Charles M. "Mike" Estes

Charles Michael Estes "Mike" 76, of Topeka passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

He was born August 20, 1947 in Bartlesville, OK, the son of Charles H. Estes and Ava M. "Bundy" Estes. He moved to Topeka in 1952. Mike was an avid Boy Scout and obtained his Eagle Scout in 1962. He attended Seaman High School in 1961-65 where he played football, wrestled, and was President of student council. He received many awards for his trumpet playing. In 1964-65 he went on to regionals in Wichita Kansas and ended up playing with Doc Severinsen and then on to State where he took 1st place. Mike met his High School Sweetheart and love of his life Karla S. Mace. Mike and Karla were married in 1966. He attended Kansas State University from 1965 - 1971 where he was enrolled in Air Force ROTC. He graduated from Kansas State with a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering. After graduating from Kansas State he served in the United States Air Force as a Captain and was stationed in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. He received the Air Force commendation metal as squadron aerospace munitions officer, 4925th Field Maintenance squadron. Mike was honorably discharged in 1975. He began his career at Westinghouse in Idaho falls, ID. He continued his career in engineering at Black and Veatch in Kansas City in 1976. In 1979, he joined the startup group at Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant in New Strawn, KS as an Operational Manager. He was contracted throughout the United States thru 1990 as a quality Control Officer for Nuclear power. After retiring from engineering, he pursued his second career in HVAC education at Southeast Community College in Nebraska and retired from there in 2011. He was a member of the American Legion, American society of professional engineers and the American nuclear society. In his spare time, he enjoyed his family, Fishing, and camping. He was also an avid collector of knives who, enjoyed smoking his pipe, and old Westerns.

Survivors include his wife, Karla "Mace" of Topeka, Christopher M. Estes (Dottie) of Topeka, Stacie Shaffer (Kirk) of Louisburg, KS, Jayme L. Williams (Bud) of Marietta, TX and Shellie K. Estes of Topeka; grandchildren, Anthony Estes, Paige Shaffer, Peyton Shaffer, Taylor Williams (Shyanne), Aaron Williams, Blanca Estes, Christian Estes, Jaden Estes and Maria Estes, Rusty, Jeremy, Judy, Brooke, one nephew, Brooke Estes (Skyler); and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his twin sister Pamela S. Estes in 2006 and his parents.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Parker-Price and Davidson Cremations, Funerals, Receptions at 245 NW Independence, Topeka Ks 66608.

Charles's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel To Towers.