Charles Richard Shackle, Jr., age 76 of Galion, Ohio, went to be with Jesus on August 2, 2026 after an extended battle with cancer. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by the family that he loved so strongly.
Chuck, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Canton, Ohio on September 11, 1949, to the late Charles Shackle, Sr. and Lela Johnson Shackle. He graduated from Canton McKinley High School and later worked for the Timken company from which he retired after 30 years in mechanical maintenance. He was a member of Galion Alliance Church and consistently shared the love of Jesus with everyone he met.
On June 2, 1973, he married the love of his life, Kaye (Riffle). Through their 53 years of marriage, they shared love, laughter, and sometimes tears as they raised a family and navigated the ups and downs of life. They both loved the outdoors and through their leadership in both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, they led many young people on camping and backpacking adventures. Chuck also showed his love for kids by coaching baseball and soccer and serving with Kaye as youth group leaders at their churches in both Canton and Galion.
One of Chuck’s favorite things was to “go for a drive,” which could mean anything from a vacation road trip to just a meander through the countryside. No matter the destination, ice cream and sometimes coney dogs were most likely part of the experience. Chuck was also an avid football fan with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the game. He was a staunch supporter of the Buckeyes and the Steelers, and autumn Saturdays and Sundays were often dedicated to watching football.
Anyone who knew Chuck understood that he was a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran. During his active duty, he served in Vietnam specializing in reconnaissance. He endured incredible hardship and danger during his time in service, but he always shared his stories with pride and his characteristic sense of humor.
Dad and Grandpa were two roles that Chuck delighted in. He was deeply interested in the lives of his children and grandchildren and was always present and ready with a listening ear and words of advice. None of his kids could have asked for a better champion or cheerleader. There was always a spot on Grandpa Chuck’s lap for the grandkids. They knew that Grandpa made the best snacks and if they didn’t already have a plan for mischief, he would help them think of one.
Even as he battled cancer, Chuck saw his struggle as a way to share the love of Jesus. In every doctor’s office and treatment facility, he made a point to get to know the medical staff and talk about their lives and about how his faith carried him through his difficulties. Many people who came to visit and comfort him walked away feeling encouraged themselves.
Although our hearts are broken over losing his strength, encouragement, and humor, we rejoice that Chuck is now free from pain and is in the vibrant loving presence of his Lord and Savior. We take comfort in knowing that we will see him again.
Chuck’s memory will be cherished by his wife (Rhonda) Kaye Shackle; mother-in-law Charlotte Norris; siblings Ronald (Kathy) Shackle and Linda (David) Riffle; children Heather (Matthew) Millinger, Scott (Melinda) Shackle, and Adam (Michelle) Shackle; grandchildren Lauren Millinger, Lindsay (Branin) Leach, Anthony Millinger, Abigail Millinger, Alexis Manning, Micah (Cheyenne) Shackle, Mylee Shackle, Maddox Shackle, and Ember Shackle.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charles Shackle, Sr. and Lela (Johnson) Shackle; step-mother Pauline Shackle; siblings Shirley Slutz, Nina Strohl, William (Bill) Shackle and infant twin brothers Larry and Gary Shackle; grandson Kellyn Shackle; father-in-law Francis (Bud) Riffle; brothers-in-law Paul Slutz and Larry Strohl.
Friends and family may call on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Galion Alliance Church, 430 Portland Way N., Galion. A service will follow at 4:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Marcos Ferreira. Military Honors will be rendered.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
Those wishing to share a memory of Chuck or send condolences to the Shackle family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel is honored to serve the family of Charles “Chuck” Richard Shackle Jr..
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com