Charles David Frey

Charles David Frey, 85 of Athens, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025 in Lancaster, OH. Born October 4, 1939 in Union Furnace, OH, he was the son of the late James Oliver and Bernice Salts Frey.

A 1957 graduate of Laurelville High School, he would then go on to Ohio University where he would graduate with a civil engineering degree. After his graduation from Ohio University, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps being stationed and wounded in Vietnam. He would later honorably retire from the Marine Corps as a Captain and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

After his retirement from the service due to his injury, David pursued his law degree at Northwestern University and would work for several Athens local law firms, including Lavelle & Yanity, Mollica, Gall, Sloan, & Sillery, and was elected the Athens County Prosecutor. After his service with the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office, he went into private practice where he specialized in business law.

Apart from his professional accomplishments, David was active in the Civil War Roundtable and assisted in revitalizing the General Charles H. Groves or Civil War Round Table which is still active today. He also was a major contributor to their newsletter, Drumtaps.

He was an accomplished author who published many pieces, including “Failure to Pursue” in 2016. His extensive research for the Pickaway County Genealogical Society created a large volume of research family history for the area to which benefits many families today in multiple areas of Ohio.

He was an avid lover of bluegrass & country music and would often spend his spare time in Blue Eagle Music and attend concerts in Fur Peace Ranch.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret Jane “Janey” Luchs Smith; two children, Corey Frey, Bridget Frey; two grandchildren; and three siblings, Sharon Prewitt, Sallie Idoine, Addison Frey.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by, his son, Curtis Frey; and infant brother, James Calvin Frey.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Hughes Funeral Home in Athens where a memorial service will be announced at a later date. David was a cancer survivor and the family requests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society to assist in the fight for a cure. Those who wish to sign the online guestbook or donate to the American Cancer Society may do so at www.ehwfh.com.