Colonel Charles John Blumer

Colonel Charles John Blumer, affectionately known as "Charlie", passed away on August 12, 2025 at the age of 82. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mildred "Milly" Blumer (nee Sams) of O'Fallon, Missouri; his three daughters, Stephanie Meyer of Lake St. Louis, MO, Stacy Brassel of Wentzville, MO, Angie Blumer of O'Fallon, MO; brother, Kendall Blumer of Yankton, SD; sister, Lilas (Clayton) Hubert of Sioux City, IA; eight grandchildren, Kayla (Jake) Wilmes, Lauren Meyer, Nathan Brassel, Alex Meyer, Ryan Brassel, Ethan Vomund, Ben Meyer, Payton Brassel; great-grandson, Karson; He is preceded in death by his father, Claude Blumer, mother, Agnes Blumer (nee Wetrosky), and sister-in-law, Dorothy Blumer.

Charlie began a remarkable life by joining the United States Marine Corp at the ripe old age of 17. After completing his 4-year active duty term, he re-enlisted back into the military, this time into the United States Air Force where he became a pilot. He proudly served his country and flew over 250 missions during his tour of duty in Vietnam. Returning home, he was literally on the last plane in his unit to land back in the US. Charlie remained in the Air Force where he rose to the rank of a full-bird Colonel and retired after 30 years.

As if all that was not enough in itself, Charlie excelled in the academic arena by earning a Bachelors in Biology, a Masters in Business and, successfully completing all testing components necessary to become a CPA. The true nature of Charlie was best displayed by his enthusiasm for teaching others – both in school and in life. He taught for well over 40 years at St. Mary's High School, St. Mary's College, and St. Charles Community College. And, with his CPA, he worked with countless clients and friends over the decades.

For those who knew Charlie well, they would know he still had a boundless supply of energy to do and achieve even more. A simple hobby of jogging many miles a day culminated with him running a complete marathon. He excelled at racquetball, proving to be a formidable opponent on any court. Even the milder tending of a large garden, the planting of an orchard, and the grilling of dinner were done with verve and a smile.

It would be hard to accurately portray Charlie without noting his charisma of persistently smiling, being happy, and infecting everyone within earshot with his jovial laugh. His laugh was one that invited everyone to join in. Of course, what else can espouse happiness more than someone who was always heard whistling a tune?

Perhaps a small tidbit of Charlie's happy, if not mischievous nature, not known to many but remembered eternally by family was his proud singing "skill". Charlie was the proudest bad singer with an unforgettable talent. With vigor and a twinkle, he could quickly wake up anyone on a Sunday morning with his raucous rendition of the Marine Corp Hymn (aka, "From the Halls of Montezuuuu UU ma!") to get them up and to church on time.

In addition to regaling his family with his happiness and singing, Charlie loved to read. He devoured uncountable books. Reading was a close tie to his other great love and talent – napping. Charlie could nap with the best of them.

There is only one trait that surpassed Charlie's appetite for happiness. That was his ability to love and to care. He loved animals whether it was dogs, cats, or the occasional opossum or raccoon needing relocation from the house. There were so many dogs and cats with many of those not even being his own. They each found a home in Charlie's house because any pet of his daughters was a family member in his house. All were welcome.

Lastly, only an understatement can be made when describing the love, the support, and the pride he had in all his family. He embodied the essence of what others would wish for in their version of a father. He listened. He cared. He disciplined. He empathized. He respected. He supported. He loved unconditionally. He forgave.

Even now, Charlie teaches us. We can learn to "Be like Charlie". Let us be happy. Whistle a happy tune. Freely show love and care to our family and to others we do not yet know. Today and tomorrow, go be like Charlie and remember his happiness.

Memorial donations may be made to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org), 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306

The family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville.