Charles Munch, 88, lived in Sherman

Charles Wanzer Munch, 88, died Sept. 13, 2012, at New Milford Hospital following a brief illness. His family was at his side.

He was born Dec. 31, 1923, in Sherman, the son of Roger W. Munch Sr. and Carolyn Durgy Munch.

Mr. Munch attended Sherman Elementary School and graduated from New Milford High School in 1942 and from Marietta College in 1950.

He was employed by Ashland Chemical Co. in research and engineering positions. He retired as an executive in the Ashland Chemical structure. While at Ashland, he was the recipient of many patents, both in military and civilian areas, involving phenolic resins.

He served in the U.S. Air Force in the China-India-Burma theater under the command of Gen. Claire Chennault.

He was a first officer and pilot on a B-24 Liberator from Karachi, India, to Kunming, China (the Hump), loaded with gasoline to supply P-51 fighters, who were active over the Japanese shipping lanes between China and Japan.

He served four years on active duty as captain and because of his love for the B-24, he remained in the Air Force Reserves for many years, rising in the ranks.

Mr. Munch is survived by his wife, Marie Louise Savastano; a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Munch Mard; a grandson, Kenneth Chris Mard III and his wife, Allyson M. Mard; a brother, Roger W. Munch Jr.; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will take place Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Sherman Congregational Church, 6 Church Road.

A private interment with full military honors was held by the family Sept. 17 at Coburn Cemetery in Sherman.

The Lillis Funeral Home in New Milford was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Kenneth C. Mard Jr. Endowment Fund, Canterbury School, 101 Aspetuck Ave., New Milford CT 06776.