Charles Nelson Howard, Sr.

Charles Nelson "Chuck" Howard, of Topeka KS, passed from this life on March 13, 2015, having been born 90 years ago to Bessie Cleland Howard and Nelson Edwy Howard in Ft. Scott, KS. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Elizabeth Howard Smith Smatla and Barbara Howard Butler, nephew Ken Butler, and great-grandson Robert Charles Hulback.

He spent his childhood in Pleasanton, KS. Chuck volunteered in the Army Air Corps and served during WWII in Norfolk Co. England, repairing radios and electrical equipment on B24s. After discharge he attended KU, from which he graduated in 1950 in Industrial Management.

Chuck married Kathleen "Kathy" Kysar of Quinter KS. To this union three children were born: Christine, Eileen and Charles Jr. While Chuck's profession as a professional scouter required being away from home many evenings, weekends, and summers, the family enjoyed quality time when he was at home. They were sometimes able to spend summers with him at scout camps; and a favorite family vacation was camping and joining extended family members at the Kysar cattle ranch in Gunnison CO. His love of family expanded with the addition of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

After retirement, Chuck and Kathy renovated an old fraternity house where they lived and rented rooms to legislators. They enjoyed spending late winter and early spring traveling independently in Europe, sightseeing, and visiting friends. In 2000 he and Kathy spent 4 ½ months traveling around the world.

Singing was one of Chuck's great joys and he never missed singing in the church choir where he lived.

Even in England he and 3 friends rode their bicycles 7 miles to sing in the small church in East Durham. He sang many solos for church, and community choirs, with his baritone voice beautifully proclaiming his faith with much conviction. This talent was compromised by throat surgery in 1970 and his increasing deafness.

Chuck was a professional Boy Scout Executive for 30 years. He started his career in Hays, KS and received numerous promotions including position in Norton, KS; Des Moines, IA; Columbia, MO; and finished his career in Topeka, KS. He received many professional honors for his service throughout his career, and retired in 1985.

Chuck was a 40 year member of the Kiwanis Club. He was also active on his church boards and community activities. He belonged to the Scottish Rite Masons for 43 years.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Kathy; daughter, Christine (Brian) Luckinbill, their children, Dave (Jen) Luckinbill and Laura (Matt) Hulback and their daughter, Teagan; daughter, Eileen (Paul) Cox and her children, Andres (Allison) Vega and their daughter, Isabel; and Elisa Vega; son Charley (Toni) Howard and his son, Nick Howard; three nieces and their families.

Chuck's family is very grateful for the exceptional care and kindness of the staff at the Colmery-O'Neil VA Hospital and their Community Living Center.

There will be a memorial service for Chuck at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 18th at the First United Methodist Church Chapel in Topeka. Interment will be at the cemetery in Quinter, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Multiple Sclerosis Society.