Charlie Surgi

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Sidney Charles Surgi passed away on January 29, 2026 at age 93. He was born in Neck City, Missouri, on July 16, 1932 to Hulda Evelyn (Fredrickson) Surgi and Sidney Edward Surgi. They preceded him in death as well as a sister, Maria Surgi Rainey, and his loving wife, Carole Hall Surgi.

He is survived by his four children: Elizabeth Surgi Mariner(Thom)of Cincinnati, Ohio, Diane Marie Surgi Bannon(John)of Willard, Mo., David Charles Surgi(Tammy Fellwock), and Paul Joseph Surgi(Tina Harrington)both of Airport Drive, Mo.

In the 1940s the family moved to Airport Drive, near Webb City. On that acreage sits, not only the original house where Charlie grew up, but the house he built for his bride in 1960, and his two sons also have homes on the property. Several years ago they had to give the drive a name. It is now Surgi Avenue.

“Charlie” graduated from St. Peters High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard on a lighthouse in Ashtabula, Ohio, from 1952- 1956. He used to tell people that he did a little “light housekeeping”. He had a quick wit and an interesting sense of humor. After returning from the Service, he attended college in Rolla to prepare himself for entering the family business, Surgi Mfg. Company, in Carl Junction, Missouri. It was a shop that made metal stampings and also pony carts.

In the summer of 1959 he went on a double date and his life changed forever. He met Carole Hall from Carthage who, eight years earlier had broken her back in an automobile accident and was confined to a wheelchair. When Charlie met her he secretly told himself, “I am going to marry that gal!” On February 24, 1960, he did just that!

He spent the next 61 years with the love of his life by his side. He dedicated himself to building a house to accommodate Carole and eventually it became a home to their four children, including a set of twins. Charlie enjoyed life and being around people. Everyone has a story and he spent his long life creating several chapters of his own.

He was a kind and generous man who volunteered in his church, community and school, even driving the Girl Scout bus many times when Carole was Troop Leader. He prided himself as being self sufficient and resourceful. He was a Master Gardener: he had a large garden, fruit trees, bee hives and even a cow or pig now and then. His

famous fruit tree is the Ponderosa Lemon that was given to his father in the 1940s. Even then it was 100 years old! It is still thriving and bears 35-50 lemons the size of grapefruits twice a year. When his grandchildren were young he taught a Junior Master Gardener class.

Some years he raised Shetland ponies that he drove in parades to advertise the pony carts. The list of his accomplishments is endless. When the children left home, Charlie and Carole took many trips to sites around the U.S., traveling with several of their close friends. He retired from his business at age 75, but couldn’t stand still for long. He had always been an entrepreneur, so it wasn’t a surprise when he announced that he was starting a business in which he would be selling flags and flagpoles to go along with the portable concrete base that he invented and made. He became known as the “flag guy” and was still getting orders up until his death. “Long may they wave, Charlie!

Since family and friends were very important to him, he especially enjoyed holidays and birthday celebrations. He hosted quite a few picnics for church, family reunions, class reunions, or just to be together. He even made his own professional looking croquet court, lights included, for games and competitions. Ten grandchildren and

nine great-grandchildren gave him many opportunities to make memories. He was very proud of them all, and they knew that they could count on him to help them in any way. He was known to say many times, “Look what I started after asking that gal to marry me!”

The home videos that he made are now cherished. In describing Charles Surgi: the husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather and friend, one can say that he was genuine. He was grateful: he loved life and wanted to share his joy of living with others.

Charlie loved to use new words and quotes, he referred to them as ‘his aphorisims”. He made up acronyms. B.C.(be cognizant), was a favorite that he taught each grandchild. However, in the last few years his way of saying goodbye was…H.I.T., “hang in there”. Sidney Charles Surgi, a.k.a. Charlie, Dad, Pamper,(never Chuck), was blessed

with a long and joyous life. We will miss him, but his legacy will live on through the numerous lives he influenced in so many ways.

A visitation will be held Thursday February 5, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church from 6-7pm, followed by a Rosary.

Memorial Mass will be held for Charles and Carole Surgi, Friday February 6, 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Webb City.

Cremation is under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Sidney. As we mourn the loss of this exceptional man, let us also celebrate his life, and let our memories of him be a source of comfort and inspiration. As Kahlil Gibran said, "When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." Let us remember Sidney not with sorrow, but with delight for the joy and love he brought into our lives.