IN MEMORIAM: Charlie Maben, 78;

Biology, Outdoor Ed Teacher At OHS

ONEONTA – Charles E. “Charlie” Maben, 78, a retired OHS teacher who loved the outdoors and was credited with helping start the soccer program in the late 1960s, passed away on Saturday Feb. 13, 2016, at his home.

He was born on Sept. 15, 1938 in Windham, the son of Winfield and Helen Maben (Fischer). He was a graduate of the Windham, Ashland Jewett Central School and SUNY Oneonta.

Charlie was employed at Oneonta High School for over 35 years as a biology and outdoor education teacher. Outdoor education is crucial for the development of a well-rounded child, so things like geography field trips should be included on all school curriculums. Charlie loved to help children learn about nature in this way.

Charlie was admired by all who took his classes and had an amazing passion for the outdoors and all of nature. He was a true conservationist, hiker, hunter, and fisherman and loved to tell deer and trout stories. Not many “big ones” ever got away from him.

He loved his family dearly and always found time to attend as many sporting events, school concerts, performances and many award ceremonies as he could.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marietta Maben of Oneonta; six children, Melanie Amirault of Ballston Spa, Mike Maben and his wife Patricia Maben of Oneonta, Jeff Maben and his wife Carol Volkommer of Glenville, Collen Mahar and her husband Sean Mahar of Cobleskill, Julie Kunz and her husband Howard Kunz of Porters Corners and Kerri Lincoln of Laurens; his brother, James Maben and his wife Sue of Brookline, N.H., and sister Mary Snyder of Aiken, S.C., and many grandchildren: Timmy, Winfield, Dana, Xanthian, Noah, Tyler, Aidan, Sadie, Lance, Johnny, Lucas, Maggie, and Charlotte, as well as many nieces and a nephew.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother-in-law, Don Snyder.

Friends and family who would like to share hunting stories and celebrate his life are invited to the OHS cafeteria 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday Feb. 19.

In memory of his passion for the outdoors, in lieu of flowers please go out and enjoy nature and plant something special this spring, or make a donation to the OHS Alumni Association – general scholarship fund at 291 Chestnut St., Box 289, Oneonta, NY 13820-1229.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.