He was born in Kansas City on June 17, 1923, and graduated from Westport High School.
He married Elizabeth Marie McClain on February 9, 1944 while on furlough from the Army, and they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary this year. He fought in the invasion of Okinawa in 1945. After the war, he returned to Betty and earned a mechanical engineering degree through the GI Bill from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, now Missouri University of Science and Technology.
He is survived by his wife Betty; four sons Fred (Kathern) and granddaughter Kaye; Ken (Kathleen) and grandsons James, Scott, and Mark; Ronald (Beth) and grandsons Brian and Taylor; Larry (Nancy) and granddaughters Sarah and Heidi; fifteen great-grandchildren; and brother Richard. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles James and Virginia.
He was a supervisor at Kansas City Gas Service Company until his retirement. He then was employed another ten years by Enterprise Car Rental. He was a long-term member of Roanoke Baptist Church, and a member of the Engineers Club of Kansas City.
A memorial service will be held at a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Roanoke Baptist Church, 3950 Wyoming, Kansas City MO.
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