Charles Conrad Beckner, 88, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2009 in Albuquerque, N.M.

Born Dec. 13, 1920 in Princeton, he was the son of Lee and Mary Jane (Cochran) Beckner.

After two years in the National guard, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in the Philippines prior to the start of World War II where he served as a medical corpsmen. He received many military honors and medals in the course of his combined 32 years of military service, including the Silver Star which was awarded for his role in the evacuation of General MacArthur by PT boat from Corregidor just before the Philippines fell to the Japanese. At the time of his retirement, Charles was the most senior ranking chief warrant officer in the U.S. Navy.

Survivors include children, Barbara (Dr. John) Floyd, Martin (Linda) Beckner, Charles, Jr. (Nancy) Beckner; and eight grandchildren: John Matthew (Rachael) Floyd, Dr. Karen Floyd (Brian Longenbaugh), Anne (RC) Hard, Brent and Brian Beckner, Kirsten, Gretchen and Erika Beckner; sister-in-law, Naomi Beckner Wilson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John, Virgil, James; sisters, Hattie, Mary Moade and his wife Mary Carolyn (Martin) Beckner.

Graveside services will be April 29, 2009 at Arlington National Cemetery. Donations may be made in his name to the U. S.Navy Memorial Fund, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. No. 123, Washington,D.C., 20004-2608 in C/O Nan McComber, (1-202-380-0730).