Charles “Chuck” Lavely

OBERT — Charles “Chuck” Lavely, 71, Obert, died peacefully May 13, 2020, of natural causes at his home surrounded by his loving family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m., Sept. 6, 2020, at the Obert Community Hall.

Chuck was born at home in Mercer, Mo., Sept. 6, 1948. He was the youngest, and only son of Lillie Eleanor (Leytham) and Alva Rolland Lavely. He grew up on the farm in Mercer, and attended high school in Mercer as well. Chuck married Cheryl Janice Brown March 15, 1967. They were married for 28 years.

Chuck married Deborah Caddell June 29, 1996. Chuck held many different employment positions over the years. He started out in construction. He owned several businesses over the years including a tree service business, a logging company, a commercial fishing business and a railroad contracting business. His last job was working for the railroad.

During his lifetime, Chuck enjoyed several different hobbies and activities. His favorite pastime was fishing. He traveled coast-to-coast for work, fishing all along the way. He spent time in 48 states, only missing two states on the eastern seaboard. His fishing travel highlights were Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and Canada.

Other interests included working in his shop, watching westerns—his favorites included those starring John Wayne and Clint Eastwood—ocean cruises (two of which included parasailing which he surprisingly, greatly enjoyed), making new friends everywhere he went; he never knew a stranger, listening to country music and attending country music concerts. Chuck was known as “the storyteller” to family and friends; he could talk to anybody.

He is survived by his spouse, Debbie; son, Gary (and Cindy) Porter; daughter, Cheri (and Ron) Lavely-DeGroot; son, Bill (and Shelly) Lavely, and stepson, Scott (Robin) Caddell; grandchildren are Jacob, Travis, Destiny, Logan, Anna, Chris, Joshua, Ashley, Heather, Brandon, BilliJo, Chase, Renae, Kristin, Jason, Brady, Drew, Travis, Trevor and Amelia; and great-grandchildren, Kacyn, Graycen, Nala, Nyla, Hazel and Raelynn.

Chuck was predeceased by Cheryl (Brown) Lavely; infant son, Scott; and sisters, Ramona Bagley and Pauline Mendenhall.