FARMINGDALE — Charles L. Kyes, 90, of Farmingdale, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 10, at his home with loved ones at his side.

Charles was born Sept. 9, 1921, in Jay, the son of Leon A. and Eva (Macomber) Kyes. He graduated from Jay High School in 1939, and Bliss Business College in 1942, at which time he enlisted in the Army (Army Air Corps) and served during World War II at the Syracuse Army Air Force Base. He remained active in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, until his retirement from the Air Force in 1966.

On June 30, 1944, he married Mary A. Goding of Auburn. Charles was employed for 30 years as a disability claims examiner by the VA Center at Togus. Following his retirement in 1980, Charles began his “second” career in volunteer service with the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), serving as state president from 1985 to 1991, and with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) tax-aid program through 2010.

Charles was a respected member of numerous organizations and societies and served his local community and state in multiple capacities with a deep sense of patriotic duty for more than 60 years.

Travel was one Charles’ passions and he and his wife visited England and Scotland, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and all of the other Canadian provinces and the lower 48 states as well as Alaska. This was a love that he passed on to his children. Another passion was his love of sports. As a star high school and college athlete, he continued his support of sports throughout his life attending the Maine state basketball tournaments for more than 50 years, often with his longtime friend Kenneth Mank.

He is survived by his son, Dr. Randall Kyes and his wife, Pensri, of Seattle; his daughter, Kendra Kyes of Farmingdale; two wonderful grandchildren, Colby and Rachel; a sister in-law, Madeline Beaucage of Portsmouth, R.I.; a brother-in-law, Elmer Goding and his wife, Jean, of Auburn; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and many special friends.

Charles was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife of 64 years; and a brother, Arthur.

The family would especially like to thank Dr. Sabrina Luke at the Family Medicine Institute in Augusta and Lainny Beaudoin of HealthReach HomeCare Hospice who provided compassionate and loving care for Charles during his final days with us.

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