Charlie was born on July 30, 1937, in Wilmington, Ohio, to Harley W. and Charlotte A. Day.

He graduated from Wilmington High School in 1955 and then attended The Ohio State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. It was during college that he met Joyce Leota Heyne from Toledo, Ohio, and they married in 1961.

After graduation, Charlie began his career as a salesman at the Monroe Calculator Company in Dayton, Ohio. He later joined his father-in-law’s business, Heyne and Groves Wholesale Jewelers, in Toledo. Most of his working years were spent as a sales representative in the jewelry business, working with Heyne and Groves and other jewelry companies.

Beyond his professional life, Charlie was a man of great intellectual curiosity. He was also an avid fan of The OSU Buckeyes and always had plenty of buckeyes on hand from his very own tree to share with his favorite Wolverine fans. Many also know of his lifelong love for model trains. He was a lifelong collector and talented train repairman who was relied upon by many fellow model train owners. His greatest curiosity, however, was documenting and cataloging everything he could find related to World War II gliders. He became the foremost expert in the science of WWII gliders, having extensive knowledge in both the manufacturing process as well as practical use of the cargo (combat) gliders. As a young boy living in Wilmington, Ohio, Charlie watched gliders and tugs from Clinton County Army Air Field, which was the home of the Glider Branch Engineering Test and Experiment Base from 1942 to November 1945. This passion culminated in 2001 with the self-publication of his book, Silent Ones: Invasion Glider Test and Experiment. Writing this book forged a lasting relationship with the WWII Glider Pilots Association, allowing him to form many connections and cherished friendships while doing his research. He served as the organization’s Secretary and Historian. In addition to his book, Charlie also authored several articles. He was a regular speaker, eager to share his extensive knowledge with anyone who would listen. In 2009, Charlie received the Bickett Ellington Memorial Award for outstanding service in the interest of the National World War II Glider Pilots Association, Inc., and in 2018, the 25th Mission Award from Fans of the C-47 Skytrain for knowledge and dedication to getting the history right and honoring the Skytrain’s legacy. Charlie’s love of history also took him and Joyce to England a number of times, where they made cherished memories with dear friends there.

Charlie had a deep love for Northern Michigan, particularly Suttons Bay. He discovered this special place while on his honeymoon in Traverse City in 1961, when he and Joyce rented a small boat and cruised along Grand Traverse Bay, ultimately finding beautiful Suttons Bay. In 1965, they purchased a small lot on Stony Point and built “the cabin,” which became the heart of countless family memories. Their son Chuck was born in 1969, the same year the cabin was completed, forever connecting the family to Suttons Bay. Charlie taught Chuck how to sail on Suttons Bay, and they both discovered the magic of being out on the water.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife Joyce and his parents, his sister Mary Eleanor (Harris), and his brother Richard. He leaves behind his devoted son Chuck, dedicated daughter-in-law Merri Lee, adoring grandson Jack, sister Sara Burnett, brother L. Steven Day, and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private ceremony in the spring at Toledo Memorial Gardens, where Charlie will be laid to rest next to Joyce.

The family requests that donations be made to: The Charles L. Day Memorial Scholarship Fund C/O National WWII Glider Pilots Association On-line: https://ww2gp.org/donatons/ or by check: Claudia Coggin Secretary 3405 Holly Bend Dr. Unit 3010 Ft Worth TX 76116 Please share condolences and memories with the family at www.martinson.info.