Charles A. Liggett

OBITUARY: Charles Austin Liggett



Charles Austin Liggett, died Fri., Sept. 28, 2007, at home with his family after an extended illness. He was born at Vassar, KS. Oct. 9, 1921, the son of Glenn and Mary Jewell Liggett.

Charles is survived by his wife of 65 years, Donavene Brian Liggett, of the home; his daughter D. Charlene Rose of Grain Valley, MO, and son William Brian Liggett and wife Linda of Topeka; grandson Todd Rose and companion Cheryl Eagan and Todd's two daughters, Krystle and Lindsey of Blue Springs, MO; grandson Brian Rose and wife Toni and daughters, Mary Claire and Laney of Grain Valley, MO; grandson Brady Liggett and wife Kawehilami and daughter Abigail and sons Konor and Tyler of Topeka; granddaughter Angie Rose Schnetzer and husband Jason and daughter Sophia Maria of Independence, MO; granddaughter Kristie Rose Luttrell and husband Korey of Raytown, MO and granddaughter Erica O'Brien and her husband Pat and son Vance Lee of Kansas City, MO.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Helen Liggett Schufeldt and brother Leonard Liggett.

Charles served in the Army during WWII and was stationed in the Pacific for three years, serving first with Company D., 185th Infantry of the 40th Division and then with the 518th Quartermaster Car Company of the 29th Quartermaster Corps. This company provided escort service for visiting high ranking officers; congress and government personnel; newsmen and women, and entertainers. Of all of these, Bob Hope was his favorite escort.

After the war, Charles was affliliated first with Bennett Auto Supply and then with Lacey Auto Supply until the 1966 tornado destroyed the business. After the tornado he became affiliated with the Topeka Branch of Industrial Bearing and Transmission, where he was employed as store manager until his retirement in 1983.

During the building of Gage Park Baptist Church, Charles joined other members of the congregation in finishing the interior of the church and although not a member of the church he continued in the work of the church through the years and the marriage of his daughter in the church and years later, during the Vietnam War, he and his son Bill, who was on leave, were baptized on Father's Day and joined the membership of the church.

Charles was an avid pitch player and loved to camp, boat, ski, swim, dance, play golf, bowl and travel. He and Donavene traved extensively across the United States and spent their winters at their home in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Charles was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; a loyal friend; and a man who thoroughly enjoyed his chosen field of sales and service.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Mon., Oct. 1, 2007, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence. Interment will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Charles will lie in state after 1:00 PM, Sunday at the funeral chapel where the family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 1033 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66604. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.