Charles L. Bartison

Charles L. Bartison, age 85, of Vandalia, MO passed away at 4:35 am Monday, February 15, 2021, at The Neighborhoods by TigerPlace Skilled Nursing facility in Columbia, Missouri.

Due to Covid-19 private family services will be held at the Waters Funeral Home. Pastor Jamie Franke will officiate. Burial will be in the Vandalia Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Waters Funeral Home in Vandalia.

Charles was born on November 14, 1935, in Monticello, Illinois the son of Charles P. Bartison and Beulah (White) Bartison Culwell.

He was united in marriage to Sandra J. (Larimore) Bartison on November 15, 1959 in Bement, Illinois. She preceded him in death on December 13, 2017.

Survivors include his three daughters, Heather A. Noe (Kendall) of Columbia, MO, Andrea L. Rose (Paul) of Olathe, KS, Amber M. Hawk (Brandon) of Sheridan, MO; six grandchildren, Esther, Abby and Sam Rose; JoLynn, Jane and Jack Charles (JC) Hawk; also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and one brother, Warren Bartison.

Charles was a devoted member of First Christian Church.  He served as an elder, deacon, Sunday School teacher, and VBS teacher.  He drove his van for kids to get them to church camp and to help church members get to church services and other appointments; some people called him “Uber Charlie.”  He was also known for dressing up for church; he liked to wear a suit and tie and look his best.  There were many summers that he and a few other men volunteered to help cook lunch at church camp.  He was a strong supporter of Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch where he donated pork to feed the children.  He was a member of the Mexico, MO, camp of Gideons International and was involved in distributing Bibles.  In most of those activities, his wife, Sandra, was usually involved; they worshipped together at church and through service to others. 

Charles was an amazingly committed husband.  He was devoted to Sandra and did not speak a harsh word about her.  His example set a high bar for the future husbands of his daughters.  After Sandra’s accident he was committed to providing her excellent care and did so for ten years until her passing.  He was extremely proud of his daughters who became school teachers; he and Sandra instilled a love of learning in them.  Known as Papaw Charlie to his grandchildren, he absolutely adored being a grandpa.  He loved to play with them, read to them, share stories and shower them with gifts.  

He never met a stranger and anyone that talked with him for very long knew about Mom (Sandra), his girls and grandchildren!  Charles was a humble man and would not boast of his deeds but loved to brag about his daughters’ and his grandchildren’s accomplishments.  He loved to socialize over a cup of coffee at DQ or over a meal with his friends at The Junction.  He was known to barbecue pork burgers for family and friends and on occasion compete to see who could eat the most of them.  He could connect with people of any age and people felt compelled to share with him because they knew he cared.  He had a unique ability to bond with young people and his daughters’ friends loved him.  This gift allowed him to serve in many ways teaching Sunday School (to children of different ages and to adults), to serving on the Van-Far School Board, being a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, hosting the Annual Renner Dinner at church one year (with Sandra’s help), handing out Bibles on MU’s campus, visiting the ill in the hospital, teaching at church camp with Kendall and Heather, and so many other ways.

He had a love for farming!  He loved being on the farm and hated being in the hospital or nursing home away from it.  He loved to ride around and check on the crops. He enjoyed the solitude of riding on the tractor or combine for hours.  He loved raising hogs. And he loved sharing that with others even bringing a piglet or two to his daughters’ kindergarten classes.  He was a generous neighbor.  He loaned equipment to them, helped them in their fields and shared his past experiences as helpful advice.  He was humbled to be the recipient of their help in May 2007 when they planted his fields so that he could stay with Mom in the ICU; something he never forgot.  

He was a strong believer in education.  While he never succeeded past high school he never stopped learning.  He continually kept up with new advancements in farming.  And he had a childlike wonder about God’s creation which led to his love of farming.  He could always see how God was infused in world events; he tied current events to his Sunday School lessons.  He studied to be an assessor.  He was proud to have served on the School Board to support the schools.  

Prior to becoming a father, Charles was in the Army National Guard.  He served for 10 years.  He was proud of his service but never considered himself a veteran because he did not serve in combat; he revered those that did. He also worked at Hercules Chemical Works in Bowling Green, MO, but quite after becoming a dad.

Pallbearers will be Kendall Noe, Paul Rose, Brandon Hawk, Scott Bartison, Kevin Williams and Nick Johnston.

Honorary pallbearers are Sam Rose, Jack Charles (JC) Hawk, Andrew Bartison and Matthew Bartison.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shiloh Christian Children's Ranch or The Gideons International, in care of Waters Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Charles memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com