Charles Ames

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Charles Richrd Ames, age 97, passed away at 6:30 am. Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at Joplin Gardens, Joplin, MO, following an illness.

Charles was born June 14, 1926 in Kansas City, MO. His parents were William Arthur and Martha Pauline (Furr) Ames. He had lived in the Joplin area since 1955, moving from Kansas City.

He entered the US Army Air Corp at the age of 17 and was a veteran of World War II serving in the European Theater as a chaplain’s assistant. He was also involved with the ministries of Youth For Christ and The Salvation Army while stationed in Munich, Germany, He was discharged August 27, 1946 and returned to Kansas City.

It was at The Church of the Foursquare Gospel in Kansas City that he met the love of his life. He married Dorothy Lucille Blevins on April 6, 1947 in Kansas City. She preceded him in death on June 9, 2019. He is in glory now with his parents, one sister, Dorothy Contreras, and one grandson, Michael, who preceded him.

After graduation from L.I.F.E. Bible College (Lighthouse of International Foursquare Evangelism), he and his wife actively ministered in churches in Kansas City, and in California before moving to the Joplin, MO area. He pastored the Foursquare Church in Joplin in the 1960’s and was the music minister for many years until the Joplin church closed. Afterwards, he served with his wife, and several faithful friends in nursing home ministry for 15 years. He was a member of Central Christian Center, Joplin, MO.

He was employed as a Design Engineer for Eagle Picher Technologies, Joplin and Seneca, MO. He retired there in 1991, after 35 years of employment.

Survivors include two sons, Robert Ames (Beverly), Carl Junction, MO and Gary Ames (Karen), Joplin; one daughter, Diana Yeager (Jimmy), Joplin; two grandchildren, Robert Floyd Ames and Elizabeth Grindstaff, and one great granddaughter, Stormy Grindstaff.

He was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS for cremation. His final resting place will be in Mt Hope Cemetery, Webb City, MO.

The family will conduct a memorial service at 1:00 pm, Saturday, August 26th at The Salvation Army chapel, 320 E 8th St in Joplin. Brad Gadberry and Diana Yeager will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial contribution be made to Foursquare Missions, c/o International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, PO Box 26902, Los Angeles, CA 90026-0176, which Charles actively supported until his entrance into glory.