Charles William Kimberl

December 19, 2016

Charles William Kimberl, 93, native and resident of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016. Charles was born on August 8, 1923, in Pensacola, Florida to James and Annie Lou Kimberl. He graduated from Pensacola High School when it was still located on Palafox Street across from Lee’s Square. He came from a family of bakers and grocery owners.

Soon after WWII began, Charles joined the US Navy, completed aviation mechanic’s school, and was sent to a number of south Pacific islands as a flight engineer on PBY Catalina and TBM Avenger. He became crew chief and left the Navy, after the war ended, at the rank of Petty Officer First Class. He then met the love of his life, Mable Milsted, on a blind date. They married on Oct. 12, 1947, and Charles converted to Roman Catholicism. Charles and Mable were founding members of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. They celebrated 67 years together until Mable’s passing in January, 2015.

In his efforts to provide a better life for his family, he joined the Pensacola City Fire Department. He also became a certified building contractor and established a successful vending machine business. Charles retired from the fire department as the Assisted Chief. He built the family home his children were raised in and cherished the many hours he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every summer, Charles and Mable vacationed with their children around the country. In his 93 years he traveled extensively visiting virtually every area of the United States, the Holy Land and four continents.

Charles was very involved with his church as a Eucharistic Minister and parish volunteer. He was an active member of many organizations including the Krewe of Laffite (crowned king), Knights of Columbus (president and fourth degree), Serra Club, and the Civil Airs. He also volunteered with the Boy Scouts, and went to various organizations and clubs to teach CPR and fire safety. Whether through work, with his family, or in the community he was continually teaching others the many skills he had learned throughout his life. He was always looking for ways to give back.

Charles is preceded in death by his wife, Mable Kimberl; brothers, J B Kimberl (Tish), and Jimmy Johansen (Mary); brother-in-law, Dudley Milsted and sister-in-law, Delores Kane (Jimmy).

He is survived by his children, Steve (Cindy) Kimberl, Katherine (John, dec) Parish, Sandy (Donald) Brewer, Joe (Karin) Kimberl, Julie (Bryan) Webb, Mark (Mary) Kimberl, and Chris (Jeanne) Kimberl; his 17 grandchildren; and his 15 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Bill Milsted (Peggy), Reverend Fr. Gordon, David Milsted (Beverly); sisters-in-law, Ellen Contarino (Len) and Joan Milsted.

The family would like to express a special “thank you” to the staff of Summer Vista Assisted Living Facility for their love and care during his residency and to Covenant Care Hospice for their care during his illness.

Donations may be made to Covenant Care in Charles memory.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at Faith Chapel on Beverly Parkway.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2016, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Hyde Park Rd with Reverend Fr. Gordon Milsted as Celebrant and Reverend Fr. Doug Halsema, con-celebrant.

Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery on 12th Avenue.

A reception at St. Paul’s Church will follow the interment.

Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with arrangements.

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Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries