Charles Wilbur Datcher, 95 of Waldorf, Maryland formerly of Nanjemoy, Maryland.

OBITUARY

EARLY LIFE

Charles Wilbur Datcher arrived in this world on October 7, 1925. He was the seventh of 13 children born to the late Mary and Sydney Datcher of Crossland, MD (now Nanjemoy, MD). Charles was educated in the Charles County school system. At the age of 16, he entered the CC Camp Program in Maryland.  He later joined the Merchant Marines and then went on to enlist in the United States Army, where he was stationed in France and served during the Korean War. He received an Honorable Discharge and was then employed by the Department of Navy as a civilian. He received several commendations for superior accomplishment and achievement and retired after 30 years of devoted service.

A GOOD MAN

Charles was known not only by his family, but throughout the county as a good man, and he was. He was a quiet and gentle man by nature.  He was very inquisitive and curious and had a real thirst for knowledge. He was honest, hard-working, kind, thoughtful and loving. He loved watching baseball, westerns and listening to oldies, Soul and R&B. He loved the Lord and his prayer time with his daughter Ira and individual family members.

YOUNG MAN

Charles and Adelaide knew each other as children and grew up together.  They later dated when she was 18 and he was 21 but eventually went their separate ways.

Charles was close with his family and enjoyed many outings with them like going to the casino and playing weekly poker games, as well as attending family gatherings. Although they did not get together as often in later years, they remained close to his heart.

LATER YEARS

After 49 years, Charles and Adelaide reconnected and married. Charles became "Papa Datcher" and "Pop" to us. Charles and Adelaide enjoyed a full and happy life together after the ages of 66 and 69 (26 years of married life together). They traveled a little, fancied bus trips to the casinos and enjoyed family events. Adelaide loved and doted on Charles and he would always say "Adelaide is the love of my life" and he treated her that way until the day he transitioned peacefully, early Thursday morning, February 25, 2021.

"Pop" was blessed with the family he always wanted, at the age of 69. He got to experience being a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and later, a great-great grandfather and they adored him. Charles Wilbur Datcher was genuinely loved by his family and they spoiled him rotten. With his loss, there is a void that can't be filled and a love that will never end.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Florence, and eight brothers: Frank L., Sydney Jr., Thomas M., William F., Phillip, Rudolph, Chester, and Reginald.

Charles leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Adelaide; Daughters: Ira McNeil, Gail Thomas (Leslie), Deborah Dixon; Sons: Ivan Gray (Fely), John "Chris" Gray (Diane); Grandchildren: Leroy "Link" (Lael), Alisha "Lynn", Ian, Erica (Robert), Evan, CJ, Shanita, Brittney, Joyce (Marc), Ariel, Jasmine, Christian, Jekko and Zariah; great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren. He is survived by Sisters: Geraldine Swann, Marie Young ; Brothers: Winston (Arneta), Gerald (Mildred) and James "Mickey" (Rev. Ruby Thomas) and Sister-in-law, Isadore Datcher, along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many other family members and friends.

LIFE CELEBRATIONS

Viewing, 1:00pm until 4:00 p.m., Friday, March 5, 2021 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640. Private Celebration of Life, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 6, 2021 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A.  Interment, St. Charles Cemetery, Glymont, Maryland.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream

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