Charles L. Feagan

1928 - 2021

Charles Leon Feagan, 92, Owensville, died Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at Mercy Hospital Washington.

He was born Sept. 16, 1928, to Raymond Alfred and Dora Christina (Moore) Feagan, in Gasconade. Charles attended elementary school in Gasconade and graduated from Hermann High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in music education from the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, and a master's degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia.

Charles married his high school sweetheart, Mary Fogerson, April 7, 1951, at St. George Catholic Church in Hermann. Charles and Mary enjoyed a long marriage of 70 years and had five children.

Charles is survived by his wife, Mary Feagan, Owensville; children, Michael Feagan and wife Barbara, nee Emde, Owensville, Mary Kathleen Myers and husband Richard, Nixa, Lisa Kamler and husband John, Owensville, and Laurie Feagan, St. Louis; grandchildren, Kaylynne Niederer and husband Jared, Owensville, Rachael Schluetter and husband Ryan, Lake Saint Louis, Ashley Boswell and husband Eric, Blue Springs, Barbra Myers, Jupiter, Florida, and Ian Kamler, Kissimmee, Florida; great-grandchildren, Ella, Violet and Jackson Niederer, Lincoln and Boone Schluetter, and Kate Boswell; niece, Sheila Stone; nephew, Dale Feagan; and great-nephew, Eric Stone.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Feagan; his parents, Raymond and Dora Feagan; and brother, Raymond D. Feagan.

Charles'^love of the river started as a young boy living near the Gasconade River. Concealing his age, he worked at the Corp of Engineers Boat Yard in Gasconade and spent a summer as a young man working on the Missouri River aboard a riverboat, pushing barges. Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy July 6, 1951, and honorably served aboard the U.S.S. Lake Champlain until his discharge July 5, 1955.

As many know, Charles had a long, distinguished career in music education and as band director, covering 41 years. He enjoyed sharing his talents and love of music with many young students in the schools of Richland, Wellsville, Owensville and Washington. His longest tenure of 25 years was as band director with the Owensville School District, followed by 10 years teaching at St. Francis Borgia Grade School. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Owensville, the Knights of Columbus, and served on the board of Gasconade Manor Nursing Home for many years. Music was a mainstay for Charles. He could frequently be found in his "shed" listening to his jazz favorites such as Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. Charles shared his talents as drummer as a longtime member of the German polka band The Hungry Five and as a member of the B.A. Wagner Orchestra. Fishing the many rivers, creeks and area lakes with his son, Mike, son-in-law, John, and many special friends was another favorite pastime. But most important to Charles was his lovely wife, Mary, his children, extended family and many friends. Charles will be forever in our hearts and remembered for his ready smile, kindness and sense of humor.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you and love to all of the employees of The Terrace and Gasconade Manor for their love and care of Charles. Also, thank you to all the friends and former students who stayed in touch with Charles and to those who posted kind comments on social media.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 4, from 4-8 p.m. at Gottenstroeter Chapel, Owensville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 5, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Owensville, with the Rev.Wayne Boyer officiating.

Burial, with full military honors, will be in St. George Catholic Cemetery, Hermann.

Please observe COVID restrictions. Masks are requested but not mandatory. Break room will be closed.

Memorials requested to family's choice and will be directed to a music scholarship fund.

Arrangements are entrusted to Gottenstroeter Funeral Home, Owensville.