Charles J. Bair

A graveside service for Chanute resident Charlie J. Bair will be held at 9:00am on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Cortez Cemetery. 

 Charlie J. Bair, age 100, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at his home in Chanute, Kansas, surrounded by loved ones.

Charles Junior Bair was born on February 25, 1924, at Humboldt, Kansas. He was the sixth of eight children born to Charles Survenice Bair and Lula Bernice Cooper Bair. Charlie was able to enjoy the status of "favorite son" as he grew up with six sisters.

At the age of 17, Charlie decided he wanted to enlist in the Army. His buddy, Bob Mason was going and he wanted to go at the same time. So he got his Dad's permission and joined the Army, just in time for World War II. Charlie served honorably from October 7, 1943 to December 14, 1946. He received the following medals: Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European African Eastern Theater Ribbon.

On February 8, 1949, Charlie married Flora Joan Nicholas. Their union was blessed with four children, Charles Joe, Charlene, Debra and Lyle.

In 1967, Charlie moved from the Humboldt area to Dolores, Colorado. After years in Dolores, he moved back to Chanute, Kansas in October 2021.

Joan passed away August 25, 1977, and he was single for several years. In February 2013, he married Doris Sluder Hamilton Jaques.

Charlie enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved the Lord and would be found on Sunday in worship service. After moving to Chanute he found a wonderful Church family at Faith Bible Church and he was there when the doors were open. Even on other days he would be dressed for Church, only to be told there was no service tonight.

He was always busy helping someone out. He worked at several different jobs, sometimes 2 or 3 at once. He stayed busy until age 96 when knee surgery slowed the jobs down. But he was still there to do dishes and help around the house.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Charley and Lula Bair; wife, Joan; son, Charles Joe Bair; granddaughter Kymber Bair; five sisters and one baby brother.

Left to celebrate the life of a special man is his wife, Doris of the home; three children, Charlene Coate (Butch), Debbie "Bobbie" Bair, and Lyle Bair (Paula), daughter-in-law, Bonnie Bair; step-daughter, Debbie Cuckie (George); eleven grandchildren, Caleb Coate, Mindy Coate, Cody Coate (Jennifer), Flora Parish (D.L.), Carolyn Smith (Brandon), Kena Lord (Ben), Monica Walker (Robbie), Karie Yarbrough (Robert), J.D. Meadows, Mariah Robertson (Crue), Andrew Cuckie (Lauren); 17 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren; sister, Lula Bell Smith (Altie);numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Charlie will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and loved him.