Leo Ray Charles

Leo Ray Charles, 87, of Defiance, Mo., passed Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, at his residence. He was born Jan. 2, 1932, in McGee, Mo., to parents Oliver and Emma (Roe) Charles. 

Leo was a loving father, brother and uncle. 

He proudly served our country serving in the United States Army, spending time in Korea. Leo was a Tool Dispatcher for forty-one years at Boeing. 

On Aug. 24, 1957, he married Patsy Chubb and to this union three children were born. 

Leo enjoyed gardening, outdoors, yard work, fishing and hunting in his younger years. He was a hard worker, good provider and was always there when he was needed. Leo enjoyed spending time around Lowndes during his vacations. He deeply cared for his family and enjoyed every minute he had with them. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brothers: Leonard, Troy and Joseph Charles; sisters: Gertrude Stephens, Luella Stephens, Mae Carson, Beulah McGhee, and Leoda Stacy. 

Leo is survived by his loving and devoted wife of sixty-one years; children: Chris Charles, Randy Charles, Leona Charles all of Defiance, Mo.; sister Deloris Bachel of Oakland, Calif., sister-in-law Shirley Charles of Greenville, Mo., and many nieces and nephews. 

Visitation was held Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville, Mo. Funeral service followed Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, at the Community Church of Christ Lowndes, Mo. Pastors Dale Rogers, Jack Rogers and Jeremy Rogers ministered to the family. Chris Charles, Randy Charles, Donald Stacy, David Stacy, Tim Stacy and Brandon Chubb served as pallbearers. Burial was at the Community Church of Christ Cemetery, Lowndes, Mo. 

Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com