Charles Alfred Kovacs

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Charles A. Kovacs, LtCol USAF (Ret), completed his final tour of duty. Throughout his 95 years of life, he faithfully served his country, his family, and his God. Charlie was born and grew up in South St. Paul, MN, the older son of Hungarian immigrants.Two weeks after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps, planning to complete a two year tour and then use the GI bill to attend college. However, while at basic training, his superiors recognized something special in Charlie, and he was selected for Officer Candidate School, thus changing his career trajectory and leading to a 30 year career in the Air Corps, and then the US Air Force when it was formed. He was just 18 years old when he graduated OCS and became a 2nd Lieutenant. He saw duty in the Korean War as back-seater in F94s, and in the Viet Nam war as navigator in C-130s. Other duty stations included Japan, Biloxi MS, Cape Cod MA, Ottawa ON as an exchange officer with the RCAF, Little Rock AR, and ultimately Hampton VA, where he and his family remained after his retirement from the Air Force. One other duty assignment that changed his life was his assignment to Warner Robbins AFB in Georgia. There he met, fell in love with, and married Anne Bush, from nearby Byron GA. They would be married 59 years, until her death in 2010. Anne, Charlie, and their four children would enjoy the rich variety of places and experiences that their military lifestyle offered them. Charlie loved golf, having started playing in his mid-teens and continuing to play into his early 90’s. He took pleasure in seeing his sons enjoy his favorite sport as well. He also enjoyed serving the Air Force community after his retirement by volunteering at the Langley base pharmacy and dental clinic. He was proud to be able to live independently well into his later years, remaining in his own home until his passing, and continuing to drive until just several months before he died. Throughout his life, he enjoyed the love and care of his family members who survive him, including son Chuck Kovacs (Betty) of Hershey, PA; their children Erin Kovacs (Jesse Studer) of Hummelstown PA and their children Maeva and Fiona, Daniel Kovacs (Becky) of Denver CO, and Kelly Kovacs of Boston MA; his daughter Karen Blakey (David) of Norfolk VA, and their children Annie Blakey of Norfolk and Emilyn Sey (Kofi) of Richmond VA; his son David Kovacs of Hampton; and his youngest son Bob Kovacs (Karen) of Gloucester VA. In his longevity, his determined independence, his excellent quality of life while aging, his sharp mental agility, and his great good humor, Charlie was an inspiration to all of us who were honored to know him. He was a devoted member of Community Presbyterian Church of Hampton, where a celebration of life ceremony is planned August 16 at 1 pm. His remains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Community Presbyterian Church of Hampton.