Charles H. Cutler

Charles "Charlie" Hudson Cutler, 91 of Topeka, died April 9, 2017 at Midland Hospice House from Parkinson's Disease. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on November 22nd, 1925 to Charles W. and Maude Cathryn Cutler.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nola Lee Houston Cutler, in 2003. He is survived by his children: Sally Roediger, Mayetta, Charles Cutler and Robert Cutler both of Topeka, John Cutler, Lawrence, Cathryn Cutler, Lithia Springs, GA, and four grandchildren. An avid cat lover, he was also the adoptive father to many a feline over his lifetime.

He graduated from Northeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri in 1943, and earned a BA in Journalism from Baker University in 1950.

Eager to serve his country, Charlie enlisted in the Army at age 17 in 1943, transferred to the Army Air Corp at 18, commissioned as a Navigator at 19, and discharged at age 20 after the end of WWII.

Charlie, an unrepentant punster, was known for his wit and quick ability to turn a phrase. His "rascally" sense of humor and ever present cigar (which he never lit) were his trademarks. This "branding" served him well during his long career in advertising.

Upon graduating from Baker, Charlie worked for the Wyandotte Echo, Kansas City Star, Topeka Capital Journal and the Council Grove Republican newspapers. He was also a member of the Kansas Daily Advertisement Mangers Association and district director for one year while in Council Grove.

He worked as an Advertising Assistant for Ed Marling's in Topeka from 1961 – 1963 before accepting a position as Sales Promotion Manager for Newman's Department Stores in Joplin, MO. He shortly returned to the Topeka area, and Ed Marling's, where he retired in 1995 after nearly 32 years of service, with over 25 years as Advertising Manger.

Charlie held an honorary lifetime membership in the Topeka Advertising Federation and was its President in 1969, Silver Award winner in 1975, and voted into the Advertising Hall of Fame in 2007.

He was a member of Downtown Topeka, Inc. and headed the Retail Promotion Committee for 2 years; Better Business Bureau Board of Directors, 1992 – 1995; and Topeka Ad Club Board of Directors, total 8 – 10 years.

His considerable community involvement included: Scoutmaster of the Boy Scout Troop in Council Grove and Committeeman of Troop 10 in Topeka; 5 years as Treasurer of University United Methodist Church, Topeka, KS, and trustee; member of Civil War Round Table; and volunteer work which continued into his retirement for the Combat Air Museum, Friends of the Library, and work in manuscripts at the State Historical Society.

Charlie was active in Masons, including: Past Patron, Eastern Star; High Priest, Royal Arch Masons; Captain General, Knight's Templar (all in Council Grove Lodges); and Masonic Blue Lodge in Baldwin, KS.

A visitation will begin at 6:30 p.m. on April 20, 2017 at University United Methodist Church, 1620 SW College Ave, Topeka. The service will follow at 7:30 p.m.in the sanctuary.

Memorial contributions may be made to University United Methodist Church, 1621 SW College, Topeka, KS, 66604.