Lt. Col. Charles E. Weller U.S. Air Force, Retired

Lieutenant Colonel Charles E. Weller, U.S. Air Force, Retired died February 28, 2013 at the age of 96. His life was a reflection of the two most important things in his life, his family and his country. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Francis, his daughter Carol Schmidt and his sons Charles, Steven and James (Sawyer). Five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren continue his legacy.

Lt. Col. Weller was born in Beaumont, Texas on 14 November 1916. He was the last surviving child of George and Pansy Weller of Beaumont where he spent his childhood with his sister Alyce Maettill, and his brothers George, Fanner and John. He is the last of his generation leaving behind many nieces and nephews.

Two prominent events in his life were the meeting of Frances in 1940 and the advent of WWII shortly afterwards. He entered military service as an aviation cadet on 15 March 1941. Lt Weller received his commission upon completion of training on 13 June 1942 and initially served as a Navigator Bombardier in the South Pacific. He saw extended and intense action in the New Hebrides, Guadalcanal and New Georgia Campaigns where he was highly decorated for "extraordinary achievement".

After the war he married the love of his life, Frances in 1945. That began the 68 year partnership that leaves behind a strong legacy of his dedication the family. He was an avid outdoorsman and shared his love of hunting and fishing with his family. He also participated in sports throughout his life and was still cheering his favorite teams on past his 96 birthday.

During his tour of active duty he served in England, Germany, Hawaii and numerous posts in the U.S. His service career after WWII included being in the first post-war nuclear bomb carrying flight crews, participating in the Berlin Air Lift and the Korean War. His later career was as a controller for the Air Force and after retiring 31 October 1963, (22 years, 1 month and 2 days of active service) he had a second career as a finance comptroller for civil service.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 from 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at Colonial Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 10:45 A.M. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors.

During his military service Lt. Colonel Weller received the following decorations and awards:

Distinguished Flying Cross

Air Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster

Presidential Unit Citation

American Campaign Medal

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w 4 Bronze Service Stars

World War II Victory Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

Armed Forces Reserve Medal