Charles Allen Boaz

Charles Allen “Charlie” Boaz passed away on May 7, 2024, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born on November 21, 1947, at Johnson Hospital in Chanute, Kansas, to Ralph and Julia (Thielen) Boaz.
 
Charlie attended St. Patrick’s Catholic schools and graduated from Chanute High School with the Class of 1965.  He then attended Neosho County Community College where he played as point guard on the basketball team.  He continued his education at Pittsburg State University studying biology and education until he was drafted and joined the Kansas Army National Guard.

On December 27, 1975, Charlie married the love of his life Kristy (Smith) Boaz in Chanute, Kansas. Together they built a beautiful family.

Charlie retired from Ash Grove Cement Company as a quarry foreman after being with the company for 30 years.  He then started a second career as a project manager at Optimized Process Furnaces for nine years.

Charlie carried forth his passion for education through his election to the USD 413 School Board where he served for 12 years, including many years as president.  He was active in Neosho County 4-H serving as Fair Board member and Sheep Superintendent.  Charlie was currently serving in his 17th year as Trustee of Neosho County Community College and also served on the NCCC Foundation Board. 

He was a member of various organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Rural  Water Board, and many others.  Charlie would do anything for anyone.
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Charlie enjoyed many hobbies including collecting coins and watching any sport, especially the Panthers, Gorillas, Jayhawks, and Chiefs. He loved spending time with family, including recent cruises and beach vacations and was always in the stands cheering on his kids and grandchildren in all their activities.  He spent many mornings solving all the world’s problems at Cardinal Drug with his coffee crew.  In his younger years, he loved dancing and music, he was active playing fast-pitch softball for St. Pat’s and Foodtown, slow-pitch softball for Coliseum, bowled in multiple leagues with his team B&D Contractors, played “noon ball” at NCCC, and took up golf in his retirement.

In addition to his dedicated wife Kristy of the home, Charlie is survived by his son Chad (Alyssa) Boaz of Erie, KS; daughters Kimberly Boaz of Kansas City, MO; and Brooke (Jeremy) Bullimore of Lee's Summit, MO; siblings Alice Tobin of Chanute, KS; Barbara (Tony) Kline of Canyon, TX; Mike Boaz of Chanute KS; and Pat (Trudi) Boaz of Mead, CO; cherished grandchildren Connor, Mason, Adalyn, Finn, and Nora; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Julia Boaz and his mother-in-law Alma Smith.
 
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wickham Family Funeral Home 500 North Forest Ave Chanute, KS.

On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, the Rosary will be recited at 10:00 AM followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chanute, KS. Burial will follow Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Chanute. Military Honors will be presented by the Chanute Honor Guard. 

In lieu of flowers, Charlie would ask that you do something that he would do; strike up a conversation with a stranger, find a way to support your community, or spend time outside planting flowers or playing ball.  

Memorials are suggested to Neosho County Fair Board, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, or Neosho County Community College Foundation and can be left with or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, KS 66720
 
May he rest in peace knowing he touched so many lives with kindness and dedication throughout his journey. 

Services are under the guidance of Wickham Family Funeral Home Chanute, KS.