Keyser, WV - Charles Leroy Brown Sr., age 85, of Knobley Road, Keyser, W.Va., passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at the Hampshire Center in Romney.

Born on Sept. 23, 1940, in Laureldale, W.Va., Charles was the son of the late Gilbert Branson and Margaret Emma (Shephard) Brown.

Charles was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lovell Noralene (Manks) Brown, who passed on May 7, 2020; a grandson, Nicholas Ryan Brown; and his sister, Kathleen Tasker.

Charles is survived by his son, Charles Leroy Brown Jr. and his wife Pamela of Augusta, W.Va. He was a cherished grandfather to his granddaughters, Sarah Haines and her husband Trevor, and Brittany Brown. He also took immense joy in his great-grandsons, Liam and Jackson Haines. He is also survived by his two brothers, Gilbert Brown of Keyser and Roger Brown of Oakland, Md.

Charles was a proud veteran, having served in the United States Navy from 1958-1961. Following his service, he embarked on a long and fulfilling career as a coal miner with the Mettiki Coal Company. Charles was a hard worker, dedicated to providing for his family.

Charles was an avid fan of Western TV shows and movies, often enjoying a good book in the same genre. His love for sports was evident in his enthusiasm for boxing and Nascar racing. However, it was his hobbies of fishing, gardening, woodworking and remodeling his own home that truly brought him peace and contentedness. Charles had a great, dry sense of humor that will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

Friends will be received at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m.

A funeral service will be conducted immediately following the visitation at 3 p.m., with Pastor Josh Miller officiating.

Interment will be in the Idleman Cemetery, Scherr, W.Va.

Condolences may be left at smithfuneralhomes.net.