Charles Robert Howard, age 68, of rural Hiawatha, died from cancer May 23, 2018 at home surrounded by family.

He was born in Horton, Kansas on June 6, 1950, the son of Harold Eugene (Gene) and Virginia (Rose) Rockey Howard. Charles graduated from Hiawatha High School class of 1968. He then attended Vo-Tech in Pittsburg, Kansas. He met and married Betty Oke there in 1969.

Charles is preceded in death by the love of his life Betty, in 2013.

Together the two raised three children; Charla (Nicholas) Adcock, Hollis (Amy) Howard, and Keri (Richard A.) Bestwick., who survive.

Charles and Betty were married 45 years and were grandparents of an equal amount of boys and girls. Kelsey Adcock, Logan Adcock, Rhianna Howard, Charlie Bestwick, Morgan Howard, Andrew Bestwick, Dana Howard, and Brendon Bestwick. In addition Charles is also survived by his brother Gary (Kathy) Howard, his parents Gene and Rose, and numerous nieces, and nephews.

Charles enlisted in the US Army in August 1970 He served in Vietnam with the 101st airborne from February 1971 to January 1972. Once home Charles remained in continued service to his country by serving in the National Guard for nearly eighteen years. At one time he was an instructor of mechanics for RTSM in Salina, Kansas. He also worked for Brown County building bridges and as an auto mechanic in various businesses. He was a member of a black powder club, the Mason Lodge, and a volunteer fireman. He loved the outdoors and was an excellent fisherman.

In addition to Betty, Charles is preceded in death by his brother Donny Howard, sister-in-law Teri Howard, his grandparents, and an infant great niece. He will be missed greatly as he was a father, grandpa, brother, friend and all around kind person.

Memorial services are planned for Tuesday May 29th, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery Hiawatha.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to services.

Masonic services courtesy of Masonic Lodge #35, AF&AM, of Hiawatha. Military honors to be conducted by the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Charles Howard Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St. Hiawatha 66434

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com.