Charles Clair Shaner Jr

Charles Clair Shaner Jr., age 65, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, N.Y. Chuck was born June 3, 1958 in Altoona, the oldest son of the late Charles Clair Sr. and Mary Jane (Bice) Shaner of Altoona.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Douglas E. Shaner of Beaufort, S.C.

Surviving are his devoted wife of 26 years, Sherry (Swartz) Shaner of Altoona; his first wife, Rexenne (Bob) Robinson of Pleasant Gap; his only daughter, Holly (Jeremy) Hopkins of Pleasant Gap; his stepchildren: John Grissinger Jr. of Altoona, Kara (Joe) Ayers of Hope Mills, N.C., and Skip (Alisha) Grissinger of Altoona; brothers: Scott (Lisa) Shaner of Lebanon, Conn., Todd (Missy) Shaner of Altoona and Brian (Irean) Shaner of Altoona; and a sister-in-law, Becky. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Whitney, Eric, Jasyn, Leonidas, Ariel, John III, Kaylee, Rylee, Livvy and Remington; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Chuck was a 1977 graduate of Altoona Area High School. A lover of music, he was active in the high school band and alto cadets, playing the baritone horn and sousaphone.

After graduation he enlisted in the Navy, served as a volunteer fireman and was a mentor in the Big Brother program.

Chuck worked as a laborer and machine operator for many years, first at Lumax Industries and then for Calandra’s Steel Co. He got his CDL license in 2004, and since then worked as a truck driver for Imler’s Poultry, a company who treated him very well.

Chuck would tell you the best days of his life were simply spent fishing and sitting beside a campfire. He loved all sports, especially Penn State and Steelers football, watching NASCAR races, listening to classic rock and riding motorcycles. Throughout his life, he was active in several bowling leagues, achieving more than one perfect 300 game.

He was a prankster at heart and will always be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and sense of humor.

At Chuck’s request, there will be no public services at this time.

He hoped those he knew would think of him fondly any time the song “Free Bird” plays. “If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me? For I must be traveling on now, ’cause there’s too many places that I’ve got to see!”

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