OBITUARY: Charles ‘Chuck Gudgel, 81, Passed Away November 20 Surrounded By Family

spent 32 years as a heavy equipment operator and machinist, loading ships at Port Canaveral

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Charles “Chuck” Gudgel, born August 6, 1944, passed away on November 20, 2025, in his home, surrounded by his closest family.

Chuck grew up in Lyons, Kansas, before joining the United States Air Force, where he proudly served for three years. After his service, he moved to Titusville, Florida, and spent 32 years working as a heavy equipment operator and machinist, loading ships at the port.

Chuck was also widely known in Brevard County for his musical talent. He was a longtime member of the Elkerly Brothers, a band that played across the state, and more recently performed with the 2’s and 3’s Company.

He was a dedicated member of the Elks Lodge for 36 years, serving as an organist for 33 of those years.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marilyn, and their three children:

• Gina McConnell, her husband, Scott, and their children Corbin, Riley, and Sloane
• Shana Gudgel, her husband, Mark, along with her beloved dogs, Matrix, Solo and Cheeba
• Butch (Shawn) Gudgel, his wife, Brenda, and their daughters, Brianna and Braelyn

He also leaves behind many brothers- and sisters-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Chuck was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He was a remarkable man whose kindness, generosity, wisdom, and love left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Chuck often told his children, “I can fix anything but the crack of dawn and a broken heart.” His family will miss him deeply.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 24th, at 5 p.m. at the Titusville Elks Lodge. The family requests no flowers—only prayers and happiness shared with the world, along with any great memory or story of Chuck.

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