Charles C Stehr

MSgt (Retired) Charles (Charlie) C. Stehr of Edmonds, Washington passed away Monday, Memorial Day, May 27, 2024 at the age of 78. Charlie was born in Ashland, Pennsylvania to Mary Rosella Connell and Clay Lamar Stehr. He is survived by his wife Barbara Stehr; his sister Mary Ellen Dilliplane, Shamokin, Pennsylvania; five children; two step children; numerous grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

As a Vietnam veteran Charlie proudly served in the United States Air Force (USAF) for more than 22 years. At the age of 18 years, he signed before he would have been drafted into the military. He joined as a Fuels Specialist and later changed to an Aerial Gunner field (B52D Tail Gunner). For his bravery during wartime, Charlie earned numerous medals (1974-Distinguished Flying Cross and in 1981-Air Medal (just to name a few). Charlie loved being a Gunner. His crew was his "family at work." During his absence his crew took care of his family at home. Charlie was known by some as "Tail End Charlie."

Charlie retired from Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB), Washington, where he trained as a Flight Simulator Operator. Upon retirement, he moved to Minot AFB, North Dakota to continue as a B-52 Simulator Operator Trainer.

The coldness in North Dakota caused Charlie to move to Washington state where he enjoyed retirement by taking care of his children and grandchildren; doing flight simulator operator flying planes on his computer, watching and going to football and baseball games and discussing politics. He also enjoyed connecting with his military friends and family near and far through Facebook reminiscing his/their military days. Charlie also enjoyed eating at restaurants and going places proudly wearing his many different military hats with his ribbon awards, base name and USAF. All who acknowledged the hat reminisced their military experiences and many "thanked him for his service!"

Charlie will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife, his family, and his many many friends. He is starting a new unknown chapter where as his military commander aptly stated, "RIP guns."

At Charlie's request no memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America.