Chief Hospital Corpsman Charles E. Browder, Jr. USN (Ret.) died peacefully at the age of 95 on September 30th, 2025 at Brookdale Senior Living in DeLand, Florida, where he received warm, loving care during his stay.

Born in Columbus, Ohio in 1930, he resided there prior to joining the United States Navy in 1947 at the age of 17. He lived a life of service to his family first, his beloved Navy for 22 years, and the Department of Veterans Affairs before retiring from them in 1990. He was extremely proud of his service to the Navy as a Gunner's Mate aboard the USS Massey (DD-778) during the Korean War; with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Seven, FPO New York, New York; and, after becoming a Corpsman, rose to the rank of Chief and was the head of the health department aboard the USS Spiegel Grove (LSD-32). He served his final tour on active duty with the I & I Staff for the 5th Engineer Company, FMF, USMCR located in Roanoke, Virginia. His service was recognized by five awards of the Good Conduct Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal with "Europe" clasp, two National Defense Service Medals, United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal. He remained alert, well-read about current events and cognizant of his surroundings until the end.

Charlie, or Gene as he was sometimes called, was preceded in death by his wife, Nina; and his granddaughter, Stephanie.

He is survived by his children Jeannine Labadie (Stephen) of Ocoee, Florida, James Browder (Becky) of Bluffton, South Carolina, and Jeffrey Browder (Christine) of Ormond Beach, Florida; his grandchildren, Jeremy, Jordan, Justin, and Nina; and three great-grandchildren, Evangeline, Jack and Josie.

Arrangements are being handled by Lohman Funeral Home of DeLand, Florida and Powers-Kell Funeral Home of Jamestown, Ohio, where he will be laid to rest next to his wife, Nina, in the Old Silver Creek Cemetery in the near future.

Flowers are not necessary, but if you would like to contribute in his memory, please do so to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital .