof of Saratoga Springs, NY and Cheryl (Charlie Bender) Schnuth of Akron, OH; granddaughter, Addie Marie Roof of Lansing, MI as well as many other loving family members and friends including Steve Lyon who accompanied him on his Honor Flight. He was proceeded in death by his parents; his brother Clifford Schnuth, Jr.; and his loving wife, Lois Brown Schnuth, who died in 1984.

Cremation has taken place. He will be buried next to his wife Lois in Lynchburg, VA. A celebration of life/memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church, 19251 North Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, FL 33903.