Charles Patrick Middendorf, Sr. of Mt. Sterling, KY was born on April 4, 1937 in Boyers, PA. He is the son of the late Charles H. and Rose Fitzpatrick Middendorf. He is survived by his wife, Karen, a daughter, Terry Rhodes (Sherwood Daniel) of Suwanee, GA and a son, Mason M. Middendorf, (Brenda) of Winchester, KY. He was predeceased by his oldest son, Charles Patrick Middendorf, Jr., his sister, Susan Peffer, and his parents.
Pat graduated from Concord High School in North Butler County, PA in 1955. He served 4 years in the United States Navy and after returning to PA, he completed 4 years of apprenticeship to become a Class A machinist. He worked at J&L Steel in Aliquippa, PA and numerous small machine shops as second jobs. He attended Penn State University-Beaver PA campus.
He moved his family to Maysville, KY in 1970 to become a part of the management training program at Carnation Can Co. and ultimately was the plant superintendent. In the mid 80's, he left Carnation to start his own business, Ranger Energy, wildcatting and drilling oil and gas wells. He retired in 1990 as his health started to decline.
He had been a Boy Scout and Explorer leader and was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. When he moved to Mt. Sterling in 2000, he became active with the Little Mount Muzzle Loaders Club and participated in many Revolutionary War re-enactments, sharing this passion with his grandson, Joey. In his spare time, he enjoyed designing and building muzzle loaders, traveling the country with Karen in their RV, wintering in Arizona and Florida and spending time with his family, especially his 14 great-grandchildren. He was a long-time member of Sugar Grove Christian Church.
In addition to his wife and children, he is also survived by his grandchildren, Jason Rhodes, Carrie Merritt (Jeremy), Joey Rhodes (Kristina), Beth Huff (Matt), Mason Middendorf (Morgan), Todd Crosby, Sarah Ayers (Doug), and Cameron Evans and his great-grandchildren, Lane, Emelia, Charleigh, Connor, Lincoln, Jocelyn, Caleb, Finn, Jett, Cooper, Cadence, Emerson, Holden and Levi, a brother-in-law, James Peffer, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and aunts, and special friends, Dan Rhodes and Jewell Middendorf. He also leaves behind his beloved puppy, Abby Rose.
His funeral will be 2:00 Sunday at Herald & Stewart Home for Funerals, Pastor Francis Nash presiding, with visitation from 5-8:00 Saturday. Burial will be 9:00 Tuesday at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to Hospice of the Bluegrass.