Charles Howard Spang

Charles Howard "Charlie" Spang, 89, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, at Altman Hospital in Canton, Ohio.

Born on September 2, 1936, in Coshocton, Ohio, Charlie was the son of the late Paul and Catherine (Aronhalt) Spang.

Charlie proudly served his country in the United States Navy for three years before returning home to begin a long career at Cyclops (AK Steel), where he worked faithfully until his retirement.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Charlie dedicated much of his life to officiating. He served as a basketball referee for approximately 30 years and as a softball and baseball umpire for more than 50 years, earning the respect and admiration of generations of athletes, coaches, and fellow officials. Whether on the basketball court, softball diamond, or baseball field, he was known for his fairness, integrity, and love of the game.

His love of sports extended far beyond officiating. Charlie was an avid golfer, devoted fan of the Cleveland Guardians, the Cleveland Browns, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He rarely missed a game and enjoyed following his favorite teams through every season, celebrating the victories and enduring the defeats with unwavering loyalty.

In recent years, Charlie made many friends at Windsorwood Assisted Living, where he especially enjoyed playing Bingo. He took great pride in winning and always looked forward to game day, sharing laughs and friendly competition with fellow residents and staff.

More than anything, Charlie loved his family. He is survived by his children, Vic Spang (Janine), Lynn Wilcox (Tom), David Spang, and Mike Spang (Kathy); his grandchildren, Whitney, Tegan, Stephanie, Tiffany, and Taylor; his step-grandchildren, Lindsay, Mack, and Joe; his great-grandchildren, Silvia, Rosie, Virginia, Kai, Karsen, Averie, Lachlan, Jaxton, Blakeley, Wrenley, and Tatum; his step-great-grandchildren, Hayden, Evan, Nicholas, Scarlett, and Rosalee; his brother, Mark Spang (Lynn Ann); his sister, Cheryl Ann Wilden; his sister-in-law, Cindi Spang; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lola M. (Johnston) Spang; his parents, Paul and Catherine (Aronhalt) Spang; his brother, Harold Spang; his brother-in-law, Terry; and his cherished great-grandson, Deontey.

Charlie will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, dedication to youth and community sports, and his lifelong love of athletics. Above all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose kindness, humility, gentle spirit, and easy smile touched everyone who knew him. Whether he was calling a game, cheering on his favorite teams, or celebrating another Bingo win, Charlie found joy in life's simple pleasures and in the people he loved.

Charlie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Friends may call at The Miller Funeral Home, 639 Main St., Coshocton on Thursday July 23, 2026 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM and one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday. Funeral services for Charles will be held at the funeral home on Friday at 1:00 PM with Pastor Nick Johnson officiating.

Interment will follow in Tyndall Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Coshocton Athletic Department, 1205 Cambridge Rd., Coshocton, Ohio 43812 and /or River View Athletic Department, 26496 SR 60 North, Warsaw, Ohio 43844; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.