July 24, 1923 – October 31, 2012

Charles Lewis “Pork Chop” Hoskins, Jr., 89, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away at 5:58 p.m. at Lourdes hospital October 31, 2012. Charles and Doris Marie Park Hoskins married on July 15, 1943, and celebrated 69 wonderful life-partner years.

Charles Hoskins Jr. was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from January 19, 1943, until December 27, 1945. While serving in the war he was a medical aid man with the 34th Field Hospital in the Asiatic-Pacific, European, African, Middle Eastern, Italian, and Japanese Theaters. A decorated veteran, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Meritorious Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, and Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars.

Charles and his wife Doris were not only married, but worked together for 57 years as owners and operators of Hoskins Coin and Jewelry in Paducah. They opened the business in 1953 and retired in 2010, closing the business. During this time they developed many close friendships with their customers. Charles cherished his time at the shop including the friendly visits he received, whether it was to discuss coins, just talk, share a laugh or to drink coffee.

One of the many aspects he loved about their business was introducing young children to the hobby of coin collecting, watching them become adults and then bringing their children and grandchildren into the shop to begin another generation of collecting.

Charles was a retired police officer from the Paducah Police Department and continued to serve in the Paducah Police Auxiliary. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Charles was a member of the Church of Christ.

Charles is survived by his wife, Doris Marie Park Hoskins; daughter, Linda Duff; son-in-law, Edward Duff; and son, Ronnie; five grandchildren, Christa Cosner, Stacy Knight, Todd Duff, and Brent Hoskins, all of Paducah and Amy Duff Bonner of Franklin, Tennessee; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, William Leon Hoskins; several nieces; and a very special niece, Sue Hoskins Tracy.

Charles was preceded in death by his mother, Perna Faundaugh Hoskins; his father, Charles Louis Hoskins Sr.; stepbrother, Bryan Langston; and stepsister, Almeda Bonds.

Visitation for Charles will be held at Milner & Orr of Paducah Friday, November 2nd, 2012, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Graveside service will be held Saturday, November 3rd, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Kenton Cemetery. The Rev. Cloys Bruce will officiate.

The family requests that donations be sent to: the American Heart Association, Kentucky Region, 240 Whittington Parkway, Louisville, KY 40222 in lieu of gifts or flowers.

You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.milnerandorr.com.