Charles Carey

(From Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home)

Charles Ray Carey, age 80, of Aurora, Missouri, passed away suddenly at 4:37 a.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at his home. He was born October 18, 1941, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the son of Ray Franklin and Nellie Marie (Shackleton) Carey.

Charles was a 1959 graduate of Seneca High School in Seneca, Missouri. On June 15, 1963, he married Marilyn Ann Blatter in Hornet, Missouri. He worked as a telephone service technician for Century Tel for 40 years.

He was a member of the Aurora United Methodist Church, Methodist Men, the Aurora Lions Club, Personal Mobility (PET) and Chairman of Aurora Housing Authority. Charles played baseball and softball for many years and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. Through the years, he sang in several church choirs and performed many solos, especially Gospel and Irish songs. He boxed in Golden Gloves and coached two different teams. He acted in three plays with Joplin Little Theatre and one in Aurora.

A loving family man, he mentored and supported his extended family’s extracurricular activities, including coaching youth sports, as well as cheering at his family’s sporting and band events. He was their biggest fan. Charles enjoyed traveling with his family and visited many beautiful destinations around the country. He was an active leader in scouting with his sons and enjoyed camping, canoeing, and exploring the great outdoors. Charles loved spending time with his grandkids and great-grands.

Charles is survived by his wife Marilyn; two sons, Darrell Carey and his wife, of Springfield, Missouri; David Carey of Joplin, Missouri; one daughter, Crystal Viefhaus and her husband, of Springfield, Missouri; one sister, Debbie Mertens of Nevada, Missouri; one brother, Dennis Carey and his wife, of Riverview, Florida; 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Nellie, a brother Clayton Carey, sisters Patricia Zickefoose and Sharon Oxford, and one grandson, Kyle Collins.

A visitation, under the direction of the Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home, in Aurora, will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at the Aurora United Methodist Church, with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow at the Maple Park Cemetery in Aurora.



In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to the Joy Ministry of Aurora United Methodist Church, in care of the funeral home.