Charles Evan Vining

Charles Evan Vining of Kansas City, KS passed away peacefully on Sunday August 30th, 2020 surrounded by family. Chuck was born August 20th, 1932 in Kansas City, MO to James and Edith Vining. Chuck was a Christian man, a son, a brother, a husband, a father of three, grandfather of six, and great grandfather of ten. His family lived in the community of Rosedale. Chuck was extremely creative even as a young boy. He made forts and built tree houses with his father all through grade school and junior high. Chuck played all sports but really excelled and enjoyed basketball and football. He shared many hilarious stories of his boyhood experiences with his family throughout the years. To dad his glass was always half full if not full, and there was never a challenge that he would not take on without hesitation.

Chuck played football through college and was the team captain for three years at Pittsburg State and Emporia State in Kansas. He was drafted to play professionally however he fractured his neck ending his football career. Chuck graduated with a double doctorate in Education but was extremely humble and rarely shared his vast accomplishments throughout his life.

He married the love of his life Laura Pressley on August 22, 1953. Per his mom, he had to be twenty-one years old to be married thus he married two days after his twenty first birthday. In this union there were three children born: Timothy, Jayne, and James. Tim was nearly born in Japan while Chuck served in the Korean War. He was in the National Guard and got drafted right after college serving two years in the top-secret processing branch in Camp Zama, Japan.

He was extremely involved in his children's lives in many aspects. His creativity was endless in entertaining us while growing up. Chuck coached little league baseball and football for Tim and Jim. He built many rabbit hutches for Jayne and was very active in assisting her in loving and caring for her numerous pets. Chuck was Scout Master of Troop 5 for many years. His troop was recognized for being one of the most active troops in Kansas and Missouri.

Chuck always had incredible visions and one day bought a little red cabin on a point at Lake of the Ozarks in 1960. Little did he know he was buying Pretty Boy Floyd's hideout, to this day there are dates carved in the window seal possibly depicting the robberies he committed. He had the best time moving the cabin to a lot he bought and fixing it up. So many wonderful memories were created here with his family and friends over many generations. He also bought 180 acres in Perry, KS, and designed and built a youth ranch called Horse Creek. Chuck was very proud of this accomplishment.

He had a very vested interest in youth throughout all his life and was an educator, counselor, mentor, and coach. There was never a day he did not enjoy going to work. Chuck taught shop and drafting, he was the Director of Guidance Counseling, and was a football and basketball coach for Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, KS for 28 years. He finished his career at Arrowhead Middle School as a counselor, and coach for football and basketball as he had to retire early due to health problems.

Chuck was an exceptional grandfather and great grandfather. He spent countless hours enjoying his grandchildren and great grandchildren over the years. Chuck built many phenomenal things including cradles for his grandchildren and great grandchildren to sleep in, playhouses, pool with swim deck, ice skating rinks, igloos, forts, desks, and clocks to name a few. His woodworking skills and overall imagination were second to none.

Although his family was most important to him, he had many other passions in life. He loved fishing, country music and especially loved Whispering Bill Anderson, playing the piano after learning how to play in his sixties, laughing with his brothers, telling jokes, root beer floats, baked Alaska, taking photos, drawing, writing poems and stories, apple picking, and pumpkin carving.

Chuck was always a very giving man. He grew up in the Methodist church and was a true disciple of God. Some of the many selfless acts of kindness include providing food and housing to families unable to afford it, he helped with utility bills for his renters, purchased clothing for his students, picked up hitch hikers and took them where they needed to go always giving them money as they got out of his truck, gave large tips to waitresses and waiters he befriended that were down on their luck, and the list goes on and on. Several times Chuck would rehab a house for a family that had a loved one with a terminal illness and would donate the house to them as they were unable to get a loan due to their illness.

Chuck was proceeded in death by his parents James and Edith Vining, his wife Laura Vining, and his older brother James "Rod" Vining. He is survived by his younger brother Larry Vining, sons Tim and Jim Vining, daughter Jayne Yunghans, 6 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice as he was always a giving man. We would like to thank Phoenix Hospice for helping us care for him and keep him comfortable.

As he always said, "life is a roller coaster, you have ups and you have downs, but you have to ride it all". He road his to the fullest.

We are so thankful for you; the memories, the lessons, the laughs, and the love you brought to our family. We love you so very much.





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