Charles Edward Bleakley

loving family by his side.

Charles' journey began in Kirksville, MO on January 23rd,

1926. In 1928 he and beloved sister Marilyn and wonderful parents, Gaylord and

Mary moved to Brookside. He attended Border Star Elementary and Southwest

High School, where Charles graduated in 1943. After pledging Sigma Chi at the

University of Missouri, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in both the Army Air

Corp and Field Artillery, and was honorably discharged from the Reserves as a First

Lieutenant. After the War, he and best friend Bill Reno completed their degrees at

the University of Miami. Upon returning to Kansas City, Charles married the love of

his life, the late Jeanne Bleakley, with whom he shared 69 years.

Chuck spent a short time at Swift and Company and then worked for three years as a

sales associate for JC Nichols. His years at the Nichols Company led to the beginning

of a long and successful career as both a homebuilder and developer. Charles

developed award-winning single and multi-family communities and numerous

shopping centers. He served as the 1966 President of the Home Builder's

Association of Greater Kansas City, where he became a Senior Life Director in 1991

and later received the George W. Byers Award for distinguished service to the home

building industry. Charles served on the School Board for the Linwood School

District and enjoyed his many years as a Director and Advisory Director of United

Missouri Bank, now UMB Bank.

During his busy career, Charles always made time to pursue his passion for farming

and ranching. He raised pure-bred Black Angus cattle and was often found in the

saddle, riding one of the many horses he owned throughout much of his adult life.

Together with Jeanne, he gave back to the community as a Fellow of the Nelson

Atkins Museum of Art and Patron of the Kemper Museum. He gave of his time and

treasure to Christ Church Anglican, where he served as a member of the vestry and

as a Junior and Senior Warden of the previous Christ Episcopal Church. He was

committed to the great work of Children's Mercy and St. Luke's Hospitals and kids

tIc. Charles was a 32nd degree Mason and a Board member of The Kansas City

Country Club, where he and Jeanne enjoyed years of spirited tennis.

Charles was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, respected friend

and businessman. He leaves a legacy of humble generosity, vision and integrity. His

word was his bond. Charles is survived by daughter Dana Bleakley; Son Todd E.

Bleakley (Jan) and their daughters Kristen Anne Bleakley and Lauren Bleakley

Anthony (Taylor); and son David P. Bleakley (Kay) and their son Matthew D.

Bleakley and their daughter Erin Bleakley. Charles and his family are so

appreciative of the wonderful care and compassion shown by the staff at Claridge

Court. They became his dear friends.

In Lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to: the Charles E. and Jeanne A.

Bleakley Family Neurodiagnostic Technology Program Scholarship at Children's

Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gilham Road, KC, MO 64108; The Jeanne and Charles

Bleakley Family Dementia Lectureship Series c/o St. Lukes Hospital Foundation, 901

East 104th Street, KC, MO 64131; kids tIc, 480 S. Rogers Road, Olathe, KS 66207 ;

Christ Church Anglican, 5500 W. 91st Street, OP, KS 66207.

A Celebration of Charles' life will be held on a date to be announced. Arrangements

Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home & Cemetery (816) 942-2004.