Dr. Charles Moran

Charles Robert Moran was the fourth of eight children born to John and Anna Moran in 1936. He grew up in a proud Irish-Catholic family in Northeast Kansas City and attended St. Stephen’s Grade School and Cardinal Glennon High School. After high school, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving in Tripoli, Libya and Edinburgh, Scotland. Upon his return to Kansas City, Charles earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Rockhurst College and furthered his education at the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned a Master of Arts in History and a Ph.D. in Political Science.

In the fall of 1970 Charles returned to Rockhurst College (later Rockhurst University) to teach Political Science and History. A few years later Charles returned to military service by enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserve. During his tenure at Rockhurst, Charles chaired the Political Science Department and served as an Academic Advisor, Pre-law Advisor, and led several student trips to Mexico, Israel, Russia, China, and the Dominican Republic. He spent many of his weekends and summer vacations serving as a Military Intelligence Instructor at several active duty and reserve military schools including Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort McCoy, Wisconsin; Fort Huachuca, Arizona; and Camp Bullis, Texas.

He retired from the U.S. Army Reserve in 1996 at age 60 having achieved the rank of Sergeant Major. At the age of 84, he retired as Professor Emeritus after 50 years of distinguished service to the Rockhurst College/University community.

His greatest source of pride was always his family. He met the love of his life, Juanita, during a student trip to Mexico in 1975. They were married on New Year’s Day of 1977 in her hometown of Torreon, Coahuila and made their home in Kansas City. Their union bore four children: Karen (David Redlich), Mark, Alex, and Susie (Jimmy Vreeland) and seven grandchildren: Michael, Julia, Grace, Maria, Bubba, Tommy, and Johnny. Charles took great joy in watching his children and grandchildren grow and thrive in his later years. He was their biggest fan on and off the field. Charles is also survived by his brother Tom (Priscilla) and his sisters: Barbara (Paul Hunter) and Rita. He was preceded in passing by his loving parents and his four brothers: Jack, Gene, Ed, and Pat.

Charles was an active member of St. Thomas More Parish since 1978. He credited much of his success and values to the lessons learned while at St. Steven’s, Cardinal Glennon High School, and Rockhurst College. Charles was determined to instill those values in his children, all of whom attended St. Thomas More, Rockhurst High School or St. Teresa’s Academy, and graduated from Rockhurst University.

He was loyal to a fault and eternally optimistic. Every spring since 1969 he was convinced the Royals were bound to win it all. His optimism never seemed to waiver, despite his beloved Royals failing to meet his expectations 52 out of 54 seasons.

Charles was a warm, practical, principled man of simple pleasures. He loved meat and potatoes, reliable and sensible cars, flannel shirts, old movies, daily newspapers, bad jokes, a good nap, pastries, ice cream, and finding a good deal. He enjoyed watching Chiefs games on TV and listening to Royals games on the radio. He seemed happy by default.

Throughout his life Charles was known alternatively as Dr. Moran, Sergeant Major Moran, Chuck, and a few of his oldest friends even called him Charlie. To his family, he was always Honey, Dad or Papa. To say he excelled in those last three roles would be a gross understatement. Charles Moran epitomized what it means to be a family man.

Charles lived a full, rewarding, honorable life in service to God, his family, his community, and his country. He was a great son, brother, teacher, soldier, husband, father, and grandfather. He changed countless lives for the better and will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all who had the good fortune of sharing his company.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 pm on Sunday, February 4th at McGilley State Line Chapel. Eulogy and Memorial Mass will begin at 10:50 am Monday, February 5th at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to St. Thomas More School, St. Teresa’s Academy, Rockhurst High School, or Rockhurst University.