Charles Edwin Fleming

During his childhood, the family moved to Coffeyville, KS and later to Des Moines, IA in 1957. Charles graduated from Lincoln High School in 1966 and attended Grandview Junior College for one year. He later attended Drake University for two years before transferring to the University of Iowa, where he graduated in 1975 with a degree in Psychology.

Charles served his country with courage and humility, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. During his four years of honorable service, including service in Vietnam, he received two Purple Heart Medals and also served as a Presidential Guard for President Nixon. Through the demands of military life and beyond, he carried himself with steadfast resilience, a strong work ethic, and an honesty that earned trust and respect. Those who knew him will remember a man who gave generously of himself and was deeply cherished by the people fortunate enough to share in his life.

His adventurous spirit also found expression in his work. Charles acquired his Pilot's License after service in the military. Also a semi- truck driver with Swift Trucking, Charles was able to see the country. Charles found great joy in going to the movies and visiting restaurants he loved, including Big Boys in Michigan and Grumpy's in Florida. Charles was a great cook and should have been a chef. In his quiet time he enjoyed reading, movies and playing cards. Even in these everyday pleasures, his sense of curiosity and readiness for whatever came next remained present, grounded in a life defined by endurance, integrity, and generosity.

Charles is survived by his sister Deloris "Lori" Anne (Fleming) Johns and brother in law James Francis Johns; previous wife of nine years Susan Fleming and her partner Paul Manners and bonus children, Michelle Furtah (Jeff), Sarah Kouvastsos (Nicholas), Robert "Rob" Miller (Brie); grandchildren Kaitlyn, Madelyn, Jackson, Julia and Caden; nephew Jeremy Johns (Chelsea) and their son Logan; and nieces Allyson (Johns) Masinick and her husband Joseph and their children Elizabeth, Quinton, John, and Matthew.

A Celebration of LIfe will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm. Please join the family an hour prior for visitation at 1:00 pm at Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home, 3601 Old Jennings Rd., Middleburg, FL 32069.

Charles will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery later this year. Please leave your words of condolence on www.hollyhillfunerals.com.