Charles Millbern

Charles Millbern, age 86, our loving and gentle husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, went to heaven on January 9. He died at home, surrounded with the love and care of his beloved family.

He adored his wife of nearly 65 years, Evelyn. They had a wonderful marriage that was an example of love and giving for their family.

Charles was a humble servant, always caring for the needs of others. He loved people, and never wasted a moment of his life on resentment, prejudice, or bitterness. He chose to cherish and accept others exactly as they were. He was a man of faith; a committed Christian who endeavored to be like Jesus.

Dad was a talented artist. He drew cartoons during World War II for the Army Times, and later had editorial cartoons and sports caricatures published in the newspaper. After his retirement, he volunteered at both St. John's and Cox hospitals, visiting patients and drawing cartoons as gifts for patients and staff members. He loved finding out special things about each person, and incorporated them into his art. His days were fulfilled when he brightened the spirits of patients and families he met.

Charles started his career as a printing pressman. He found a job where he could use his love for art, and became a commercial artist in the advertising industry. He retired from Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, KS, where he worked as a technical illustrator.

Dad was a precious father and grandfather, and never hesitated to care for any member of his family in a sacrificial way. He loved to laugh and enjoyed music, spending many hours with his extended family and his special nieces and nephews in Hesston, KS, sitting around the supper table listening to all the family sing hymns.

One of the milestones of his life and a very proud service for him was his duty in the United States Army during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and loved the cap his granddaughter made for him to commemorate his service.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn; four daughters, Darlene and Wayne Taylor, Cindy and Doug Whitten, Pam and Mike Malone, and Dorothy and Jeff Peters; ten grandchildren, Jennifer Giovanni, Mark Taylor, Jason Whitten, Phillip Taylor, Joel Whitten, Nicholas Lowe, Amanda May, Tiffany Malone, Adam Whitten, and Alex Peters. One grandchild, Dusty Lowe, preceded him in death. He was blessed with 12 great-grandchildren, and delighted in the simple pleasure of watching them play and grow.

The memorial service for Charles Millbern will be at 12 p.m. Friday, January 14 in Wesley United Methodist Church. Interment with military honors will follow in Missouri Veterans Cemetery under the care of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in his name to Wesley United Methodist Church.

Dad never had wealth or an important title, but he was the most successful man we will ever know. His life was a blessing to all who knew him.

Online condolences can be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.