Harry Charles

(From Greenfield Funeral Home)

Harry L. Charles, of Lockwood, MO, departed this life on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Overland Park Regional Hospital in Overland Park, KS at the age of 90.

He was born on September 28, 1935 in Sweet Springs, MO to Cecil and Minnie (Langwisch) Charles. Harry was the second of eleven children.

He graduated from Houstonia High School in 1953. Shortly after he entered the Air Force. This gave him the opportunity to travel to many different countries while in the military.

In 1956, Harry married Dorothy Soyland. To this union three children were born; Tom, Theresa, and JoEllen.

After his tour of duty, Harry had several different jobs. While employed by the Bectel Oil Company, he worked from start to finish on the Alaskan Pipeline. He retired in 1997 from O’Sullivan Industries.

Harry was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He received his 50 year pin in 2025.

From an early age, Harry developed a love for country music. He was a member of several bands serving as the lead singer. Harry loved to play guitar at home and sing with his family every chance he had.

On November 27, 1987, Harry married Betty (Chism) Divine in Lamar, MO.

Harry was a member of the Stockton Church of Christ. He was baptized on June 4, 1992.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Cecil and Minnie Charles; brothers, Harold Charles, Frank (Barbara) Charles, Clarence (Sharon) Charles, and John Charles; sisters, Anna (Marvin) Bargfrede and Carolyn Fiedler; sister-in-law, Allowee (Gene) Baker; brothers-in-law, Bunk Feasel, Max Chism, and Harry Turner; son-in-law, Tommy Ward; and an infant grandson, Gregory Johnson.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Charles of the home; his children, Tom (Dee) Charles, Theresa Ward, JoEllen (Dave) Johnson, Jeff (Melinda) Divine, and Lisa (Brian) Gillen; siblings, Clyde (Sharon) Charles, Lena Charles, Ruth Charles, Terry Fiedler, Elva Turner, Mary (George) Stockdale, and Marilyn (Kenny) Fangman; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard (Myrna) Chism, Peggy Feasel, Vera (Larry) Beach, Janice (Glenn) Jarvis, Sammy Daly, Larry (Marsha) Chism, Rick (Alicia) Chism, and Glenda (Ronnie) Underwood; twenty grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Greenfield Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Lindley Prairie Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to Shriners Hospital for Children. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.