STUART, Fla. – Charles L. Freer (Lt. Col. Ret.), 87, passed away Nov. 25, 2014. He was born June 6, 1927, in Williamsport, Pa. He was married to Betts, his wife of 59 years, who survives. After graduating from high school, he served in the Coast Guard for 11 months. He then graduated from Lycoming College with a degree in business. He enlisted in the Air Force and attended Officers' Candidate School. During his Air Force career, he was assigned to many stations including Italy and Korea and finished his career in Vietnam as a squadron commander. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he settled in Warsaw. His unquenched entrepreneurial spirit led him into the restaurant business, among other business ventures. He owned and operated the Pancake House and Mail & Package Mart, both in Warsaw, for many years. During this time, he created a thriving family business and was a role model for his three children and their many friends who were employed there. As a former Air Force colonel, he instilled integrity and responsibility, while also quietly modeling humility, humor and generosity. While he was not a man of great words, his actions portrayed more that any words ever could. In 2000 he and his wife began a new venture together at the Yacht & Country Club in Stuart. He was a member of the Stuart Congregational Church, a Rotarian, member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and volunteered for many years at the Hibiscus Children's House. Also surviving are three children: Chuck Jr. (and spouse Gina), Scott and Lori (and spouse Peter) and their daughters, Kayla, Ashley and Zoe, all of whom will love him forever. Services will be at a later date. ***** Memorials to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997 or to the Stuart Congregational Church.
