Charles Franklin Henry, Lee's Summit, died on September 14, 2022, from complications of cancer.

Charles was born on November 10, 1936, north of Polo, MO, in Caldwell County.  He was the second of three children of Harold Clyde (Buster) Henry and Dorothy Ann McFall Henry.  Both his brother, Harold Richard Henry of Hamilton and sister, Linda Lou Henry Prothero (Stanley) of Amarillo, TX, survive.

In 1955, Charles married Margaret Joyce Bowen at the Hamilton United Methodist Church.  Joyce preceded Charles in death on January 24, 2022.  They were married for 66 years and have one daughter, Jami Le'Ann Henry (Kay Saunders) of Lee's Summit.

Charles is also survived by sister-in-law, Eloise Bowen Snider, of Leawood, KS, and many nieces, nephews and family friends.

Charles grew up in Caldwell County, MO, and attended one-room schools for most of his elementary education.

Charles attended Penney High School, Hamilton, and graduated in 1954.  Later he attended Kirksville State Teachers College, now known as Truman State University.  While there he was active in Sigma Tau Gamma social fraternity,  He also was honored by becoming a member of honorary fraternities:  Pi Omega Pi (Business); Sigma Delta Pi (Education); Blue Key (Community Service) and the Dean's Honor Roll.

Together, Charles and Joyce worked various jobs as he moved through college.  After graduating in 1958 with a BS in Education, they moved to Pilot Grove, MO.  In Pilot Grove, Charles taught Business, Spanish, Journalism and he and Joyce acquired many lasting friendships.  A teacher's first school always holds a special place in one's heart.  Pilot Grove was no exception to that rule.  The people were great supporters and encouragers and set the tone for additional work, growth and direction for Charles.

Jamie was born in 1960 while they lived in Pilot Grove.

The Henry's then moved to Kansas City, where Charles taught at Center High School and finished a Master of Arts in Business at Central Missouri State University.  Charles taught English, Spanish and Business at Center and Joyce was secretary to the Guidance Dept.

Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO, was the next step for Charles' career, where he was Assistant Professor of Business, teaching Accounting, Law and other business subjects.  Central Methodist held many wonderful memories through the years and created many lifelong friends.  Charles said many times, "when one passes, memories are left for others to share.  Save the good ones and record them carefully;  they mean so much."

Charles was then hired by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Jefferson City, MO, where he worked for 20 years.  Working with Occupational Education Finance Administration and assisting the local school districts in Missouri was a reward within itself for Charles.  Charles served as Director of Vocational Finance, where he developed comprehensive budget and legislative initiatives for Missouri education.  He found it both challenging and filled with opportunities to learn.

Charles finished his education with a ten-year stay at the Metropolitan Community Colleges in Kansas City, MO, directing Occupational and Continuing Education for the district. During that time (1984-1994) the personal computer and information technology movement into mainframes were out, PC's were in.  Alternative teaching methodologies were in vogue.  MCC was a leader in the Kansas City area in both efforts.  Charles was especially proud of the part he played in that movement, always ready for the next challenge.

He was an ardent antique collector, trivia nut, cook, gardener, history buff, reader, writer, dancer, Sunday School teacher, problem solver, web and internet fan, encourager, puzzle worker, brain challenger and friend to those around him.  He loved to meet people, identify their home source, and relate to friends and relatives from that place.  He enjoyed hearing a good story---true or not; and tell another one---true or not!

Charles' greatest achievement in his life was his immediate family success;  66 years of marriage, and a delightful daughter who never quit learning or loving.  Jami inherited Charles' quest for answers and fondness for helping others.

Charles enjoyed extended family relationships, but never tried to burden or overrule them.  He always considered most everyone family.

Charles would like to take this time to send you all his love,

To recollect the memories you have and to encourage you to never stop learning-- there is so much more to do.

To remind you to never stop loving others---It has such a tremendous payback.

Although memorials are often suggested, Charles would prefer that if you wish to memorialize his life, please direct any appreciation to an educational effort for youth reading programs.  Charles believed that learning to read is vital to all life situations.