Charles Eby

January 18, 1945 - March 16, 2025

Wichita, Kansas - Charles Kimbell Eby, 80, loving husband and father and enthusiastic volunteer, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025, on John 3:16 day. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:30 pm, Thursday, March 27, 2025 at First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Martin K. Eby, Sr. and Pauline Eby; his sister, Carolyn Grier; his brother, Martin K. Eby, Jr. on the day prior; and brothers-in-law, Jim Grier, III, John Schroeppel and David Casper. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean Casper Eby; daughters, Christina (Jon) Neely and their children, Piper (fiancé Abid) Eli, Jalear, and Susan (Lucas) Koch and their children, Tanner (fiancée Aenya), Bryson, Laura (Mitchell) Budke.

Charles was born in Wichita, KS on January 18, 1945 and graduated from Wichita North High School in 1962. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1967 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Charles and Jean met at Kansas State University on a blind date and it was love at first sight. They were married June 15, 1968.

Charles was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church. He spent his entire career working in construction in the business his father founded, Martin K. Eby Construction Company, serving as Vice President.

Charlie gave generously of his time and talents to organizations around Wichita. He volunteered tirelessly; he was a "Big" to two young men for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and served 9 years on the board for Open Doors. He volunteered for over 20 years at Habitat for Humanity, serving 3 years as President and helping to establish the ReStore, receiving multiple awards in recognition of his leadership and service. He was a strong supporter of Kansas State University. He was a founding member of Triangle Fraternity and served as President of the KSU Chapter.

His passions in life were his family, serving others, and exercise! He supported his family in all ways possible, providing love and support, with a determined but light-hearted approach. Charlie loved the outdoors, spending boyhood hours along the banks of the Arkansas River, fishing and hunting. He loved all forms of exercise, but especially running, biking, swimming, skiing in the Rockies, canoeing and kayaking. He enjoyed sharing these activities with his loved ones.

Memorials have been established with First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202; and Wichita Habitat for Humanity, 2220 N. Opportunity Dr.

Wichita, KS 67219.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Services in Care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Read the full obituary and share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wichita Eagle from Mar. 21 to Mar. 23, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Eby

Sponsored by Wichita Eagle.

12 Entries

Eric G. Wichmann

July 14, 2025

I was VERY saddened when I learned of the passing of Charles (and Martin Jr. the day before).
The world just lost two VERY extraordinary men.
I consider myself very fortunate to have known them and to have worked for them.

Robert Burdge

April 9, 2025

I knew Charlie mostly through stories from my Dad and my Father-in-Law Chuck Stanley. Although Chuck, Charlie and I did enjoy a really chilly canoe trip in southern Missouri one March weekend many years ago. Charlie was very kind. He visited Chuck after his stroke and really made him laugh with stories from the old days. I still have a copy of Aesop´s Fables that Martin Sr. wrote in and gave to my Dad when I was born. Lots of connections and memories.

Mark Herron

April 1, 2025

It was during this past year that Charles and I would cross paths as I was walking my dog and he would be on one of his walks. We would start walking together and have enjoyable talks. I will remember those times.

Arlene Lanman

March 30, 2025

The ceremony at the United Methodist Church in Wichita was vert nice and uplifting. The life presentation in the Narthex was phenomenal. I paged through the wedding album and recalled both Meg Ewing and Phyllis Johnson. Also, the Triangle Fraternity display was wonderful, along with the many service awards. I met Charley (Chebe) in college; he was a friend to all he met. I am sure David Casper and Phyllis were there in Spirit. My heart goes out to Jean and her family - Charley will be greatly missed.

Scott and Terri Smiley

Planted Trees

Peggy Wingard

March 26, 2025

To the Eby family,

My condolences to you. I know you have had a couple of tough months losing family members. Charles was a great man and will be missed. He touched a lot of lives in many ways. Peggy Wingard

LaJune Olson Lynch

March 25, 2025

Dear Jean
You and Charles were a precious couple, and I will always remember your presents with each other

Judy

March 23, 2025

To Jean and family and friends. I am so sad to hear of Charles passing. I offer my prayers for all
Charlie was a special member of our North High Class of 1962 and a wonderful example of what one person can accomplish in a lifetime. I watched him riiding his bicycle to work every day as I drove around River Boulevard to my job. Judy (Funk) Streeter

Becky & Roger Turner

March 22, 2025

Dear Jean & family.

May the love of friends and family bring comfort to you today and in the days to come. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Celebrating a life filled with Joy and love. From business and later to Habitat For Humanity, Charles was the BEST!!!

Roger & Becky Turner

Hannah Kelderman

March 21, 2025

Hello Mrs. Eby, I am so sorry to hear about you losing your Charles. I used to mow your lawn when I was attending North High and you all still lived on Bella Vista. I always appreciated how nice you both were and how you were willing to give me a job so that I could start saving up for college. I also always enjoyed seeing your husband riding his bike to work and hearing of his canoeing and kayaking fun. I know it's been several decades since I last spoke with you all but I always thought Charles would have appreciated that as a teacher I helped start up the Engineering program at his beloved North High. I think he especially would have appreciated that this upcoming school year we will be offering Civil Engineering and Architecture. If our future Civil Engineering class students go on to K-State to become even half as hardworking and ethical as your husband, our community will be blessed indeed. Praying for you and your family as you grieve this loss.

Ruth Martinez

March 21, 2025

He will be greatly missed.

Diane Quantic

March 21, 2025

Charlie and Jean were our life-long friends. Charlie was permanently happy, even two days before his death when I visited him he had a little chuckle in his voice. He mentored a "Little Brother" through Big Brothers/Big Sisters until the young man was on solid footing as an adult. He never gave up on someone or something he felt strongly about. He died a year after my husband. I miss Bruce, and I will miss Charlie: two kind and faithful friends who made life better for their families and friends..

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