Vietnam Vet CW4 Charles Edward Kilmer, Jr., 77, Dies

CW4 Charles Edward Killmer, Jr., 77 of Douglasville, passed away Sunday, March 24. He was born Sept. 6, 1935 in Springfield, MA., son of the late Charles and Dorothy Pride Killmer, Sr. Charlie was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and was a member of Midway United Methodist Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved working with model railroads and would always manage to set up a small layout in the family quarters.

CW4 Killmer enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953, where he trained to be a medic.  On Oct. 11, 1958, he married Elaine Gardner, who he had met while he was stationed at Fort Devens, MA.  They moved several times during Charlie’s career. They spent three years in Germany and two years in Turkey. All other assignments were in the U.S. except for those times Charlie spent in Vietnam.  Charlie and Elaine both loved to travel. They have been to all 50 states and 12 different countries. Land/Sea cruises were their favorite way to travel.

After spending 10 years as a medic, he set out to pursue his dream and became a pilot. In May of 1966, he graduated from Flight School at Ft. Rucker, AL. qualified to fly helicopters. A short while later he was sent to Vietnam. After returning, he transitioned into flying airplanes. After completing this training, he was sent back to Vietnam doing radio reconnaissance. During his career he attended night school at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Safety.

Charlie retired after spending 30 years in the Army. He then went to work at Flight Safety International where he spent many enjoyable years as a Flight Instructor.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine M. Killmer; son and daughter-in-law, Charles E. ‘Ed’ Killmer III and Lucy; daughter and son-in-law, Donna Legrand and Richard; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Charlie’s wish was to be cremated. There will be a memorial service at Midway United Methodist Church in Douglasville, on Saturday, March 30, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Frank Boone and Pastor Jimmy Hood officiating. Inurnment of his cremated remains will take place at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

Those who wish to express condolences or share a special memory may do so online at www.whitleygarner.com.

Arrangements by: Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, Douglasville, GA 30134, 770-942-4246.