Ret. U.S. Navy Cmrd. Charles E. Dahlgren, 78, passed away Friday morning, November 24, 2017 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Commander Dahlgren was born November 25, 1938 in St. Helens, Ore. and moved to Fernandina Beach over 30 years ago from Maryland. He was a member and elder at First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach and served on the session as a member of the property committee.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and his master’s degree from the U.S. Navy War College. He attended college on a Navy scholarship. He was among the first staff at Kings Bay Submarine Base, serving at the time as the executive officer aboard the USS Simon Lake. During his naval career, he also served in the submarine service as a weapons officer. Commander Dahlgren retired from the Navy with 23 years of service.
He enjoyed fishing, reading and growing roses, and was a devoted husband and father.
He was predeceased by his parents, Elmer O. and Hilda Muhr Dahlgren, and by his three sisters.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 54 years, Barbara Lofton Dahlgren of Fernandina Beach; a son, Jeff Charles Dahlgren, who resides in Maryland; and two daughters, Kris Dahlgren of Greenville, S.C. and Kirstin Dahlgren of Green Cove Springs, Fla.
A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Jacksonville National Cemetery with Rev. Jackie Hayes officiating. The U.S. Navy will provide full military honors. Those attending should assemble in lane 2 at the cemetery before 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care.
To sign Commander Dahlgren's online register book, please visit the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.
Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery