Charles Virgil Camren

Virgil Camren, 95, of Parsons, died at 2:00 a.m., Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Center in Parsons.

He was born on March 29, 1922 in Chautauqua County, Kansas to Charles Wesley and Flora Belle (Peebles) Camren.  He grew up and attended schools in Chautauqua County. He and Lela R. Avery were married on November 11, 1939 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.   Following their marriage, they lived in Coffeyville, Kansas and Pawhuska, Oklahoma.  In 1961, they moved to Parsons where he worked for the M-K-T Railroad until he retired.

Virgil honorably served in the United States Navy during World War II and was awarded the WWII victory medal; American Campaign Medal; and the European- African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.  He was honorably discharged in 1949.

Mr. Camren was talented and creative in supporting his family. He worked as a mechanic, welder, gardener, and raised Cattle.  In 1961, he opened an auto body repair shop.  And in 1962 he founded The Red Barn Sales and operated it for over 50 years. He was also an inventor.  His best known patented invention was a pump jack system for oil wells. Out of all his life experiences, came some unforgettable stories of overcoming hard times and helping others.

He was a wonderful and compassionate father who supported and created opportunities for his daughters. He enjoyed rodeos and was a member of the Pawhuska, Oklahoma Saddle Club in earlier years.  All three of his daughter were involved in the rodeos.

Survivors:

Two Daughters – Joyce Aileen Zinn                          Parsons, KS

Marilyn Kay Craft                              Chanute, KS
Ten grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and nineteen great-great-grandchildren.

His wife, Lela preceded him in death on November 29, 2005.  In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers, one sister, one daughter, Vera Crouch, and one granddaughter, Tammy Hill, and great-granddaughter, Nicole Ward.  He had an unforgettable personality and was quite a character.  For years he has been called "Grandpa" by not only his family but those who weren't his biological grandchildren.  He left a legacy of talent, generosity, and humor.  He will be deeply missed and loved by his family friends and local community.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.  Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery beside his wife.  Military honors given by the Brown-Bishop Post #704 Veterans of Foreign Wars of Parsons.

The family will receive friends from, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 25, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Proud Animal Lovers Shelter.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.