Charles S. Preyer Jr., 86, of Wiscasset, passed away June 23 at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Born on Nov. 16, 1924, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of Charles Sr. and Dora (Bellmer) Preyer.
Growing up, Charles loved the Brooklyn Dodgers and spent many happy hours at Ebbets Field. He was a catcher for his baseball team in high school, and was also an excellent pool player, winning his own cue in a tournament. He enjoyed playing cards, and was an avid Pinochle player. He graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School in 1942, and in the spring of 1943 he entered the U.S. Army.
He served with the 63rd Division in the European Theater of Operations for 16 months. He performed duties of front line rifleman in combat. For his efforts, he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the ETO Ribbon with two Battle Stars. He also received the EAME Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the American Campaign Medal.
He worked in the insurance business as a Marine Underwriter. The insurance business took him to many places, and he greatly enjoyed the traveling. Upon his retirement in 2000, he and his wife, Emilie (Angell) Preyer, moved to Wiscasset. He enjoyed the activities at the Senior Center, and especially looked forward to cribbage on Thursday nights.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Emilie S. Preyer, this past January; daughter, Beverly Ann Preyer; and brother, Robert S. Preyer.
He is survived by his daughter, Carolyne Ambrose and husband Richard of Nashville, Ind.; grandson, Chris Irish and wife Susie; and great-granddaughter, Cami May Irish.
At his request, there will be a private service for the family at the Arlington National Cemetery, where both he and Emilie will be laid to rest.
If desired, donations in his memory may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 27 Atlantic Highway, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
