Charles Nallen, Jr. Obituary

The Fairmont community sadly lost a significant member, Charles W Nallen, Jr. gained his wings on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, after spending many years in the WV Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg, WV.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Charles W Nallen, Sr and Hazel Bowers Nallen respectively, his sister Carol M Nallen, two aunts Lillian Dixon and Mildred Stribling and his uncle Harry Bowers.

Born to educators on March 4, 1939, in Fairmont, WV. Charles began his formal education in Marion County during segregation at Dunbar School and ultimately graduated from Fairmont Senior High School in 1957. He completed his undergraduate studies at West Viginia State University in Institute, WV earning bachelor's degrees in Sociology, History, and Recreation. While Attending WVSU Charles pledged and became an associate member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. In 1964 Charles enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably for two years. After completing his military service in 1966 Charles went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1971 in Social Work.

Mr. Nallen continuously had an affinity for his community and service; so, he began a life of service with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Youth Development Center as a Youth Counselor and later as the Executive Director of Cornwell Heights Juvenile Detention Center at Bensalem Pennsylvania. He retired with 32 years of service and returned to Fairmont to care for his aging family members. While the care and comfort of those he loved was a priority; being of service always remained constant. Charles became very active in community service in Fairmont, he served on several program boards in Marion County including the Board of Directors with Opportunities Industrialization Training Center, Fairmont Community Development Partnership, and 612 MAC Education Program where he co-sponsored several programs that provided back to school supplies for students of all ages. Additionally, Charles was an integral part of the Dunbar Historical Society and coordinated very successful reunion events for 24 years. Charles also worked with the Marion County Senior Center carrying out several community initiatives. Church remained an integral part of Charle's life of service and as such he returned to his childhood church home of Trinity United Methodist Church and served as a Trustee for over 30 years.

Charlie, as he was affectionately known to some, was an active member of his community and a light in the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He was presented with a Community Legend Award and a prestigious Presidential Award from the NAACP. He remained well versed in politics and current events and was always interested in engaging in conversation on a wide range of topics. While enlisted in the military Charles developed a delight for traveling, and enjoyed vacations in Europe, Hawaii and cruising the Caribbean with family and friends.

Charles will be lovingly remembered and missed by those he leaves behind, Mark Hilson his nephew and caretaker, cousins Lonnie, Donald, David and Daniel Bowers, all of Harrisburg, PA as well as several great nieces and nephews and many close friends.

Family and friends can gather to remember Charles on Tuesday July 22, 2025, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Fairmont from 11:00 am until the time of the service at 1:00 pm. Pastor Brad Bennett, Pastor Jeremiah Jasper, Pastor J. Anthony Jones and Pastor Wesley Q. Dobbs will be officiating, and a burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.