Charles “Charlie” Krutchen, of Daphne, AL, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023, at the age of 88.

Charlie was the second of two children born to Anice Robinson.  He credited his early school success to his older sister, Earline, who helped him learn to read before he went to school.  Charlie graduated from East Ridge High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  He received a full scholarship to Vanderbilt University and graduated as a Chemical Engineer.

Charlie’s career took him to Hercules Chemical Corporation where he met the love of his life, Mary Ann.   It was under Mary’s encouragement that he went off to Cornell University and received a PhD in Chemical Engineering. Charlie had a very long and prosperous career as a Chemical Engineer.  He worked for several companies and moved to many states, always looking for an interesting research project.  He obtained 33 process patents during his career and worked on varying projects such as polymerization of carbon fibers and plastic extrusion.

Charlie and Mary raised four children, Carolyn (Don) Erb, Anne (Tim) Bartel, Jim (Kim) Krutchen and Melissa (Chris Smith) Krutchen and eight grandchildren, Chris (Haemin), Aiden, Maggie, Joey, Kyle Elle, Oscar and Amelia.  Charlie was always a family man and very supportive of education and very proud of their accomplishments.

Charlie was an avid golfer, reader, traveler, puzzle solver, math wizard and jokester. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years Mary Krutchen, his children and grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his mother and sister, Earline.

A Memorial service will be held at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road in Daphne, AL, on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 10AM.  There will be a time of visitation immediately following the service until 12PM.

Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the family.