Charles O. Stainback
Class of 1941

Norfolk - Charles O. Stainback, 89, passed away peacefully in his home at Harbor's Edge in Norfolk on Saturday, April 12, 2014. He was born in Portsmouth, VA (Cradock) to Peter N. and Ethel D. Stainback. After graduating from Cradock High School, he attended Massanutten Military Academy before joining the Navy. He earned his Navy "Wings of Gold" and qualified as a Torpedo Bomber pilot in the latter half of WWII. Following the war, he left naval service and attended the University of Virginia. After graduation from UVA, he continued to serve the country as a CIA Operations Officer. He married his Cradock sweetheart, Joan Palmer in 1951, and she accompanied him throughout the world during his distinguished career. Upon retirement, he returned to the Hampton Roads area and was a long-time resident of Virginia Beach and more recently, Norfolk.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Joan Palmer Stainback and his 4 brothers and sister. He is survived by his two daughters, Ann Palmer Roth (husband Earl Roth) and Elizabeth Stuart Schuller (husband CAPT Ron Schuller, USN (Ret)) and sister-in-law Sue Moury. A loving grandfather, affectionately called "Boppo," he is also survived by five granddaughters, LT E. Ashleigh Lee, JAGC, USNR (husband Daniel), Dr. Catherine Schuller (husband Dr. Ajith Cherian), Caroline Spangenthal (husband Pete), Emily Schuller, Natalie Thomas and 5 great-grandchildren.

A southern gentleman, he personified the positive attributes of the "greatest generation." He will always be remembered for his service to our country, his kindness, and his cheerful spirit. A loyal father and devoted member of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Norfolk, he was also a proud member of the SAR and a faithful UVA sports fan.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Norfolk, by the Rev. Scott Hennessey. Entombment will follow in the Church Columbarium with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made toward enabling the independence of our severely injured veterans through a charity promoted by his favorite news personality, Bill O'Reilly . "The Independence Fund." (www.independencefund.org)

H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.hdoliver.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot on June 11, 2014