Richard Charles “Charlie” Vanblarcum

Charlie VanBlarcum was born in Kansas City, MO in 1949 to parents Galen and Betty VanBlarcum. He graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1967. After that attended Penn Valley and in 1968 was drafted into the military. On the date of his enlistment he felt fortunate to get signed into the Navy Air where he was a reservist at Olathe Naval Air. In 1990 he went back to college, earning a degree in accounting and graduating Summa Cum Laude.

In September 1972 Charlie married his love Vickie. They had two children Jason born February 24, 1975 and Melissa born April 13, 1979. Charlie and Vickie would have celebrated their 49th anniversary September 15, 2020.

As a young kid he played and loved baseball. Charlie was always considered to be the one everyone wanted on their team. Always very competitive in any sport he chose to play. In high school he played for North Kansas City High School as a tackle. Later on in life he played almost every sport with the exception of football. He loved darts, pool, volleyball, golf but his two favorite sports to play were tennis and basketball. He truly loved to watch KU Basketball. He looked forward every year to March Madness. He always said he was born in the best month, March, this was because he loved his KU Jayhawks. Every year for a birthday present all he wanted was to watch all of the games associated with March Madness. He never missed watching any of the games. He always loved watching his favorite team the Jayhawks with his favorite girl, his daughter Melissa.

In 1975 Charlie and his dad built a lake house in the Ozarks. Charlie drew up the blue print for the lake house. He always said it was one of the best times he ever had building the lake house alongside his dad. This is where Charlie and family spent every other weekend. The kids were always in the water having fun and Charlie and his dad always hammering and nailing. Many card games and laughter were spent there, but as with everything life changes and lake house was sold in 1996.

The family moved to Lawrence, Kansas and lived there from 1979 to 2018. In that time period Charlie and Vickie learned to scuba dive and had many adventures and great memories. They took vacations to St. Thomas, St. John, Jamaica, San Juan, and Grand Cayman. As well as Bermuda, Turks and Caicos. Haiti, Playa del Carmen Mexico, Antigua, Bahamas and last but not least many times to the favorite St. Lucia. All of these islands will hold great memories. Stories with much love and great laughter.

As a young adult Charlie worked for Phillips as a Manager. After that he worked as a Manager of Revenue for Yellow Freight now YRC.

Charlie was a very strong Gentle Giant as he was 6'4 and always walked with confidence. He had a smile for everyone, a great sense of humor and was loved and respected by all who met him. He never said a bad word about anyone he met.

He loved a challenge and would never pass one up to play any of his favorite sports with his friends. He loved his friends and all the parties and gatherings they would have. He loved to dance with his wife Vickie. But his greatest love was his love for his wife and family. He was the dad the kids could turn to at any time. He seemed to always have the answers that calmed their fears and made them feel better. In the opinion of the kids he was their Rock.

He will be sorely missed by all. Charlie leaves behind his wife Vickie of almost 49 years this September 15th, his two children Jason and his wife Christi of St. Louis, Mo; Melissa and her husband George of Overland Park, KS; brother David VanBlarcum of Indianapolis, IN; four grandchildren Gracie, Kaelen, Adalyn and Declan. Brother in law Ken and his wife Pam of Lawrence, KS; brother in law Bob of Olathe, KS; nieces and nephew Phil VanBlarcum and family; Brian Hodle and family; Kevin Hodle and family; Justin Hodle; Logan VanBlarcum; Michael VanBlarcum; Nate White; Joel, Nathan, Julie and Ethan Rice; Sandy Fangohr and Matt Fanghor. Cousins Gayla Christensen of College Station, TX and Kathy and Gary VanBlarcum of Lee's Summit, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents Galen and Betty VanBlarcum; parent in laws Margaret and Ralph Fangohr and sister in law Sharon Hodle.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 at the Amos Family Funeral Home.  Celebration of life services will follow at  11 a.m. at the funeral home. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions we are limited to 45 people in attendance. Masks and social distancing will be required.  However the service will be live streamed from the Amos Family Funeral Home Facebook page.  Charlie’s family encourages friends and family that are unable to attended in person to leave a condolence or comment during the live stream.

A reception will be held following the celebration of life at the American Legion 6521 Nieman Rd. Shawnee, KS 66203. Food will be provided, drinks are available but it's a cash bar.

Memorial contributions are welcome and can be sent to Lewy Body Dementia Association. Inc. 912 Killian Hill Rd. S.W. Liburn, GA. 30047.