CORLE, Charles Wilbur - b. October 2, 1943 - d. October 7, 2023

[patyrn]

Charles Wilbur Corle, age 80, passed away October 7, 2023 at the home of his daughter, Ronda Corle. in Wichita, Kansas.  He was born October 2, 1943 near Waynoka, Oklahoma and grew up in the Elk Falls, Kansas area.   His parents were Alfred and Mabel Corle.

Wilbur went to school where he grew up and graduated from Elk Falls High School in 1961.  After high school, he moved to Arkansas City, Kansas where he worked at the packing plant and started going by the name of Charles instead of Wilbur.

Charles married Theresa Marie Ecker on September 5, 1964 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Wellington, Kansas.  He worked from 1968-2001 at Total Refinery in Arkansas City.  While working swing shift as a pumper, he also took on part time jobs painting houses, mowing lawns, and doing odd jobs for people.

Charles was always doing things for his family and others in need.  He enjoyed going fishing and hunting, and although he didn't bring home many deer or fish, he always had a great story to tell.  He was a rodeo fan and loved watching bull riding on TV.  He was known for wearing bib overals with a rag hanging out and his cowboy hat, and he always greeted people with a friendly "Howdy".

While everyone loved  Charles, the grandkids and dogs had a special bond with him.  After retiring when Total closed in 2001, he and Theresa moved to Wichita where they lived until moving to Cumbernauld Village and WSl in 2020.  He spent the last three years in the care of his oldest daughter, Ronda, at her home. 

His family includes his children, Ronda Corle of Wichita, Kansas, Marla Corle of Winfield, Kansas, and Alan Corle of Wichita, Kansas; his brothers, Larry (Betty) Corle of Coffeyville, Kansas, Gene (Carolyn) Corle of Elk Falls, Kansas, and Jim Corle of Coffeyville, Kansas; and his grandchildren, Olivia Voorhis of New York, Amelia Voorhis of Wichita, Kansas, Brent Lambert of Kansas City, and Allessandra Corle of San Antonio, Texas.  In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa; his brother, Joe Corle and wife, Pat Corle; and his sister, Nancy Tuck and husband, Tom Tuck.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.  A luncheon will follow at the church.  Cards and condolences for the family may be sent in care of Marla Corle, 1803 Frankfort Street, Winfield, Kansas 67156.

(published in the Prairie Star - (10/12/2023)