Charles John Kellogg

Charles John Kellogg passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 27, 2025, at the age of 85. In the days leading up to his death, he was surrounded by loved ones and friends.

Charles was born on July 18, 1939, to Mr. and Mrs. Charlie T. Kellogg in Canton, Georgia. He was memorable not only for his personality and nature but also for his distinctive red hair and freckled complexion. He graduated from Cherokee High School, where he was a football player. Charles attended North Georgia College, continuing his football career until an accident at practice resulted in a broken leg. While the injury ended his football career, it did not deter him from completing his ROTC training, where he continued to repel, tackle obstacle courses, and drill with his fellow cadets.

After graduating from North Georgia, Charles began active service in the Army, where he reached the rank of First Lieutenant in the Military Police. He received Marksmanship and Sharpshooter badges. Always eager to travel, Charles hoped the Army would provide opportunities for adventure, but he was never stationed outside the state of Georgia.

After his discharge from the Army, Charles returned to Canton and began a career in banking and finance. It was during this time that he met a young student teacher, Gloria Doster, who would become his wife. Their memorable first date was at the Townhouse in downtown Canton. Charles and Gloria enjoyed an extraordinary marriage for over 58 years, raising one cherished daughter, Norma Kellogg Crumbley. They treasured each other's company, whether at home cooking, searching for treasures at estate sales, or traveling the world together. Their love and devotion to each other were unwavering, a testament to a true lifelong partnership.

Charles was an active member of the Canton and Cherokee County community for many years. He was a member of the Jaycees and Lions Clubs, volunteering at numerous events and fundraisers. In the 1990s, he served on the Cherokee County Zoning Board during a time of significant growth and development in the county.

An avid outdoorsman throughout his life, Charles loved being in the woods and mountains, hunting, fishing, or simply observing wildlife and the beauty of nature. He had a deep affection for the Georgia outdoors but also loved the West. He traveled to Colorado in the mid-eighties for a hunting trip and continued to visit annually for over 30 years. He hunted with close friends, and also his son-in-law Tate, with whom he developed a close relationship.

Traveling was Charles's favorite pastime. Whether it was a short drive down the road or an international adventure, he was always ready for a trip. He visited all 50 states and numerous countries around the world, often traveling with lifelong friends and in-laws Lynn and Larry Kellogg and Norman Doster. A particularly notable trip was in 2000 when Charles, his daughter Norma, and his friend Bill Gilleland loaded up a 1962 pop-up trailer and drove from Georgia to Alaska, taking their time to enjoy all the sights along the way.

Second only to travel, Charles loved all things automotive. A “wheeler-dealer” in his younger days, Charles used to buy and sell cars across the Southern states as a side job, saving up for the next car or vacation. He was a proficient mechanic, doing most of his own car work and restoring two original 1964 Mustangs from parts and pieces into two fully running cars. Never one to know a stranger, he would always strike up conversations with people about their cars, inquiring about their performance.

Charles cherished spending time with his family, whether it was his large extended family of uncles, aunts, nieces, and cousins, or his small family with his wife, Gloria, and daughter, Norma. His greatest joy was spending time with his two granddaughters, Elise and Ida. Norma, sharing her father's love for the West, moved to Colorado, and soon after, Gloria and Charles followed, at least part-time at first. In Colorado, they were able to help look after Elise and Ida and be a part of their everyday lives, attending concerts, recitals, and creating countless memories with them.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Faye and Charlie T. Kellogg. He is survived by his loving wife of over 58 years, Gloria Doster Kellogg; his brother, Larry Pirkle Kellogg; his brother-in-law, James Norman Doster of South Carolina; his daughter, Norma Kellogg Crumbley (Tate) of Broomfield, Colorado; and his two grandchildren, Elise and Ida Crumbley of Broomfield, Colorado. He is also survived by numerous nieces, cousins, and cherished friends who will miss him greatly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025 at the Broadlands Pool Clubhouse (13898 Broadlands Dr., Broomfield, Colorado 80023) from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

A funeral service honoring Charles' life will be held on February 8th, 2025, at Darby Funeral Home in Canton, Georgia with Nathan Brandon officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, followed by the service at 3:00 PM. Interment will be at Cherokee Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles’ memory to:
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation or the American Heart Association. Direct links can be found below.