Charles Eugene Konsler-Local businessman, WWII Pilot, family man, and friend to many are just a few words to describe Charles Konsler. He had a long life beginning in Kentucky and ending in Clermont with lots of amazing and special moments in between.
Charles was born on March 26, 1923 on the family farm in Utica, KY to Ray and Ola Konsler. He was the 4th of 6 children being raised during the Great Depression though he never felt it affected them the way it did for many as they always had plenty of food to eat as they grew just about everything they needed as did most of his friends. He attended all 12 years of school in the same building sometimes having the same teacher for multiple grade levels. He graduated from Utica High School in June of 1941 in the large class of 8 males and 8 females, many who he kept in contact through the years.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the beginning of World War II, Charles enlisted at a Philadelphia Recruitment Center as he was living there with his older brother at the time. Due to the shortage of pilots they were testing anyone who wanted to fly and waiving the 2 years of college required for pilots. Charles tested well and started his journey to becoming a pilot with the Army Air Corps. He finished his training and headed to England to begin his tour of duty in August 1944 flying P-51’s out of Debden Air Base, home of the 4th Fighter Group.
Sixty-Five missions over the French and German countryside and he was ready to head home. Waiting for transport home he volunteered to fly Mustangs to Sweden and help with training their pilots on how to operate the Mustangs. On his way there he encountered the only dogfight of his career and was able to survive to fly another day. While in Sweden he was privileged to meet the King of Sweden and this meeting was shared with all of Sweden the next day with front page coverage and a picture in the newspapers. After returning to England from this mission he was enjoying a movie in a London movie theater when it was announced the war was over. Being a part of the merriment of VE Day and taking pictures of this including one of Winston Churchill leaving the American Embassy was the perfect ending to his England Tour as he boarded another plane to head back to the United States.
After returning home to Kentucky and seeing family he headed south to Clermont where his oldest brother Ellis had settled. They started a welding and repair business with Fred Wolfe in a two car garage at the corner of Montrose and West Avenue. A few years later they moved their company to the future location of Clermont Builders Supply. Together they built many things including the Citrus Tower, a local Florida landmark.
In 1949 Don Smith, friend and future mayor of Clermont, set up Dad on a blind date where he met Elizabeth (Betty) Howes. A year later on April 16, 1950 they were wed in the First United Methodist Church of Clermont where her father, Carson T Howes, was pastor. In 1951 while Betty was pregnant, Charles was called back into duty as the Korean Conflict had begun. He started at MacDill where son Chuck was born and soon after was assigned to Rapid City Air Base where he flew B-36’s on mapping flights over Europe. He would fly from Rapid City to London and from there they would complete their assignments. The family lived there for a few years till they moved back to Clermont and continued to grow the company and the family. Karen was born in 1955, Nancy in 1959 and Judy in 1964.
In 1960 Konsler Steel Company was built at the corner of Hwy 50 and 12th Street. Charles had remained in the Air Force Reserves so many family trips were near where he would do his yearly training. He also helped start the 4th Fighter Group Association so reunions for this organization became a big part of family trips also. Charles enjoyed traveling and even got back to Sweden to visit the places he had been to in 1945. He was able to shake the current King of Sweden’s hand at this time also. Two kings in one lifetime!
A few years after the passing of his wife, Betty he married Louise Chalmers. They were married till her passing in 2011. Through the years he traveled, worked on local community projects and enjoyed being with friends and family. One of his favorite places to volunteer was the Clermont Historic Village as he was able to tell his stories about flying in WWII. He even had his own special display to talk about in the WWII Quonset hut on the property since WWII.
Charles was also a founding member of the local VFW chapter, a 70 year member of the Masons, a life-time Elks Club member, a member of Kiwanis, and a member of the First United Methodist Church.
He loved Clermont and was always amazed of all the changes that have occurred since 1945. He often said that the best decision he made was moving to Clermont because it brought him everything he ever wanted and loved.
Charles is survived by his son, Chuck and wife Andrea, daughter Nancy and her husband, Darrell Zoller, daughter Judy and her husband, Wally Combs. Three grandsons-Jonathon Richichi, Shawn Richichi and Maxwell Combs(Claire). Five granddaughters-Dana Mott(Romy Green), Ashley Shope(Chris), Lyndsey Zoller, Katie Stark and Madison Adkins(Austin). Great grandchildren-Allistair and Charlotte Shope and Ayden and Zachary Richichi. He is also survived by sister, Joyce Shown in Athens, Alabama, many nieces and nephews, son-in-law, Steve Mott(Pam) and close friend, Winnie Carter.
He is predeceased by wives, Betty Howes Konsler and Louise Chalmers Konsler. Also, by daughter Karen Konsler Mott.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to either the Orlando Health Foundation (South Lake Hospital) or to the Clermont Historical Society for the preservation of the Historic Village.
To watch the livestream of the service for Mr. Konsler please go to the following link: fumc-clermont.org and click on the Watch Live tab.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, VISIT BECKERS FUNERAL HOME BY CLICKING ON WEBSITE BECKERS
