Charles George Gartner

Charles George “Chuck” Gartner, age 82, of Lavaca, Arkansas, died on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at his home. He was born in Trenton, New Jersey on the cold, winter night of December 9, 1943, to the late Charles Gartner and Mary Magdelana (Hreha) Gartner. His father, Charles, first generation American of German descent, was serving in the U.S. Navy out of Jacksonville, Florida, and did not get to welcome his only son until the war was over.

Chuck grew up in Trenton, New Jersey, graduating from Notre Dame High School in 1961 and following his father’s footsteps, immediately joined the U.S. Navy on July 5, 1961. The Navy enabled him to travel around the world several times during his career. During the Vietnam war he made three cruises to the Gulf of Tonkin on the USS Long Beach CGN 9 and USS Rupertus DD-851. He was proud to be a Charter Member of the Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club. Chuck’s training in the Navy made him an expert in computer-controlled equipment including Naval Tactical Data Systems, as well as, computer-controlled missiles TARTAR, TERRIER, TALOS and Gun Fire Control Systems for the 5″ 54. Chuck, proud of his service to the United States, rose to the rack of Senior Chief Petty Officer during his long career.

Upon retiring from the U.S. Navy on May 31, 1980, Chuck began working for Lockheed Electronics Company out of New Jersey eventually relocating to Port Hueneme, California, as a Field Service Technician. During his employment he received his Bachelor of Science degree in business and a Master of Business Administration from the University of LaVerne in LaVerne, California. Promoted to Logistics Manager, Chuck was assigned to manage the critical parts warehouse in Oxnard, California, for Lockheed’s various projects, the warehouse closed and Chuck was laid off. In 1988, he married his second wife, Judith Mikles Coffey, also an employee with Lockheed. They (Judith was originally from Arkansas) decided to move to Arkansas close to his wife’s family. Even though they later divorced, Chuck felt Arkansas had become his home and stayed in Lavaca.

Pursuing a new career, Chuck was hired at Today’s Kids in Booneville and then at Magnetics, also in Booneville. Both plants eventually closed so he retired again. Always wanting to stay busy, he began volunteering at the Lavaca Senior Center helping coordinate trips to local state parks and cooking at outdoor events. During tax season he did taxes at the Lavaca Library and assisted people going onto Medicare. The Western Arkansas Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) began requiring his services full-time. Many people in Sebastian relied on Chuck and his knowledge of the Medicare system. In the capacity of tax expert, he was also a Site Coordinator for VITA and TCE IRS Tax program for many years helping low income and elderly taxpayers navigate intricate tax code.

Chuck was a member of First Baptist Church in Fort Smith. He was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Anita Sanders Gartner, by his parents, and by his oldest son, Robert Brian Gartner. He is survived by his son, Charles David Gartner of Orange Park, Florida; two sisters, Barbara Jean Zoratti of Trenton, New Jersey, and Carolyn Frances Collins (Brian) of Thompson Station, Tennessee; and beloved family members and friends.

The family will visit with friends Wednesday, May 20th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday May 21st at Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas, with full military honors provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an entity of the donor’s choice.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.