Charles L. Middleton

Charles L. "Charlie" Middleton, 86, of Parsons, passed away the morning of Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Elmhaven East in Parsons.

Charles Lee Middleton was born on July 28, 1938, to John Edward and Viola Mae (Walls) Middleton in Thayer, Kansas.  He grew up and attended school in Thayer, graduating from Thayer High School in 1957.

After marrying Elaine Livingston on June 5, 1960, the couple moved to Costa Mesa, California, where he worked at his father-in-law's service station.  After returning to Kansas in 1963, Charlie did bridge construction until the family moved to Mound Valley in 1965.  While the family lived in Mound Valley, they attended the Mound Valley Methodist Church.  Charlie worked for the SEK (Kansas State) Experiment Station until his retirement in 1999.  During those years and thereafter, he also worked with his brothers on the family farm.

On September 10, 1983, Charlie and Phyllis Raye (Smith) Garland were united in marriage at St. John's Episcopal Church in Parsons.  Charlie became a member of St. John's and was baptized.

Charlie and Phyllis enjoyed time with family and taking trips to Las Vegas.  Well-known for his "gift of gab," Charlie went to many auctions and estate sales.  He enjoyed antiquing especially for advertising items and oil and gas collectibles.

Survivors include:

His wife – Phyllis Middleton of the home

One son – Mark Alan Middleton (Natasha) of Olathe, Kansas

One daughter – Diane Michelle Middleton Davis (Douglas) of Parsons, Kansas

One step-son – Dean Douglas Garland (Dianna) of Overland Park, Kansas

One step-daughter – Gina Kaye Garland of Parsons, Kansas

13 grandchildren – Zachary Middleton, Kierstin DeNoon (Ashton), Connor Middleton (Michaela), Lucas Middleton (Anna), Mark Stepanov, Matthew Middleton, Keri Davis, Jeffrey Garland (Tara), Amanda Garland, Calvin Garland (Gretchen), Tyler Garland, Nolan Webster, and Paiton Webster (Clayton)

10 great-grandchildren and one on the way

Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins

He was preceded in death by one son, Rodney Dean Middleton; one daughter, Kim Denise Middleton Orr; three brothers, Robert "Bob" Middleton, John Middleton, and David Middleton; and three sisters, Irene Fender, and two infant sisters.

The Memorial Service will be at 10:30 a.m., June 14, 2025, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons.  Burial will follow at Harmony Grove Cemetery in rural Dennis.  The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m., June 14, until the service begins.

Memorials are suggested to St. John's Episcopal Church.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.