Obituary for Charles Richard Wilderson
Charles (Chuck) R. Wilderson, 87, of Basehor, KS died on April 7, 2023 after a short bout with pancreatic cancer.
Visitation 5 to 7 pm, Friday, April 14th, and from 9 to 10 am, Saturday, April 15th, with the Celebration of Life at 10 am, Saturday, April 15th, all at the First Baptist Church, 1410 155th Street, Basehor, KS 66007 with burial to follow in Glenwood Cemetery, Basehor, KS. Afterward, please join the family for a luncheon at the First Baptist Church in Basehor.
Charles was born Oct 19, 1935 at home in Dolores, CO to Charlie R. and Hazel Bell Wilderson. Charles attended school in Dolores, CO and graduated as valedictorian of his senior class. He received a scholarship to the Colorado School of Mines where he graduated with a degree in petroleum engineering.
While in college, he met Pansy Jane Jones on a blind date to the ski slopes. They were married in 1958 and raised 3 sons. Charles and Jane were married for 64 wonderful years.
Charles worked for 32 years as a petroleum engineer. The last 14 years of his career he spent with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company where he was ultimately promoted to Chief Reservoir Engineer. The career led him and his family to live in many parts of the country (and to see many more): Durango, CO; Glendive, MT; Huntington/Barboursville, WV; Shawnee, OK; Fort Morgan, CO; Houston, TX (twice); Liberal and Basehor, KS.
Charles retired from engineering in 1990 while living in Basehor, but his “work” was not done. He spent 30 years after "retirement" supporting his family, bringing joy to people by raising and selling Christmas trees, and benefiting countless people through extensive volunteer service to his Basehor community. If there was a need in the community, Charles tried to fill it.
Charles’ faith and commitment to Jesus Christ was the center of his life: He became a Christian as a young man and spent his life serving Jesus and others. The last 47 years he worked alongside those at the Church of Christ in Bonner Springs to accomplish that service. He was exceedingly grateful for the love of his Christian community.
Charles also deeply loved his family and cherished the time together. He was devoted to Jane and their 3 sons. He loved his daughters-in-law. He adored his grandchildren and loved their spouses. His love for his great grandchildren made his eyes twinkle.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Hazel, as well as his sister Joy (Red) Medlin.
Charles is survived by his wife Jane Wilderson, his sons: Charles Robin (Linda) Wilderson, Dave (Dianne) Wilderson and Steve (Pam) Wilderson, his grandchildren: Lauren (Drew), Brittany (Ryan), Meagan (Justin), Matthew (Asher) and Nayana, his great grandchildren: Fitz, Abby, George and Charles James. He is also survived by his sister Carol (Grady) Campbell of Dolores, Colorado and many friends and extended family.
His family and friends will miss him. However, his faith in Jesus, his love of his family and his life of service are cause for celebration.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leavenworth Council on Aging.
Visitation 5 to 7 pm, Friday, April 14th, and from 9 to 10 am, Saturday, April 15th, with the Celebration of Life at 10 am, Saturday, April 15th, all at the First Baptist Church, 1410 155th Street, Basehor, KS 66007 with burial to follow in Glenwood Cemetery, Basehor, KS. Afterward, please join the family for a luncheon at the First Baptist Church in Basehor.
Charles was born Oct 19, 1935 at home in Dolores, CO to Charlie R. and Hazel Bell Wilderson. Charles attended school in Dolores, CO and graduated as valedictorian of his senior class. He received a scholarship to the Colorado School of Mines where he graduated with a degree in petroleum engineering.
While in college, he met Pansy Jane Jones on a blind date to the ski slopes. They were married in 1958 and raised 3 sons. Charles and Jane were married for 64 wonderful years.
Charles worked for 32 years as a petroleum engineer. The last 14 years of his career he spent with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company where he was ultimately promoted to Chief Reservoir Engineer. The career led him and his family to live in many parts of the country (and to see many more): Durango, CO; Glendive, MT; Huntington/Barboursville, WV; Shawnee, OK; Fort Morgan, CO; Houston, TX (twice); Liberal and Basehor, KS.
Charles retired from engineering in 1990 while living in Basehor, but his “work” was not done. He spent 30 years after "retirement" supporting his family, bringing joy to people by raising and selling Christmas trees, and benefiting countless people through extensive volunteer service to his Basehor community. If there was a need in the community, Charles tried to fill it.
Charles’ faith and commitment to Jesus Christ was the center of his life: He became a Christian as a young man and spent his life serving Jesus and others. The last 47 years he worked alongside those at the Church of Christ in Bonner Springs to accomplish that service. He was exceedingly grateful for the love of his Christian community.
Charles also deeply loved his family and cherished the time together. He was devoted to Jane and their 3 sons. He loved his daughters-in-law. He adored his grandchildren and loved their spouses. His love for his great grandchildren made his eyes twinkle.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Hazel, as well as his sister Joy (Red) Medlin.
Charles is survived by his wife Jane Wilderson, his sons: Charles Robin (Linda) Wilderson, Dave (Dianne) Wilderson and Steve (Pam) Wilderson, his grandchildren: Lauren (Drew), Brittany (Ryan), Meagan (Justin), Matthew (Asher) and Nayana, his great grandchildren: Fitz, Abby, George and Charles James. He is also survived by his sister Carol (Grady) Campbell of Dolores, Colorado and many friends and extended family.
His family and friends will miss him. However, his faith in Jesus, his love of his family and his life of service are cause for celebration.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leavenworth Council on Aging.