Charles Perry Aylor

Charles Perry Aylor died peacefully at his home on November 14, 2024, in Florence, Kentucky. He was 97. Born on March 4, 1927, Charles grew up on his family’s dairy farm and graduated from Florence High School in 1945, where he excelled in mathematics.

At the start of the Korean War, Charles joined the United States Air Force, served four years, and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following his military service, Charles went to college on the GI Bill and received his B.A. in Philosophy from Wittenberg University in 1957, his M.Div. from Hamma Divinity School in 1958, and a doctorate from Vanderbilt Divinity School in 1962. He served as pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Nashville, Tennessee before coming to Hebron Lutheran Church in 1963.

In describing Charles’ life as a minister and member of the community, one of his nieces put it well when describing him as “forward thinking but deeply rooted in tradition.” His vision of the church’s mission was to serve the community as a place of inclusivity “where a whole city or town could feel welcomed, belonged, and benefit.”

Shortly after he arrived at Hebron Lutheran Church, he and its members began the work of building a larger and more modern church than the one originally constructed in 1854. The fundraising, planning, and construction of the new church was an all-consuming task and Charles made many lifelong friends in the process, including Fred Nevel and others who devoted countless hours to the project.

His commitment to the broader community was reflected in his work as a volunteer on various boards and community activities, including the Boone County Community Education Program, Florence Police Department Chaplain, the Boy Scouts, various softball leagues, Board of Directors of Wittenberg University, and the Conner Band Boosters, where he served as treasurer and occasional truck or bus driver.

Charles was often sought out to perform wedding services, even among those who were not members of his church, and it was something he enjoyed. After retirement, he continued to perform weddings until he was 96 years old.

Throughout his life, Charles was devoted to family, and this was the source of both his purpose and his joy. He was an avid reader with a natural curiosity and encouraged his children to read and to learn about music and art. Perhaps Charles’s greatest joy has come from being a grandfather and the times he has enjoyed with his grandchildren – going to their ball games or recitals, going to Reds games or some new restaurant, and travels to South Carolina and Florida.

Charles will be dearly missed by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Breece Aylor; their four children Josh Aylor, Kathy Lindsey, Kris Aylor, and Susie Aylor; their eight grandchildren Kellen, Meredith, Allison, Emily, Alexandra, Jeremy, Molly, and Jack; and their six great-grandchildren Mady, Charlotte, Jaxon, Klair, Penelope, and Clover as well as his brother Clyde Aylor. In addition to his parents, Charles is predeceased by his sisters, Louise Aylor and Carolyn Conrad, and his younger brother, Wendell Aylor.

The service to honor his life will be held on November 18, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 2718 Dixie Highway, Crestview Hills, Kentucky. The family will receive guests at a reception following the service.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Food Pantry, 7  Court Place, Newport, Kentucky 41071