NEUBECKER, Charles E. "C.E." - b. May 16, 1936 - d. May 16, 2014

[patyrn]

Charles E. "C.E." Neubecker passed away suddenly on May 16, 2014, his 78th birthday.  He was the son of Dale Neubecker and Elvira (Stiles) Neubecker, and both parents preceded him in death. He was born in Grenola in Elk County, Kansas.  He attended a one-room country school and later attended school in town where he graduated from Grenola High School in 1954.  He attended his 60th high school reunion on May 10, 2014.

C.E. received his BS degree in Science from Pittsburg State University and his Masters degree from "Old Miss" in Biology, Chemistry, and Geology.  When he retired in 1998, he had been teaching science to junior high students for 40 years.  He taught in the Turner, Emporia, and Shawnee Mission school districts.  Most years were at Indian Creek and Mission Valley.  C.E. was a much loved teacher and loved the students in return.  He was a life member of NEA.  His rural upbringing kept him interested in hunting, fishing, and the farm his whole life.  The people in Grenola, Kansas and the entire community were always special to him.  He and his wife, Jeannine, traveled the world together, sometimes with children and grandchildren, and other times leading groups to Europe.  Spring breaks meant forming a Shawnee Mission teacher trip to Europe.

C.E. had many interests:  genealogy, antiques, auctions, having weekly breakfasts with former colleagues, and following all the activities of his children and grandchildren.  He visited places where his family ancestors came from in Germany several times.

C.E. leaves his wife of 55 years, Jeannine (Lampson) Neubecker; children, David and Mark (Diane); grandchildren, Anna Maria Wright (Anthony), Alex Neubecker, Jennie Johnson, and David Anthony (Lara); and great-grandchildren, Brayden Wright, Abbey Johnson, and Kelly Crews.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Anthony in 2006.

A Celebration of Life service was held May 23, 2014 at the Porter Funeral Home in Lenexa, Kansas.  A Funeral Mass took place Saturday, May 24, 2014 at St. Mary's Church in Moline, Kansas.  Burial followed in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery south of Moline.  The family suggests donations to the Senior Citizens Center, The Community Hall air conditioning project, or the Grenola Historical Society.  These can be left with or mailed to Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, Kansas 66215.  Condolences may be expressed at www.porterfuneralhome.com.

(published in the Prairie Star - 05/28/2014)