Charles "Charlie" Connett

Dick Williams
Kansas City MO

I am Charlie's First Cousin and live in Kansas city - his only local kin with regular contact. . A service with military honors was held March 9th at the Leavenworth National Cemetery and his remains were inurned in the Columbarium - a memorial wall with cremated remains. Charlie's life consisted of both pleasures and pain - like everyone's. His Navy service from 1966 to 1971 was honored with military honors rendered by two Navy officers and a Petty Officer, the playing of Taps and the folding of the US flag which was presented to his brother John. Charlie will be remembered for his volunteer work with Second Harvest, his seventeen years at the north Walmart and his knowledge and love of early rock and roll. He worked as a reporter early in his life, later in the Watson Ess law firm in Kansas City and finally the north Walmart in St. Joe. He was proud of his Walmart service and the excellent record he achieved there. He was named St. Joseph's "Citizen of the Year" for his Second Harvest, Meals on Wheels and Backpack Buddies volunteer work. He made a difference in the lives of many in St. Joe. Charlie and I spent many hours together - we ate at nearly every fast food outlet and sit-down restaurant in St. Joe . Some of his favorites s were Long John Silver and Freddies on the Belt and Ben Magoon's on South 8th Street in St.. Joe. While in the car I would pester him by singing the refrain from"Tumbling Tumbleweeds" to the point of fatigue - his fatigue - and pleas to stop. The relation was not one-sided - I gained much from Charlie while assisting him as his mobility decreased and his needs increased. Please remember him for his best attributes and the way he bore his burdens late in life. I used the word "endurance' more and more and Charlie did endure. I thank all who helped him and were kind to him- Edith Farrell - neighbor at Cottonwood Creek, Mike McAvoy - neighbor at his Faucett home, Scott and Richard and Mike - table mates at Country Squire - and the entire Staff - dining room and building staff - at Country Squire especially Lori in housekeeping, also the Freudenthal staff. Finally all his coworkers in the north Walmart. He loved to return there for needed items but I think mostly to say hello to everyone on the floor. Charlie was known by many throughout St. Joe and whenever we'd eat out he'd he'd spot someone from his Walmart days. He was good at recognizing people from his past , even at a distance. His brother John and I thank all who befriended Charlie in his five years in St. Joe after leaving the Faucett home. Charlie endured and I admired that endurance even as his health declined in the latter part of his life.We'd also like to thank Jack Klein and Christa Musser for their help in arrnging for the services at the Leavenworth National Cemetery.

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