Charles E. Givens

Charles Edward Givens passed away on May 11, 2019 with his wife and loving family by his side. Although his given name was Charles everyone knew him as “Charlie”. Charlie was born on October 11, 1923 in Iola, Kansas to Robert (Bob) and Dora Givens. During his younger years he lived in Amarillo, Texas; Gravette, Arkansas; and Noel Missouri.

On March 6, 1943 Charlie married Barbara Ruth Pritchard and the couple lived in Kansas City, Missouri, Blue Springs, Missouri and Harrisonville Missouri. He and Barbara were married for 76 years! Charlie and Barbara had three children, Connie White (Ray), Shirley Givens (deceased), and Sherry Jo Rickard (Wayne).

Charlie attained the rank of Sergeant and served in the United States Army during World War II where he was a Tank Commander in the South Pacific. After his time in the Army he moved to Kansas City and joined the Kansas City Fire Department where he served for 28 years. His fellow firefighters nicknamed him “Down Town Charlie”. In 1975 he was honored to be recognized as the Fire Fighter of the Year. During his time as a firefighter Charlie become the owner and trainer of the Department’s first Dalmatian, appropriately named “Sparky”.

After retiring from the fire department Charlie received his private pilot’s license and worked for the Grain Valley Airport. After a rather scary and unfortunate small aircraft crash, Charlie decided to go a safer route and went to work for Blue Springs Bank.

In his spare time Charlie enjoyed building and sharing his lake home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Every inch built by his own hands, he and Barbara made their lake home their home away from home. Each summer he enjoyed having his children and grandchildren join him for unforgettable experiences fishing, boating, jet skiing, sitting around a campfire, and shooting fireworks. Charlie had a knack for having fun. Even in his late 80’s he could be seen speeding around the lake looking for the perfect fishing hole.

Charlie had three grandchildren, Scott White (deceased), Brian Rickard (Allie), and Barry Rickard (Christina). He also had four great grandchildren, Amy Lamantia, Evan White, Audrey White, and Asher Fox Rickard. Lastly he two great grandchildren, Noah and Arlo Lamantia. He also had many other loving nieces and nephews.

Charlie and Barbara were members of John Knox Presbyterian Church. During his final days, members of the church demonstrated the true nature of Christ by ministering to them with visits, food, and prayer.

Visitation will be 11:30AM, with services at 1PM, Wednesday, May 15 at John Knox Presbyterian Kirk, 11430 Wornall Rd.; burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be 11:30AM, with services at 1PM, Wednesday, May 15 at John Knox Presbyterian Kirk, 11430 Wornall Rd.; burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.