Charlie E. Shults, Sr.

Charles “Charlie” E. Shults, Sr.,  76, of Chanute, KS and formerly of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023, surrounded by his family at the Kansas Heart Hospital, Wichita. 

Charlie was born on January 12, 1947, in Iola, KS, the son of William Harold and Alean Katherine (Slife) Shults.  He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1965.  He was a United States Marine, serving from 1965 until 1968.  He served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967.  Charlie was united in marriage to Katherine Lynne Snell on October 11, 1965, in Iola, KS. 

He was the former plant manager for KIT Road Ranger, McPherson and for NuWay Industries, Chanute for 40 years, retiring in 2020.

Charlie was an avid fisherman and camper.  He loved to take all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren with him.  Dad was the most soft-spoken man, but not to fool you, he had a funny way of pointing out the humor in every situation.  Dad was the kindest, gentlest man with a great sense of fairness.

Dad always had a big bear hug and an “I Love You” whenever leaving.  He will be greatly missed.  Rest in peace, Love you Dad!

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 58 years, Katherine “Kathy” Shults; children, Alicia & Ronnie Huff, Chuck & Kay Shults, and Kim & Darren Almquist; grandchildren, Steven & Sam Rice, Nick & Hillary Rice, Josh Rice, Kacie & Justin Nading, Staci & Conrad Neiman, Andrew Almquist, and Tara & Ryan Gawanda; great-grandchildren, Amanda Nading, Ariana Nading, Alaina Nading, Ava Nading, Eleanor Neiman, Owen Neiman, Skyler Almquist, and Talya Williams; brother, Ralph & Mary Ann Shults; and sisters, Darlean Totman, Mary K. Craig, Rita & Don Meyer, and Reba Stewart.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Viola Powers and Rose Stierwalt, and brother & sister of the heart, Bill & June Braden.

 A private family celebration of life will be held.

Memorial donations can be made to Kansas Honor Flight in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.