By John Tunison | jtunison@mlive.com
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A well-known Christian radio personality who started with the Children’s Bible Hour in 1943 has died at age 84.
“Uncle Charlie” VanderMeer died Friday, Feb. 22.
VanderMeer started at Children’s Bible Hour as a story boy when he was just 9. He added voices to a script and read poems, lessons and Scripture.
Later, after finishing college, he joined the the organization full-time. The Children’s Bible Hour was heard worldwide for decades. It later became CBH Ministries and then Keys for Kids Ministries.
He took on the “Uncle Charlie” persona in 1972 and became the fourth director of the Children’s Bible Hour ministry. He served in that position until March 1999.
He worked as the voice of Keys for Kids until December 2015. The program involved syndicated short children’s shows.
In a 2006 Grand Rapids Press story, VanderMeer said the focus of his messages were always the same.
“I hope (listeners) get the message that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven,” he said. “And also (that they) learn principles from the word of God in a fun and interesting way.”
CBH Ministries releases 'Seasons of Faith' children's book series based on past radio broadcasts
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A well-known Christian radio personality who started with the Children’s Bible Hour in 1943 has died at age 84.
“Uncle Charlie” VanderMeer died Friday, Feb. 22.
VanderMeer started at Children’s Bible Hour as a story boy when he was just 9. He added voices to a script and read poems, lessons and Scripture.
Later, after finishing college, he joined the the organization full-time. The Children’s Bible Hour was heard worldwide for decades. It later became CBH Ministries and then Keys for Kids Ministries.
He took on the “Uncle Charlie” persona in 1972 and became the fourth director of the Children’s Bible Hour ministry. He served in that position until March 1999.
He worked as the voice of Keys for Kids until December 2015. The program involved syndicated short children’s shows.
In a 2006 Grand Rapids Press story, VanderMeer said the focus of his messages were always the same.
“I hope (listeners) get the message that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven,” he said. “And also (that they) learn principles from the word of God in a fun and interesting way.”
CBH Ministries releases 'Seasons of Faith' children's book series based on past radio broadcasts