Charles Earl Stockwell

January 16, 1932- March 24, 2026

Charles Earl Stockwell was born in Nowata, Oklahoma to George and Chloa (Dart) Stockwell on January 16, 1932. Charles grew up with four sisters: Ruth Ann (Pierce), Helen Marie (Walker), Georiga (Blundell) and Karen (Skerbetz). He also had two half siblings: Ralph Stockwell and Mildred (Miller). The family lived in several communities in Northeastern Oklahoma and Southeastern Kansas. Charles graduated from Chetopa High School.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. After basic training at Camp Polk, Louisiana, Charles served overseas in Korea in the 13th Prisoner of War Service Unit. Here, he made lifelong friends. Charles got the job as company clerk because he was the only one in the unit with typing skills.

On a blind date, Charles met the love of his life, Betty Jo York. The two wed on April 16, 1955. In January 1956, their daughter Debbie (Kimmerly) joined the family. Charles graduated from Pittsburgh State College and moved the family to Prairie Village, Kansas and took a job with Burns and McDonnel Engineering as a draftsman. He worked at Burns and Mac until his retirement in 1992.

Born with an engineer’s logical and analytic mind along with sharp mechanical skills, Charles was able to build and fix almost anything. In the early 1970’s, he undertook the project to raise the roof of their two-bedroom Prairie Village ranch home and make it into a two-story Cape Cod home. He added two bedrooms, a full bath and a bonus room. The family lived there together until 1982 when he and Betty moved to Belton, Missouri. Debbie married her husband, Paul Kimmerly in 1983 and took over the family home in Prairie Village where they still live today.

Charles and Betty loved to travel around the country in their RV motorhome. Some of their favorite times were visiting our National Parks, especially in the Southwest and mountain states. They enjoyed their best life while on the road camping and sharing experiences together.

Charles is survived by his daughter, Debbie Kimmerly of Prairie Village, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jo (York) and his siblings Ralph, Mildred, Ruth Ann, Helen Marie, Georgia, and Karen.

A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., 612 W. Foxwood Dr., Raymore, Missouri 64083. Charles will be laid to rest at 12:30 p.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to the National Park Foundation or Great Plains SPCA.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278