Charles "Jake" Edward Spalding

Mr. Charles “Jake” Edward Spalding of Thurmont, Maryland, passed away March 18, 2026 at the age of 94. He was born on December 10, 1931 in Thurmont, MD. He was the son of the late Charles Chester and Helen M. Gourley Spalding.

Mr. Spalding graduated from Thurmont High School with the Class of 1950. He worked for the State Highway Department until entering the U.S. Air Force in March, 1951. He was honorably discharged in March, 1955, with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded the following: Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was stationed overseas at 4th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Kimpco Air Force Base, Korea and Chitose Air Force Base in Hokkaidō, Japan.

He was employed at Moore Business Forms, People Life Insurance Company, and then the U.S. Postal Service in Thurmont from 1960 until retiring in June 1987. He was the first walking mail carrier in Thurmont. He worked as a part-time night auditor for Days Inn of Frederick. He also ran the wood processor for Randy Miller (son-in-law) for his firewood business.

He played baseball in the Pen-Mar League and the Tri-County league, Maryland State League, and Heart of MD League. He coached the Paul's Pit Stop softball team in Emmitsburg, MD.

He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Thurmont. Mr. Spalding was the First Commander of AMVETS Post 7 of Thurmont and a life member there. He was also a life member and Past Commander of Edwin C. Creeger Jr. Post 168 American Legion in Thurmont, life member of VFW Post 6658 of Emmitsburg, and a life member of Guardian Hose Co. 10 of Thurmont.

He is survived by his sister-in-law Ellen Spalding, sister-in-law Joan Spalding, daughter-in-law Olivia Miller, step-children Victoria E. Mathis (Richard) and Barbara Schill. Also surviving cousins, Peggy Gackstatter, Teresa Palmer (John), Steve Watkins (Sherry), and David Watkins (Diane). Nephew Mark Spalding (Teri), his daughter Lydia Wivell (Coleman), and son Hayden Spalding. Niece Lisa Campbell (Todd) and their daughter Katy.

Mr. Spalding was predeceased by his daughter, Diane M. Spalding Miller, brothers Donald L. Spalding and James I. Spalding, step-son Douglas Miller, son-in-law Randall A. Miller, and cousin Richard Gackstatter.

Mr. Spalding was formerly married to the late Elsie May Kelly Shane and the late Mary Jane Bittner Miller Spalding.

His viewing will be held at J. L. Davis Funeral Home 12525 Bradbury Ave, Smithsburg, MD on March 26, 2026 between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. for family and 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. for the public. The funeral will be held at Trinity United Church of Christ 101 East Main Street, Thurmont, MD on March 27, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Internment will follow at Blue Ridge Cemetery 101 Altamont Avenue, Thurmont.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Guardian Hose Company, 21 N. Church St., Thurmont, MD 21788, or to the Thurmont Community Ambulance Service, 27 N. Church St., Thurmont, MD 21788.

Any Arrangements were made by J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, MD and online condolences may be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.