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FEDERALSBURG – Charles Kemp “Chuck” Planner, a lifelong educator, public servant, and community fixture in Federalsburg, died on November 30, 2025, at 81 years old at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. Over the course of his life, Planner served as an educator, philanthropist, and community leader, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the town he called home.
Born in Easton on February 18, 1944, Planner was raised in Preston and came of age during a transitional period in the Caroline County school system. He attended Preston High School before graduating in 1962 as part of the first senior class of Colonel Richardson High School – an experience he remained proud of. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Frostburg State College in 1966, where he was involved in athletics and student leadership. Planner married Judith “Judy” Planner in 1968, and the two spent 54 years together before her death in 2023. He is survived by his son, Charles “CT” Planner and family, along with extended relatives.
Planner spent 30 years in education, beginning at Federalsburg Elementary School before moving to Colonel Richardson High School, where he taught physical education and driver’s education for nearly three decades. He also served as Athletic Director and coached multiple sports, including football, baseball, soccer, and girls' softball. Perhaps more importantly, he was a mentor to generations of Caroline County students.
His passion for community education extended beyond the regular classroom. Planner taught Red Cross swimming lessons at Williston Lake and later at his home pool, worked with migrant swimming education programs during the summer at Preston Elementary School, and spent 30 years teaching and testing EMT courses across the Eastern Shore through the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. An avid outdoorsman himself, Planner also dedicated nearly 48 years to teaching hunters’ safety courses and was inducted into the Maryland Hunter Education Program Hall of Fame in 2016.
Planner devoted 63 years to local volunteer fire companies, beginning in Preston and later becoming a life member of the Federalsburg Volunteer Fire Company. He served in nearly every role imaginable over the years, including Fire Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, Firefighter, Ambulance Captain, EMT, Parliamentarian, Fire Police, representative to the State Fire Convention, and member of various committees. He even received the Firefighter of the Year award.
Many knew him as a dedicated community advocate and leader, having served multiple terms on the Federalsburg Town Council and two terms as Mayor of Federalsburg. Never one to slow down, he was active in numerous community organizations, including becoming a Scout Master in Preston. At varying times he was involved with the Junior Order, both Preston and Federalsburg Historical Societies, the Honga River Waterfowl, the Federalsburg VFW Auxiliary, the Federalsburg Lions Club, and the Idlewild Ruritan Club. In 1981, he co-founded Horizon Photography with Duane Hilghman, documenting decades of Eastern Shore life through events, family portraits, and weddings, and later operated a framing studio in Federalsburg.
John Phillips, owner of Sisk Fulfillment in Federalsburg, said that looking back, Planner touched everyday life in Federalbsurg in numerous ways, “When you read the list of all that Chuck was involved with in and around the Federalsburg community, it’s no wonder how well known and respected he was,” Phillips said, “many of his activities have positively impacted our family as well.” Phillips noted that Planner taught his wife driver’s education, photographed their wedding, instructed hunter safety for relatives, and framed photographs that are still hanging in his home. “I also respected and appreciated his efforts to make Federalsburg a better place to live through his long service to the fire company and his terms as a councilman and later as mayor,” he said.
Known for his larger-than-life personality, Planner was rarely far from conversation or connection. In retirement, he enjoyed time with friends, gardening, sharing figs from his trees, watching birds, and continuing to serve his hometown in any way he could.
A celebration of life for Planner will be held January 4, 2026, at the Federalsburg Volunteer Fire Company. All who knew him are encouraged to attend to celebrate a life well spent.
