Charles Daniel Ackley

Charles D. Ackley, 99, of Lebanon, Ohio, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Hospice of Hamilton in Hamilton, Ohio.

Dr. Charles Ackley, DVM, was born on July 21, 1927, in Athens, Ohio, to Autmer and Florine (Smith) Ackley. Charles graduated from Rome-Canaan High School in 1945, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946. He studied at Ohio University for one year, where he met his future wife, Mary (Chidester). He transferred to The Ohio State University, graduating in 1955 with a degree in veterinary medicine.

Charles and Mary married in 1949 and raised three children together in Centerville, Ohio. They owned and operated Kettering Animal Hospital from 1969–1991. He was an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, and the Dayton Veterinary Medical Association.

Charles and Mary shared a love of travel and visited many states and countries. He maintained his pilot’s license for many years and enjoyed flying his Cessna and was a member of the Dayton Veterinary Flying Association. After a long day of work, Charles could often be found in his garden. It was his paradise—a place he spent much of his free time up until the very end. His children and grandchildren will always remember his knowing grin, his love of Lake Cumberland, and his homemade ice cream.

Survivors include his three children, Laura Church (Chandler), David Ackley (the late Tammy Ackley), and Carolyn Philhower-White; six grandchildren, Dirk, Jason, Erin, Lauren, Christopher, and Corbin; seven great-grandchildren, Connor, Charlie, Maggie, Winifred, Sammi, Ben, and Perrin; and his sister, Lena Fraizer (the late John Fraizer).

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary (2021); parents, Autmer and Florine; brothers, John Ackley (Marion) and Autmer Ackley, Jr. (Phyllis); and sisters, Marie Linscott (Harold) and Ethel Daily (Richard).

A private celebration of life will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wounded Warrior Project in Charles’ name.