Charles Andrew Garbers

Charles Andrew Garbers “Chuck” (88) passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. He was the beloved husband of the late Virginia Ann Garbers and father of Lynn Crawley and Daniel Garbers. He is also survived by five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many adoring nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family members and friends. Charles was born at the old Alexandria Hospital in Old Town Alexandria. He was the youngest child of the three sons his parents raised. Charles spent a good part of his childhood living in the house his father built in Arlington, Virginia. He and his mother, father and brothers were all very musical and played a variety of instruments. Charles enjoyed playing honky tonk piano the most and was often at the piano during parties and gatherings. Charles loved and participated in sports for most of his life. He played basketball, football and ran track, and was an excellent high jumper. He was also a great horseshoe player. During his later youth, he and his family moved to Hoadly Road in Manassas. “Charlie”, as he was known in high school, graduated from Gar Field High School in 1956. At Gar-Field he belonged to the Varsity Club for four years and played on the Gar-Field football team. He kept in touch with his high school classmates up until his death and always loved spending time with them. He looked forward to the yearly picnic and monthly luncheons with his high school group. Following in his father’s (Army), and brothers’ (Army & Navy) footsteps, Charles joined the military upon graduation from high school. He had a long and successful career in the Air Force with the Air Intelligence Group. He spent time overseas including Germany, Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. He was bestowed with many medals and awards, and earned his airborne wings. He was also stationed at the Pentagon, and at Fort Belvoir where he played intramural basketball. Chuck married his love, Ginny, in 1963, and together they had two children; Lynn and Danny. In the late 1960’s, Chuck and Ginny moved to their Alexandria house where they raised their children and lived until their dying days. As a couple, they loved having friends over for lively card games that went late into the night, and for picnics and horseshoes in the backyard. Chuck also loved spending time with his siblings and cousins and looked forward to family reunions. After a successful Air Force career of 22 years, Chuck started his second career as a Union Representative and Business Agent with Local 400 Retail Clerks Union. Chuck always had a great time with his colleagues at the conventions. They were a tight group. He also enjoyed driving around his business district “the valley” in his beautiful state of Virginia. He was well liked and would often bring home delicious homemade jams or peaches that people gifted to him. He was a peacekeeper and very good at his job. Charles was a good natured, hard working, dedicated man. He was sharp as a tack up until the very end, very generous, and would do anything for anybody. He never spoke badly of people and never complained, even throughout his ailments. He had the biggest loudest belly laugh and loved to tell jokes and play funny pranks on his kids and co-workers. He had the best and funniest stories that always entertained people including his doctors and nurses. He didn’t have an enemy in the whole world. He loved his country and never missed voting in any election. His favorite holiday was the Fourth of July. Chuck was a social person and enjoyed being around others. He was a Moose member and really enjoyed socializing at the Moose Lodge, attending the Wednesday night dinner, and participating in the Queen of Hearts game. Chuck had many hobbies including but not limited to: gardening, fishing & crabbing, wood working, playing instruments, drawing, jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles. He loved watching old movies and enjoyed reading the Sunday paper including the comics. There will never be another one like him and he will be dearly missed. A memorial service will be held at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Dr. Alexandria, VA 22315, on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Visitation will be from 12:00-1:00pm, followed by a Funeral Service at the on-site chapel at 1pm. There will be a luncheon and Celebration of Life gathering at the Franconia Moose on Beulah Street immediately following the Funeral Service. Charles will be buried with military honors at a later date this year at Arlington Cemetery.

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Charles Andrew Garbers

December 10, 1937 - April 21, 2026