Charles K. Orner

Charles K. Orner, formerly of Bechtelsville, PA passed away quietly and peacefully on Oct. 23, 2025, at The Village of LifeQuest in Quakertown, where he had been a resident.

Charlie, as he was known to most, was a 1951 graduate of Norristown Area High School. After high school, he was employed by Bell Telephone Company as a coin box collector. In 1953, he left Bell Telephone to serve in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge in 1957. After his service, he returned to Bell Telephone Company. While there, he attended night school and earned an associate's degree in accounting from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He worked for the telephone company until 1988 when he retired as a Security Manager. He then began his new 20-year career as a school bus driver for the Boyertown Area School District.

In 1958 Charlie, son of George L. Orner and Isabelle Detwiler, married Paulene (Polly) M. Overholtzer. Together they built their life over 67 years of marriage. Charlie's devotion to his immediate and extended families was important to him in every aspect of his life. As a faithful and active member of Christ Lutheran Church of Niantic, he served on several boards.

Charlie always continued to learn and never stopped asking questions. He was very curious about the people he met, the world around him and especially nature. He was fascinated by animals and enjoyed all the families' pets. He was always ready to try something new and to experience new adventures such as horseback riding, snowmobiling and paddling around in a kayak. His greatest pleasure was travelling, especially if he was driving his car, a van or pulling a camper. His favorite destinations were Wyoming to visit one of his daughters and her family, the Outer Banks with family or Florida in the winter with Polly. When not travelling, he enjoyed playing golf, puttering around his home, reading and just talking to people - young or old, those he had known for years or others he just met. Charlie lived by the philosophy "There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't yet met".

Charlie is survived by his wife Paulene, his son Ken (wife Patti O'Brien), daughters Sherry (husband Bob Poinsett), Bonnie (husband Dan Croll) and Kimberly, grandchildren Savannah, Danny, Bobby, Andrew, Kyle, Katie, Courtney, Summer, Alicia, and Nikki and great-grandchildren Lexi, Kaladin, Lily and Alexander and sister-in-law Georgia Overholtzer. In addition, he leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews, their families and some very close and special friends, all of whom he was very proud. In addition, Charlie was predeceased by his brothers Jack and Don and sisters Betty Markley and Doris Keagy.

Services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church of Niantic in Bally, 222 Niantic Rd, Barto, PA 19504, on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and the service at 11:00 AM. Arrangements are entrusted to Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home, East Greenville. You may leave your condolences online by visiting www.mannslonakerfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Christ Lutheran Church of Niantic.