Charles Edward Straker

Charles Edward Straker of Zanesville, OH died January 27, 2026.  He was 91.  Charles was born on June 16, 1934, in Zanesville to parents B. Robert and Marguerite Ackert Straker.  He graduated from Zanesville High School Class of 1952 and attended The Ohio State University.  He was the owner and CEO of Buckeye Companies, Inc., and Buckeye Supply Company.

Charles was a charter member of Zanesville Flotilla 3-3, USCGA, board member of Zanesville Chamber of Commerce, member of the National Historical Truck Association, and member of the Central Ohio Charter of Buckeye Vintage Haulers.  He was a member of Coburn United Methodist Church for 33 years, serving on the board and as a church administrator. 

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sue Reed Straker; sister-in-law June Straker; sons: Stephen R. Straker (Tina) of Zanesville and Timothy Straker (John) of Saugatuck, MI; son-in-law Thomas Sturtz of Newark, OH; grandsons: Seth Robert Straker (Kinsley) of Zanesville and Samuel Robert Straker (Madeline) of Columbia, SC; as well as great-grandsons: Cohen Robert Straker and Cade Henry Straker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Lee Anne Straker Sturtz; brothers: J.W. Straker, Robert A. Straker, and Richard J. Straker; sister Mary Lou Straker Taylor; and first wife Nancy Straker-Black.

A private family service with interment at Zanesville Memorial Park will be held at a later date. Cremation care has been entrusted to the Snouffer Crematory. THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD, ZANESVILLE, has the distinct honor of serving the family.

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