Charles Vernon First

Charles Vernon First, age 91, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, July 1, 2023, while visiting family in Johnstown, Ohio. He was born on August 6, 1931, in Erlanger, Kentucky, son of the late Charles E. and Hilda (Williams) First. Charles enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after high school and served for 4 years during the Korean War and received an honorable discharge. He was a B-29 gunner in the 19th Bomb Group on Guam. He was shot down twice during his service and was lucky to make it home alive. He was awarded the American DEF Medal, Korean War Service Medal, United Nations MDL, Korean Presidential MDL, Air Combat MDL, Air Force Commendation MDL and Japanese Occupation. After leaving the service, Charles worked in sales and eventually owned a consulting company. Charles retired, moved to Florida and dedicated his life to service. He served the US Veterans and assisted in helping the Korean War become recognized as a legitimate war. He also served the Lord. He was a dedicated member of the New Life Community Church of the Nazarene in Orlando, Florida and was the Superintendent of Sunday Schools. Charles will be dearly missed and is survived by his stepson, William Myers; sons, Charles J. (Karen) First and Robert First; grandchildren, Bryan (Lisa) Weaver, John Weaver, Patricia Myers, Alicia First and Megan Myers; great grandchildren, Baylee Weaver, John Weaver and Aliyah Robinson; other relatives and many friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years Patricia (Smelser) First; stepdaughter, Sandy (Myers) Hemmer; sisters, Beverly (First) Coulter and Joan (First) Brockmeier and wife of 5 years Gloria (Morgan) First. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30am Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the New Life Community Church of the Nazarene, 6512 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32810 where friends may call starting at 10:00am. Pastor Ed Young officiating. Inurnment to be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Bushnell National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, consider gifts to the following: Korean War Veterans Association https://kwva.us/?page=mem_donate or VFW Post 2093, 4444 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32810 or New Life Community Church of the Nazarene, PO Box 607370, Orlando, FL 32860, in Charles memory. Please visit www.dayfuneralservice.com to share a memory or send condolences to Charles's family. Day Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Charles First.

Charles Vernon First

August 6, 1931 - July 1, 2023