Charles Edward Winters

Charles Edward Winters, age 89, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at his home at 1:15 am, of heart failure. He was preceded in death by his wife Ramona “Toni” (Davis) Winters. Chuck and Toni were married 67 years and were lifelong sweetheart partners whose relationship is a shining example of devotion, love and companionship.

Memorial services for Chuck will be held at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection at 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS 66224 at 11 am on Friday, May 23rd in the main sanctuary. Visitation will begin at 10 am. The service will be followed by an ice cream social before proceeding to the burial at Resurrection Cemetery at 8300 Quivira Road, Lenexa, KS 66215. Chuck will be buried with full military honors.

Chuck was born in Olathe, Kansas on June 23rd, 1935 to his parents Thelma and Lloyd Winters. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, KS in 1953. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, Lloyd (Willa) Winters Jr, John (Barbara) Winters, Perry (Judi) Mason and his sister, Norma (Raymond) (Winters) Hicks.

Chuck graduated from the University of Kansas in 1964 earning two Bachelor of Science degrees in Architecture and Architectural Engineering. Chuck was called to serve in the US Army between 1959 and 1962. Following graduation, he worked at various architectural firms and founded his own company, Winters & Associates. Chuck retired from Sprint Corporation after serving in various facility management positions. After retirement, Chuck devoted his professional skills and services to the many facility projects at the Church of the Resurrection. This included serving as co-chair on building committees, a member of the selection team for the stain glass artists for the 2017 stain glass window project in the main sanctuary, as well as designed and constructed a stain glass cross window for the Firestone Chapel at the church.

Chuck and Toni raised two daughters, Holly Jo Winters Combest and Karine Michele (Winters) Hellwig. As the girls grew, both Chuck and Toni were very involved in their activities including church confirmation class leaders, youth groups, education, scouts, sports, music and social groups.

Chuck had many passions outside of his career including a very strong devotion to his church and to local city and county civic projects. His hobbies included photography, stained glass, private construction projects for friends and family, music, choir, organizing high school reunions and planning the Toni’s Tours excursions for their high school friend group.

In addition to being an amazing father to his two girls, Chuck spent time with his wonderful grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as follows: grandchildren Andrew Combest, Shane (Jenn) Combest, Lindsey (Shannon) Humphrey, and Jacob Hellwig; great grandchildren Kylie and Archer Combest-Shen, and Luke, Christopher, Jaqueline and Elizabeth Humphrey. In addition, he leaves behind numerous Davis and Winters families in the Midwest, California, the Northwest, and Florida.

Those who knew Chuck have fond memories of being included in the many activities and gatherings which he planned and spearheaded. As a young architectural student at KU, Chuck was introduced to the design theories of Frank Lloyd Wright. His passionate studies of Wright significantly influenced his outlook on building design, engineering and construction. This enthusiasm extended to his family and often shaped the destinations of family vacations over the years. Last but certainly not least, Chuck found huge pleasure in supporting his prized alma mater Kansas University. He enjoyed attending football and basketball games as well as creating his personal KU Museum full of memorabilia he collected over the years. Win or lose, Chuck was a devoted fan and could be heard regularly chanting: “ROCK CHALK, JAYHAWK! GO KU!”

Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com

Contributions on behalf of Charles Winters may be made to The KU Architecture and Design Scholarship fund. Checks may be mailed to: KU Endowment (Architecture & Design Scholarship Fund #04831), PO Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044-0928. Online donations may be made by visiting KUendowment.org, then click the “Give” link, then click “Choose Area” and scroll to the selection of “Architecture & Design Scholarship Fund #04831”.