Dr. Maj. Charles Vernon DePriest Sr.

In Loving Memory of Dr. Maj. Charles Vernon DePriest Sr. “A life is not measured by the years we are given, but by the love we leave behind.” Today, we celebrate the life of a devoted father, husband, veteran, mentor, and friend whose impact will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Born in Bedford, Massachusetts, he carried with him throughout his life a deep appreciation for service, excellence, and the simple beauty found in everyday moments. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and remained deeply honored by that service throughout his life. He lived with a strong sense of duty, integrity, and commitment to helping others whenever he could. He was a man of many passions. He loved beautiful cars, especially his Corvettes and was grateful to have achieved his dream of owning his true dream car later in life. He appreciated craftsmanship, flowers, nature, meaningful conversations, and life’s small but beautiful moments that often go unnoticed. Above all else, he loved being a father. He was the proud father of two children and cherished the role he played in their lives. Though life brought its share of hardships and complicated seasons, his love for his family remained deeply rooted. Those who knew him understood that he valued honesty, loyalty, and unconditional love. He believed in helping others and often gave far more of himself than many realized. He touched countless lives through his kindness, generosity, and willingness to lend a helping hand. In his final years, he found peace in the things that mattered most: love, family, beauty, and the comfort of being cared for by those closest to him. He knew he was loved, and he expressed profound gratitude for the care, companionship, and advocacy he received during the most difficult chapter of his life. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, service, and devotion, a reminder that even imperfect lives can be extraordinarily meaningful. He taught us that strength can be found in vulnerability, that forgiveness matters, and that love is often shown not through grand gestures but through simply showing up for one another. As we honor his life today, we invite you to remember him not for the hardships he endured, but for the man he was: intelligent, funny, passionate, patriotic, generous, and deeply human. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, where his service to his country will be formally recognized: a fitting tribute to a man who served with pride and carried that honor throughout his life. Please take a moment today to share a story, admire a flower, appreciate something beautiful, help someone in need, or simply tell someone you love them. These are the things that brought him joy and reflect the life he lived. His legacy lives on in the kindness we show others, the beauty we choose to notice each day, and the love we continue to give. He is survived by Kyong DePriest, his daughter Theresa DePriest, his son Charles DePriest Jr., and his grandson Charles DePriest III. He is also survived by his extended family including his two brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews. Forever loved. Forever remembered. Never forgotten. “May the Force be with you.”