He was born on 9 July 1935 in Oriskany, VA. His parents were Everett Charlton and Sarah “Sallie” Gertrude King Charlton. Donald Wade was their first son, and they raised him to love deeply, stand firm in his beliefs, be kind and fair to others, and trust in God. He carried these values with him throughout his entire 90 years. His love for his wife, Betty Jo, was only one demonstration of his deep love, and their 70 years of marriage are proof of these convictions.
Don and Betty raised two daughters, Angela and Susan, and he told the girls he loved them every time he saw them. He was proud of them as young children and throughout their adult lives, supporting and encouraging them at every turn. He rejoiced when they brought grandchildren into his and Betty’s lives.
Don was also proud to be a US Veteran, having served 4 years in the US Navy and then 18 years in the US Air Force. He began his military career in the US Navy at the age of 17. His assignments included the USS Ticonderoga and the USS Coral Sea, and he loved to share stories about his travels to Guantanamo Bay, Gibraltar, France, Italy, Spain, Sicily, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, and Mallorca. Don left the Navy but enlisted in the US Air Force shortly thereafter, where his assignments include NC, MS, NJ, and Morocco. Don retired from the Air Force on 01 February 1974, and returned to his roots in Virginia, where he started his new career in real estate and auctioneering. His rank at retirement was MSGT E-7, and his highest awards were the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit award for work performed in the aftermath of Hurricane Camille. If you asked Don about his military career, he was the first to tell you he was proud to have served his country and his only regret was that he couldn’t do it again, “just one more time.”
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Sallie; his brother, Lawrence Flippo (Janie); his nephew, Jeff; and his niece, Sally Jane. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty Jo, and two daughters, Susan Wirt (Allen), Angela Charlton (Andrew Reczkowski – deceased), grandsons Matthew Wirt, Ryan Wirt (Brittany Jones), and Victor Reczkowski (Grace Grubb), and his only granddaughter, Elizabeth Reczkowski. Victor and Grace blessed him with two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Josephine Reczkowski. His brother, Pat Charlton (Barbara), niece, Jody Soroka (Dan), and nephew, Mark Flippo (Deborah), also help keep Don’s memory alive.
The family will receive visitors at New Castle Christian Church on Saturday, 11/29/2025, at 2 pm, with the celebration of Don’s life to begin at 3 pm. The internment will follow at Huffman Memorial Cemetery on Route 42.