Charles Hinman Obituary
iCharles Hinman, 82, passed away on July 1, 2026.
Charles was born to Alma and Paul Hinman and enjoyed growing up on a small farm with one dairy cow. Niles, New York, remained his home for nearly 60 years.
Charles spent his life serving others as an Army veteran, Parks Officer, 30-year volunteer with the Niles Fire Department, Niles Town Justice, and through 32 years of dedicated service with the New York State Department of Transportation. Charles loved his work maintaining safety on the roads and, in retirement, felt deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve.
Following retirement, Charles moved to the Daytona Beach area to care for his son following an injury. Down the street, he met Gayle, who would become his wife of nearly 21 years, and he would become a full-time father to 6-year-old Alanna and Elizabeth.
Charles always said he liked a challenge, and he certainly had one. He was the morning officer, taxi driver, supply sergeant, and laundry and maintenance man because he liked to stay busy.Charles made sure the birds and squirrels, stray cats, and the six dogs he had at one time were all fed. If the girls wanted a dog, they got one, and over the years, our family rescued nine dogs.
Charles volunteered his time in many ways. He loved being a hospice cook, cooked weekly for his church’s men’s group for 12 years, and served Wednesday night supper until, sadly, he could no longer continue. He was famous for his cookies and his biscuits and gravy.During his last five years, Charles became well known as the neighborhood greeter, riding his bike with the little dog that children loved to pet.
Charles cared deeply about many causes and communities, including Native Americans, Tunnel to Towers, wounded veterans, dog rescue, his church, and the Four Town Rescue in Niles.
In keeping with who he was, Charles honored these causes in passing. Those wishing to honor his memory may consider making a donation to one of the causes he cared about. In doing so, you can carry forward something Charles spent his life doing—helping others.
Charles is survived by his wife, Gayle; daughters, Alanna and Elizabeth; son, Benjamin; and brother, Paul.
Services will be held at Anchor Baptist Church in Oak Hill, Florida, at 2:00 p.m. on October 3, 2026. Charles will be laid to rest at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. on October 5, 2026.
