Charles E. Browder Jr.

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.

A note from a grandchild

My grandfather, Charles Browder, the original Renaissance man, left the building this morning at the ripe age of 95. Born in Columbus, Ohio in March 1930, Grandpa lived a life that defied categorization-and loved every minute of it. Here are some fun stories and facts about him:

His father died at a young age, so he mostly grew up on his uncle's farm. Apparently, he was related to Earl Browder, the Communist Party leader in the US, so he had frequent visits from the government while living on the farm.

In 1947, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Navy, where he served as a corpsman during the Korean War serving aboard the USS Massey. He retired from the Navy in 1969, had some odd jobs, and then went on to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Roanoke, VA and Martinsburg, WV.

He claimed he was in the very first "Seal" class ever and passed-though he would have been 32 when the Seals had their first training, and he couldn't swim.

When he was stationed in Bermuda, he claims he was neighbors with Ernest Borgnine; however, Borgnine was discharged from the Navy in 1945, and Grandpa didn't enlist until 1947.

He said he worked with baseball player Jimmy Piersall while Jimmy managed a hotel in Roanoke, VA; my grandfather managed the books. He said Jimmy was crazy-I told Grandpa you can't say that, it's called mental illness.

He was a foodie before it was cool. If you named a city, most likely he had been there and could name a restaurant you should try.

He was an actor-probably nothing you've ever seen, but he was in a Disney commercial once.

He always claimed to only vote for himself for President because he was the only one qualified.

He was an extremely talented dancer; he would perform at nightclubs as a child and earn money. Later, while in the Navy and stationed in Bermuda, he and my grandmother would dance in competitions to earn extra cash. He specialized in the Shag and Jitterbug.

He tolerated holidays, especially Christmas, and wore a "Bah Humbug" shirt every Christmas.

He was a fervent fan of THE Ohio State football team, as well as the Cleveland Browns.

Despite always threatening to "Slit your throat!", he worshipped my grandmother and missed her dearly. I'm sure he missed the time she ripped his arm hair off because of a scary movie or the time she set his pants on fire.

Thanks for all the memories and laughter, Grandpa. We are definitely going to miss you. Bet you're already cutting a rug with Grandma!