Charles Thomas Lovern died peacefully on Sunday, September 7 with family by his side at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation Center, where he was a resident for the past 6 years. He enjoyed talking with staff there, and especially loved winning at Bingo.
He was born August 12, 1930 in Oaklyn NJ and spent much of his younger years living and working in southern New Jersey, moving to Henderson County NC in 1986. He met his bride Bessie “Butzy” Graham and was married to her for 70 years before she passed in 2022.
He is survived by his three sons, Tom (Nina), John (Rachel) and David all in Hendersonville, five grandchildren Joshua (Deborah) in Oregon, Jared in Hendersonville, Lauren (Jack) in South Carolina, Sean, Nathan (Lexy) in Hendersonville, and 4 great grandchildren – Jakob, Kaylee, Evan and Audrey. He is also survived by his brother Carl in Oaklyn NJ and several nephews and nieces.
Charles was member of the US Navy/Naval Air Reserves from 1947 until 1958. He could identify most planes that were flying in the air and would love to talk about airplanes with his friends and family.
He held several jobs during his life such as a railroader, police officer, local and long distance charter bus driver, but his favorite was as a merchant mariner transporting petroleum products by way of barge and tugboat to a variety of ports along the eastern seaboard. He became Captain and worked several years on inland and coastal waterways before he was medically retired in the 1980’s.
Charles enjoyed outdoor recreation with his family such as camping, water sports, picnics, and hiking in Pisgah Forest, and he was a great handyman – passing on his skills and knowledge of tools to his sons. He will always be remembered by those he has left behind.
Condolences may be sent to the Lovern family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.