Charles Kenneth Reber, Lieutenant Colonel (retired), U.S. Army, aged 77, died October 6, 2018 at Ogeechee Area Hospice with daughter, Kirsten beside him after a long battle with primary lateral sclerosis, a form of ALS, and a stroke. He often said that he did not want to be anything other than a soldier, and he was that, always a soldier.

He was born on August 11, 1941 to an Army bandmaster on active duty in Abilene, Texas. Growing up in Oklahoma City, he attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in military science. He served in the Infantry until his transfer to the Signal Corps after his second tour of duty in Vietnam.He was married in 1965 to Patricia Elaine McManus of San Antonio, TX, who survives him. They made their home after retirement in Milton, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edison Adair Reber and Helen Marie Belsky Reber of Oklahoma City, OK and sister, Jean Reber Chrisco of Tulsa, OK. Survivors include daughter, Kirsten Eva Rappa (Richard, Jr.) of Statesboro, GA, and granddaughters Brooke Elaine Plesnar (Cody) of Anchorage, AK, and Specialist Heather Ocoee Mazur, U.S. Army, assigned to Hunter Army Air Field, Savannah, GA; brothers, Joe Reber of Surprise, AZ and Jerry Reber of Oklahoma City, OK.

Lieutenant Colonel Reber served his country at many Army posts, including Fort Benning, Georgia, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Fort Bliss, Texas, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Baumholder and HQ USAREUR, Heidelberg, Germany. During the Vietnam War, he served in Saigon, at An Khe, Ban Me Thuot, and in Hong Kong. He commanded a special battalion at Sacramento Air Force Base, Sacramento, California. After more than thirty years of military service, he retired in December 1992 from HQ FORSCOM, Fort McPherson, Georgia, and continued there as a civilian for ten more years, retiring a second time in December 2003. Among other decorations, he was awarded the Bronze Star, a precious Combat Infantryman Badge, 5 Vietnam Service medals, 2 Air Medals, and numerous others.

His remains will rest at the National Cemetery at Canton, GA.

Memorial donations may be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, 200 Donehoo Street, Statesboro, GA 30458.

Hodges-Moore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please visit our online memorial at www.hodgesmoore.com to sign the guestbook and share fond memories with the Reber family.

Reber, Charles Kenneth

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution from Oct. 10 to Oct. 11, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Reber

Sponsored by Deal Funeral Directors.

6 Entries

October 25, 2018

Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.
May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.

2 Corinth 1 : 3&4 BJP,

October 15, 2018

My condolence to the family. During this difficult time may you fine comfort and strength in the God of all comfort.

Your neighbor..

October 15, 2018

Our sincere condolences to the Reber family. Our prayers are as yours, that God provide his care and comfort you each day.
- Psalms 145:18,19

Steven Manigault

October 10, 2018

I always had the highest respect for him. An outstanding military leader, a professional Soldier.

October 10, 2018

Pattie, Kirsten, I remember Charles' sense of humor in pressure situations, so calm. He had good training from real pressure situations, ie, he was describing a Vietnam firefight to someone (of which he had survived many), maybe SF COL Ed Burke or SF LTC Jim McClam.
They had been ambushed and he or his RTO was calling it in. He is gesturing, pointing with his arm, "They are over there", and then said, "all of a sudden a round came from behind me and nicked the tip of my finger. I turned and said, and they're over there, too".
He was a Patriot, I miss him.
Stewart Crane
Sacramento unit
1986-1989

Ben Walker

October 9, 2018

Sorry for your loss Kirstin! I pray for peace and strength for you and your family! May God bless each of you!

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