Charles Owsley

Charles Robert Owsley was born November 15, 1921 in North Kansas City, MO to Charles T. and Carolyn L. Owsley. He died Saturday, June 4, 2005 in Republic, MO. Charles lived and worked his entire life in the Kansas City north area until illness required he live close to his daughter. He attended the University of Kansas, earning degrees in chemical and electrical engineering. He was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp during WW II using his chemical engineering knowledge at Phillips Petroleum in Kansas City. After the war he went back to KU to get his second engineering degree to help in his father's business. He later owned and ran the same business, NKC Electric Co., for over 15 years. He finished his working career as a Professional Electrical Contractor doing private electrical work for companies, hospitals and the former Cereal Foods Co. Many organizations and friends benefited from his volunteer electrical work and mechanical skills.

Charles was always most concerned about what he could do to help others, spending much of his time in volunteer activities. Starting in youth, he was a charter member of BS Troop 9 receiving his rank of Eagle. Numerous civic clubs benefited from his membership and leadership. He was especially proud of serving Clay Co. as County Commissioner, Western district, membership in the NKC Breakfast Club, Liberty Hills C.C., and the First United Methodist Church in NKC.

Charles is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maurine Spencer Owsley. Also surviving is three children and their families, Robert and Barbara Owsley, Tianjin, China; Cyndy and Jack Muench, Republic, MO; Steve and Glenda Owsley, Colorado Springs, CO; as well as grandchildren, Bryan, Robert and Leslie Muench; Luke, Elizabeth and Caleb Owsley; three sisters, Dorothy Ballard, Ruth Coleman, and Carolyn Thome, and numerous nieces and nephews including Margaret Arnold, of Springfield, MO, and a cousin Shirley and John Donaldson.

A memorial service is being planned for August in NKC, MO. Final services are being handled by Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Ozark Methodist Manor P.O. Box 403 Marionville, MO 65705, or the First United Methodist Church 2100 Howell St. North Kansas City, MO 64116-3528 or B.S. Troop 9 of the same church.