Monday, April 8, 2024

Chuck Killinger


(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Monday, February 2nd, 1948 - Thursday, April 4th, 2024

When Chuck Killinger reported to the pearly gates, St. Peter said, “Where’ve you been, Chuck? You were supposed to be here two hours ago.”

Chuck was a busy man. His tardiness was because he overcommitted to friends, and he had so very many friends. Everything took more time than he planned, plus it was hard to cut a good time short, but eventually he would move on to the next friend he promised to help.







Charles Everett (Chuck), the son of Elmo Everett and Nancy Dalton Killinger, was born on Groundhog’s Day February 2, 1948 in Joplin. He was a graduate of Joplin High School and attended Baker College and MSSU, majoring in English.

Chuck was the final owner of Dalton-Killinger Construction Company, a family-owned company for 103 years. Four generations worked in the business. The company, with Chuck as its president, won the award for Small Business of the Year 2007 from the Joplin Chamber of Commerce.

Chuck gave back to his hometown in many ways. Instrumental in the formation of the Contractors Association, Chuck was the first president of that fine group. He served as a board member of the Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity for several terms and for years served as chairman of the building committee and as a construction supervisor. He served on the CP Center Board.

He enjoyed the fellowship of Kiwanis and served as president and also ramrodded the Pancake Feed fundraiser for many years. At the annual Stephensburger put on by the Roughnecks Club, his usual job was serving up the potato salad.

With his big mustache and long hair, Chuck could pass as singer David Crosby’s twin, which is rather fitting since Chuck loved live music. He played golf a couple times a year with garage sale clubs, and more than once at the Contractor’s Association golf tournament, his foursome won the trophy for “High Bid,” not a trophy a contractor wants. He kept canoes at his home that fronts Shoal Creek for an anytime float trip.







Chuck is survived by his wife Linda, son Christopher (Wendy), daughter Betsy Killinger-Kraft, stepdaughter Amy Devore (Trann), grandchildren Dalton Kraft, Aaron Kraft, and Amy Kraft, step-grandson Alec Lane, great-grandson Zaber Bruce-Kraft, step great-granddaughter Emmalynn Lane, brother Curt, niece Catherine Quinn (Nathan), nephew Jospeh Killinger (Alison), great-niece Jamie Killinger and a giant host of friends.

Chuck Killinger was a friend to so many. He lent his tools and gave his time to friends. He worked hard and played hard. He lived his life like the wood stove motto-he’d rather burn out than rust out.

If you called Chuck Killinger a friend, you are a fortunate person.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am Wednesday April 10, 2024 at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends 7:00-8:00pm Tuesday at the mortuary.

No comments:

Post a Comment