Charles Keener Cortright, age 72, a resident of 616 W. Main Street, Belhaven, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 20, 2016 after a short illness.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Trinity United Methodist Church and will be officiated by Pastor Chris Noble.

Mr. Cortright was born on August 12, 1943 to Charles A. Cortright and Betty Maree Keener. He graduated from Southside High School in Elmira, NY, in 1961. Mr. Cortright was a lifetime learner, earning numerous degrees. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Mr. Cortright retired as a Lieutenant from the Elmira Police Department in 1989 after 24 years of service. After retirement, he served as a 911 director in Evansville, IN, Pittsburgh, PA, and Bath, NY.

He also worked for Met Life and H&R Block. Mr. Cortright was a member of the Elmira Wesleyan Church for over 40 years, New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Albany, NY, for 5 years and Trinity United Methodist Church in Belhaven.

Survivors include his wife Faylene Hammond Cortright, a daughter, Christina Westenberger and husband Michael of Williamsburg, VA, a stepdaughter Marci Oliver and husband John of Reber, NY, Michael Hammond Jr. and wife Raylene of Stillwater, NY, Joe Hammond and girlfriend Christine Dicerce of Knox, NY, five grandchildren, Cate Westenberger, Zack Westenberger, Erika Oliver, Jack Oliver, Jessica Hipwell and husband Michael, a sister Rebecca Knapp, two sisters-in-law, Helene Eppehimer and husband John, Jacquelyn Stokes and husband Alan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles A. Cortright and Betty M. Cortright and his first love Charlene Berry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the aforementioned churches, a charity of your choice or the Elmira Police Retiree Association.

Online condolences may be addressed to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Cortright family.