Roll Call Tribute

Charles Maxwell "Charlie" Browder 

June 2, 1933 - February 21, 2024 

Charles Maxwell Browder, 90, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024.

Graveside Service: 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 22, 2024, at City Greenwood Cemetery, Weatherford, Texas. Family Visitation: Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, in Weatherford, Texas.

Born in Weatherford, Texas, on June 2, 1933, son of Vivian and Dr. John Maxwell Browder, Charles attended Weatherford High School and graduated from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas in 1954, with a degree in Industrial Education and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Ordinance Corp. He worked one year for General Dynamics Convair Division in Fort Worth as an engineering draftsman and drawing checker before going on active duty with the Army.

In June 1955, Charles married Zona Gale Berdine of Weatherford. They met at a street dance on the Parker County square and celebrated 68 years of marriage in 2023.

After they married, Charles and Zona moved to Aberdeen, Maryland, while he attended the Army Ordinance Officer Training School. Upon Charles' graduation, they moved to Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he was assigned to the 1st Armored Division, and became Detachment Commander for an ammunition unit. In 1957, Charles transferred to the Army Reserves and served until 1962, when he received an honorable discharge.

Charles and Zona returned to Weatherford in 1957, and Charles returned to General Dynamics where he provided engineering administrative support for the B-36, B-58, F-111, and F-16 aircraft programs until his retirement in 1993. In retirement, Charles kept busy with many projects and travels with Zona. They lived in Weatherford until 2014, when they moved to Fort Worth.

Charles was a quiet, thoughtful man who had a wonderful sense of humor. He was an avid gardener and woodworker, and always had several projects going. He loved his granddaughters dearly, and enjoyed following their activities and accomplishments. In recent years he kept his mind sharp by listening to audiobooks and regularly socializing with friends. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him, and his memory will live on in their hearts.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John Maxwell Browder and Vivian Pangle Browder, and his sister, Vivian Leah Gresham.

He is survived by his wife, Zona; his sons, Charles Dale and his wife, Dawn, Andrew Maxwell and his wife, Brenda; his daughter, Zoe Browder Doll and her husband, Chris; granddaughters, Anna Browder and Rosie Doll; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to your choice of organization.