Charles "Ronnie" Wallen

Charles Ronald Ronnie Wallen, 70, of 45 Junction Drive went to be with the Lord, Friday, January 26, 2018 at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and the son of the late Ruth Pauline Ingle Wallen Worley. Mr. Wallen was employed for over 35 years as an Electrician with American Enka Corp (BASF), US Navy Veteran of both Vietnam and the Gulf War, member of VFW Post # 891, American Legion, volunteer fireman with the Enka Fire Department and attended Open Bible Church. He loved Blue Grass Music and played numerous instruments, specifically his bass guitar. Mr. Wallen was a licensed pilot holding an instrument rating and had a real love of aviation of which he shared with his daughter, Ronda. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol since 1965 where he had served as Lt. Commander of the Asheville Squadron. He received the Air Search & Rescue Ribbon for his participation in search operations for lost aircrafts and received the Air Find Ribbon as a member of the air crew which located a lost aircraft. Mr. Wallen formerly owned and operated his very own Cessna 152 & 172. Surviving are his wife whom he married February 11, 1967, Barbara Sue Dalton Wallen of the home; daughter, Ronda Wallen Surrett of Candler; granddaughters, Chloe Cheyenne Trexler and Katie Montana Trexler Messer (Craig) all of Candler. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, February 1, 2018 in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Rev. Marvin Watts officiating. Burial will follow at the Western Carolina State VA Cemetery with military rites conducted by the US Navy. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:15 AM Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Open Bible Church, P.O. Box 702, Candler, NC 28715