Charles Vernon Blauvelt, 82, Harwood, departed this life on May 19, 2010. He was born March 24, 1928, in Kansas City, the son of Merrill and Theresa Schrock Blauvelt.
Charles was united in marriage to Ula West on March 6, 1948. To this union of 62 years, three children were born: Dennis, David and Virginia.
Charles served in the Navy during World War II. He served as a Seaman First Class and was stationed with the occupational forces in Japan. He received a World War II medal.
During his early 20s, Charles accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized in 1954 at the Northern Heights Baptist Church in Northern Heights. He attended services at the First Baptist Church of El Dorado Springs where he faithfully served as a greeter.
For 30 years, Charles drove a school bus for the El Dorado Springs School District. He enjoyed farming and traveling to the mountains.
Preceding Charles in death were his parents; three brothers - Merrill, Roy and Bill; and one sister, Mary.
Charles is survived by his wife, Ula, of the home near Harwood; his three children - Dennis and wife, Donna – Ozark, David and wife, Mary Ann – Sheldon, and Virginia and husband, Tom James - Joplin; nine grandchildren - Denise Blauvelt – Republic, Terry Blauvelt and wife, Sharon – Springfield, Neil Blauvelt - Huntington Beach, CA, Amber Parker and husband, Matt - St. Peters, Aaron Blauvelt, Emily Blauvelt and James Blauvelt - all of Sheldon, Adrian Villalobos and husband, Rogelio - Dallas, TX, and Nadine James - Springfield. He also leaves seven great-grandchildren - Jaena, Theodore, Arielle, Chelsea, Mateo, Diego and Jackson; one sister, Dorothy - Tonganoxie, KS; and brother, Johnny - Stockton.
Charles will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services were held on Saturday, May 22, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel. Bro. Ralph Benham officiated and Rusty Carver provided music. Interment followed in Pankey Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Darrin Jackson, Wayne Yakel, Dean Yakel, Larry Biddlecome, Dane Perry and Doug McNeece.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation and left at the funeral home.
