Charles E. Warner Sr., 96, of Fort Smith, passed away June 14, 2014 with his family by his side. Charlie was born November 11, 1917 to the late Harry P. and Sydney Yantis Warner. He had one sister, Lucy Warner Waddy, who also preceded him in death.
Charlie was married to the former Elizabeth Porter for 63 years before her death in 2006. They are survived by four children; Bill P. Warner, Charles Warner, Jr., Robert Drew Warner and Lucy Yantis Warner, all of Fort Smith; six grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Besides being an avid quail and duck hunter, at a young age, Charlie had a passion for flying. He earned his private pilot's license, both commercial and multi-engine ratings, and his instructor's license. He worked with Buell Phillips and other instructors in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, which taught young men to fly before they entered the Navy and Army Air Corps.
Charlie joined the Navy in 1942, serving as a flight instructor. He requested carrier duty, but was denied by the Navy who said his talents as a flight instructor were more in demand at that time. At the end of the war, Charlie was stationed in Dallas where he flight tested the new aircraft, produced at the North American Aviation plant, before they went into service with the Navy.
After being discharged from the Navy, Charlie had a job offer from American Airlines. He declined the offer in order to be home with Betty and his growing family. He instead, went to work for Arkansas Valley Trust Company for 40 plus years. He was regarded, by his partners, as a savvy businessman and had several successful investments. Charlie was a wonderful husband, father and friend to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, 116 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901 or Sebastian County Humane Society, P.O. Box 10953, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72917 or Good Samaritan Clinic, Attn: Gift Records, 615 North B Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.

Published June 17, 2014