MAY 9 – Charles Franklin Bartlett, of Farmville, died in the early hours of Wednesday, May 8, 2013. Mr. Bartlett was born September 1, 1925 in Galax to the late George W. and Katie Mae Thomas Bartlett. At the age of 17, he left Southwest Virginia to join the United States Navy, where he finished high school and began his training and instruction to become a Fighter Pilot. Mr. Bartlett served the United States as a Naval Aviator during World War II and Korea.

In early 1944, while serving on the USS Natoma Bay as a fighter pilot in the Pacific Theatre, Mr. Bartlett was shot down and was lost at sea for over three days. Once he was returned to his ship, he finished out the war in the Pacific, serving with four different squadron groups. By the end of the war, he was the recipient of the Purple Heart, American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and WW II Victory Medal.

After his military service, Mr. Bartlett was a successful business owner and Professional Golfer. He played on the Pro Tour in the 1960's and 1970's. In 2010 he was awarded his 50 Year Gold Pin with the PGA.

In 1989, he married Alice Linkins Senger and they celebrated their twenty-fourth wedding anniversary May 6, 2013.

Mr. Bartlett is survived by his wife, Alice Linkins Senger Bartlett of Farmville; daughter, Susan Lynn Montez of Connecti-cut; five step-children, Christine Senger-Bryan (Philip) of Dillwyn, Anna Carol Senger of Appomattox, Daniel Martin Senger, III (Diane) and Peter F. Senger (Sharon) of Curdsville, and Paul D. Senger of Delaware; sister, Shirley Bartlett Melton of Gal-ax; six great-stepchildren; grandson, Randall Bartlett Nixon of Virginia; two nieces, Linda Richboro of Lincolnton, NC, and Eleanor Green, Roanoke; two nephews, Stanley Maiden of Bangor, Maine, and Charles Maiden of Virginia. He is also survived by Joseph Ward of Arkansas who was thought of as son to both Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett.

Charles Franklin Bartlett has taken his last flight.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 10 at 6 p.m. with visitation to follow at the Shorter Funeral Home of Farmville. In-terment will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 12, at the Felts Memorial Cemetery in Galax. He was loved and he will be missed.

Services arranged by Shorter Funeral Home of Farmville.