Charles Burress Lusk

Charles Burress Lusk, 77, of Leawood, KS passed away on January 8, 2020 from a ladder fall. Born July 12, 1942 in Kansas City, Missouri, he was the son of the late Dr. Charles A. Lusk Jr. and Mildred {Dawson} Lusk of Butler, Missouri.

After graduating from Butler High School, Charles attended Wentworth Military Academy and then the University of Missouri. While at the University of Missouri, on a blind date he met Mary Anne Wright from Stephen’s College, and fell in love. Together they continued their education at the University of Oklahoma and married in 1967.

Throughout his varied career Charles’ focus was in healthcare and he finished his career as a nursing home administrator.

In retirement, Charles was very active in the Kansas City community. He continued with Leawood Rotary Club and with the men’s group at Church of the Resurrection. His volunteer efforts were focused on the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Leawood Historical Society, nursing home Ombudsman, and Leawood Foundation. Charles kept active through walking daily, attempting to conquer golf, playing bridge, and traveling to both favorite and new destinations.

Charles lived his life by the Rotary motto - Service Above Self. His faith in God and in others was a reflection of Charles’ world view that being kind was the only sustainable path forward. Charles was a gentleman in the noblest areas: open-minded, considerate, patient, and an acute listener.

Most of all, Charles was focused on his family. He was a devoted husband to Mary Anne for 53 years. In raising two daughters, Charles instilled in them a sense of ethics, hard work, and caring for others.

Those left to cherish his memory are: wife Mary Anne {Wright} Lusk of Leawood, KS; daughters Melea Lusk {m. - Carl Castrogiovanni} of Lake Bluff, IL and Charlyn Lusk {m. - Don Lichter} of New York City, NY; and granddaughters Allison Lichter and Valerie Lichter of New York City, NY.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his sister Marilyn {Lusk} Ruwart.

Per Charles’ wishes, cremation has taken place and a private service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date in Leawood, KS.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charles’ memory may be made to:

Leawood Rotary Club Foundation, PO Box 6608, Leawood, KS 66206;

Church of the Resurrection: COR Memorial for Charles Lusk, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS 66224;

University of Missouri Cook Family Orthopaedic Research Fund at MU School of Advancement, One Hospital Dr., DC 205.00, Columbia, MO 65212.