Charles "Chuck" Ray Waymire

Charles “Chuck” Waymire of Ottawa, Kansas passed away Christmas day 2025, at age 95 years young. A man of faith and character, he was born to Thelma Grace and Olin Washington (Ole) Waymire on August 3rd, 1930 at home in Wichita, KS. Chuck had 3 siblings: Olin Edward (JR), Donald Eugene, and Shirley Maxine. Growing up in the “Great Depression and Dust Bowl Eras” the family moved several times from Wichita for Ole to find work in the meat business. They eventually landed in Ottawa, KS. There Chuck completed all his schooling and graduated. He married his high school sweetheart Kathleen Nail (d. 1989). They started a family and had 4 children: Charles Frederick, Mary Beth, Larry Wayne, and Kathy Marie.

Chuck had many varied jobs in his lifetime and often said “I am never afraid to leave a job for a better one” or “I was never afraid of losing a job because I always knew I could find another one.” In the early years, he worked at BF Goodrich, Firestone, Pence & Bales, Piggly Wiggly (for his brother-in-law, Loyd, in Denver), then back in Kansas he opened an Army Surplus store followed by working for his dad in Waymire’s grocery. Chuck would eventually own his own grocery stores in Ottawa, Lawrence, Olathe, Atchison, and Salina. Along with a hardware store in Olathe. Chuck was also on the Board of Directors for Associated Wholesale Grocers. Even the FBI honored him in 1977 when they brought him in on a sting operation used to catch thieves stealing truckloads of beef.

By the 1980’s Chuck had started a consulting business, bought World Seed (a wheat breeding company) and started a liquid fertilizer company establishing fertilizer plants on haciendas in Mexico. Chuck married Zondra Lee Horton in 1987 and they lived in Texas before moving back to Ottawa in 1992. They purchased the Stop-N-Save Gas station in 1994 which they operated until 2009. Chuck retired and sold the gas station at age 79. He knew it was time and said this about the station: “…you get to know all your customers by name & your employees are considered friends.” He had many friends.

In retirement Chuck and Zondra enjoyed all the travel, family reunions and making most, if not all of the major events for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Times with JR, Don, & Shirley were extra special as they always got together at least once a month and their spouses. For as Zondra said, “as they had worked together now they would play together.” Practical jokes were a given when Chuck was around.

Chuck loved playing cards and boating as good family fun. He owned many boats along with a ski jump, ski kite, and trick ski’s. Flying came along in 1973 when he sold a boat and got an airplane in return; he would own many airplanes in his lifetime. He also loved dogs, specifically wolf-dogs named Chief. Anything that involved family he made a priority.

A member of the First Christian Church of Ottawa growing up and while married to Kathleen. Later, Chuck and Zondra attended the First United Methodist Church of Ottawa.

Chuck was a man of faith, love, principle, and hard work. His family he loved deeply, whether they were family by blood or not. His inherited sense of humor required knowledge of him to understand and appreciate. Phrases like “I’d rather wear out, than rust out.” were said both by Chuck and his dad, along with so many others.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 38 years, Zondra Waymire. Also survived by his sister, Shirley (Bill) Gloy of Lyndon, KS; his sons, Charlie (Kathleen) of Paola, KS and Larry of Vassar, KS; daughters, Mary Montis of Ottawa, and Kathy (Clell Ray) Waymire of St Augustine, FL. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Olin and Thelma Waymire; brothers, Olin Edward Waymire (the late Rosemary Waymire); Donald Eugene Waymire (the late Norma Waymire).

Chuck Waymire, beloved by so many, lives on in each of us that knew him. May we honor his memory by the life we live.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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