Obituary

Ronald Lee Chaarles, 49, Sedgwick, died November 2, 1997 at Wolf Creek Lake near Burlington, Kansas. He was born December 1, 1948 at Baxter Springs, the son of Lester G. Charles and Mary E. Charles Tucker. Ron was a captain and 30 year veteran with the Wichita Fire Department. In addition to being a fireman, Ron had a lawn service business with his wife and sons. He was also a master carpenter. He moved to the Sedgwick community in 1982 and wqs a USD 439 school board member, currently serving his third term.

An active member of the school system, he served on various committees and was the board of education liaison to the Sedgwick City Council. He was particularly involved in the modernization of the School facilities. He organized a volunteer crew to rebuild the concession after it was blown down by strong winds several years ago; he coordinated and helped with the re-landscaping of the school's football field, and with the building of the existing track. He also served as the board of educations's representative to the building committee on the new addition currently under construction.

Ron previously served on the Sedgwick Recreation Commission and was instrumental in refurbishing the two existing baseball diamonds and built the new Barney Thomas field. He also formerly served as training officer for the Sedgwick Volunteer Fire Department.

In addition to his devotion to the kids of Sedgwick, Ron enjoyed fishing in Canada with his wife, family members or friends.

On November 17, 1990 he married Leigh A. McGinn Fry. She survives. Other survivors: his sons, Lawrence G. Charles, ElDorado; and Jeffery D. Charles, Wichita; stepdaughter, Laura B. Fry of the home; father and stepmother, Lester G. and Helen Charles, Wichita; brother, Lester G. Charles II, Corvallis, Oregon; sisters, Pat Walker and Peggy Smith, both of Wichita: stepbrother, John Martini, Lyons, Colorado; stepsisters, Pam Schroeder, Lyons, Colorado; Anette Cook, Berthed, Colorado; Debbi Tharp, Wichita and Connie Daniel, Rose Hill; two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his stepson, Dustin J. Fry. His mother died January 16, 1982.

Funeral is Thursday, February 12 at Asbury Methodist Church, Wichita with David McCord, Chaplain of the Wichita Fire Department, presiding. Visitation Wednesday at Petersen Funeral Home, Newton.

Memorials to Dustin Fry Memorial Fund for the Sedgwick High School Technology Department and with the City of Sedgwick Volunteer Fire Department.