Charles Edward Hootman; Telephone Foreman

Charles Edward Hootman, a retired telephone company foreman, died Thursday at his home in Ventura after a lengthy illness. He was 79.

Hootman was born April 8, 1918, in Rawlins, Wyo., and lived in Ventura County for 75 years.

He attended school in Ventura, and in high school met his future wife, Merry.

Hootman served in the Army in World War II as a technical sergeant, said Merry Hootman, 80.

He came back from Europe and went to work for Pacific Telephone Co. as a PBX foreman, retiring in 1973.

He and Merry were married in 1951 and would have celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary on Dec. 22. They had no children.

Merry said her husband often could be found working on projects in the garage. She said they had traveled across the country in a van.

Hootman helped others through his membership in the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.

Private services will be held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel in Ventura, with the Rev. Edwin Crist of Community Presbyterian Church of Ventura officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home.