Charlie Funk, III (AKC Registered Name: Sir Charles Namore Th' third), age 12 years, four months, and two days, died on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, after a two-month battle with lymphoma.  Even through two chemo treatments, which made him very sick, he fought the scourge with a toughness his doctors rarely saw.  For three weeks out of the eight following his diagnosis, he rallied and began to eat, play, and be himself, much to the joy of those closest to him.  Charlie did not want to leave here any more than we were willing to give him up.  His last two days were spent at his home, with his John.  Both those days were beautiful fall days, and he insisted on being outdoors on either his front porch, swinging, or on his patio, the coolness of the flagstones soothing his feverish tummy.  Once more on the day he left did he go to the western fence in his yard and puff up to let the neighboring dogs know that he was still in charge of his side of the boundary.  They still come to the chain link barrier waiting for Charlie to come and challenge them, not yet realizing their little playmate will challenge them no more.

Charlie had a charmed life.  He was socialized at a very early point in his life, having come to work with his John at the age of eight weeks.  Everyone that knew him saw and experienced a very high intelligence quotient.  He obeyed everyone who was tasked with his care, and was effusive with his affection toward them.  His place was at his John's side, whether it be at home, at work, or visiting friends and family.  The many families served at his workplace always reacted positively to his expressions of familiarity and compassion.  In his twelve years as part of J. A. Funk Funeral Home, never once was there a doubt expressed of the vital importance of his presence in dealing with the clientele.  Charlie had a calming effect on all those he served, as well as those with whom he lived day to day.

His loss at this point is profound, the end coming years before it was anticipated, yet merely having been around such a loving animal leaves us all with the realization that we were truly blessed by an angel on earth, a little (in stature only!) gift from God.  We are all better off for having been privileged to be in the orbit of this blessed creature, and look forward to meeting him again on that Rainbow Bridge in Heaven.

For all those who have been a part of Charlie's life, may God hold us in his powerful right hand, and heal our broken hearts.