OBITUARY
Charles Sweeney
March 13, 1922 – June 15, 2013
Charles Lee “Chuck” Sweeney, Leawood, Kansas went home to be with the Lord on Saturday June 15, 2013 at The Forum. There will be a visitation at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO, on Monday June 17 from 6:00-8:00 PM. Private burial at Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Memorial services will be Thursday June 20 at 4 PM at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Jewel room of the Church. The family requests no flowers and suggests contributions to St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 6401 Wornall Terrace, Kansas City, MO, 64113. Chuck was born in Somerset, Kentucky March 13, 1922 to Lee and Jane Hurt Sweeney. He enjoyed being raised in a small town (13,000 population) where he became an Eagle Scout and was president of his senior class. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Commerce in July 1943. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He retired from the General Electric Company in April 1986. He represented the Wiring Devices Dept. in sales and marketing for the central area of the country until 1976 and was known throughout the area as the specialist in this field. In 1976 his department was merged with the Industrial Sales Division where he became a part of a sales pool representing 30 product departments. He loved the company and his association with it. Although he traveled the world extensively after the death of his beloved wife and daughter he wanted balance in his life and found this in volunteer work. He volunteered at St. Luke’s hospital, Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, and the United Way. He received President Bush’s volunteer and service award in 2004 for his civic participation and volunteer work in the community and the same award from President Obama in 2009. He was a member of the Ararat Shrine, Electrical Association of Kansas City, Leawood Rotary Club, a Paul Harris fellow and foundation director. He was a member of the OFO, a group who had been friends for years and formed the club after their retirements. He always looked forward to their monthly luncheon meetings. By accident, because of his great deep voice, he found an interesting and fun diversion – modeling. Among his assignments were the role of a grandfather for St. Luke’s hospital, grandfather for Hallmark Cards, 1997 Valued Member Premier Catalog, a business man for Commerce Bank and other TV commercials, prints and videos. He was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church where he was a former vestryman. He remained active until his death as a lay reader and December captain of the ushers. He will be remembered by the church and parishioners because of his long and active work in the Telecare Ministry for 9 years. He received the Rector’s cross in 1998 for his service to the rector. He also attended Hillcrest Covenant Church which he considered his other church. The relationship began after the death of his beloved daughter, Jane, who was a member there and loved the church. He loved the church and the many friends he made there. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, wife Mary Cabot and daughter Jane. He is survived by his son, Cabot Sweeney (Betsy) and 5 grandchildren, Jonathan (Amory), Benjamin, Andrew, Sally and Abigail. Chuck loved life and his family. Age didn’t slow him down as he remained very active and in good health right up to the end of his life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services
- Visitation Monday, June 17, 2013
- Memorial Service Thursday, June 20, 2013
REMEMBERING
Charles Sweeney
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RECEIVE UPDATESDona McFerrin
June 20, 2013
Such a vibrant man . . . he loved life and everyone in it. I worked with him at GE and have many good memories. I know he more than earned his way to heaven to join Mary Cabot and Jane . . . may their reunion be applauded by angels.
June 19, 2013
Cabot and family,I am so VERY SAD to hear of your dad's passing. I remember with many smiles the great times we all shared when you would come visit in Somerset to see your Grandpa Lee. That little par 3 course was a lot of fun. Brandan and I got to visit with your dad and spend a night with him many years ago when we were in Kansas City on vacation. He took us out to where your mom and sister were laid to rest. It was most moving. Your father was a very special guy and the world has lost one GREAT HUMAN BEING, but Heaven has added another SHINING STAR. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Brandan's dad, LARRY E. BAKER.
Randall & Jo Dee Shannon
June 19, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. What a lovely and kind man. Our thoughts and prayers and with you and your family Cabot. God bless!
Lori MacCurdy Rodgers
June 19, 2013
Thanks for bringing back good memories of Chuck and his family. I can hear his sonorous voice as I view the photos. The neighborhood will never be the same.
Gary Hipp
June 19, 2013
Blessings on your family in this bittersweet time. Our prayers are with you from Colorado Springs. Gary and Merri Lee Hipp
Amy (MacCurdy) McCarty
June 18, 2013
I love the photos! Thanks, Mr. Sweeney for your family and your friendship to my family!
June 18, 2013
I was saddened to learn of Chuck's passing. Although we lost contact with each othr after retirement from G.E., I consider Chuck a good friend... and a great salesman! I regret that I will not be able to attend Chuck's memorial service due to my health. I extend deepest sympathy to the family.
Dorsey (Al) Askew
Jeri and Howard Jordan
June 18, 2013
We also have fond memories of our time with Chuck, most recently at Jonathan's wedding. The three of us kind of hung out together, Chuck as our "host" as Betsy and Cabot were busy. I could tell he throughly enjoyed the "sub-hosting" role. What a blessing to us as he caught us up on the family. He knew everything!! :) He was so very proud of his grandchildren and talked of them with such affection. It was touching to observe. We will all miss him, but what an addition to heaven! With his strong, deep voice, God may have him "hosting" people in heaven. :) We could only be so blessed. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Our prayers are with each of you this week. We love you.
David and Wendy Neihart
June 18, 2013
What a wonderful man. We can only hope to be as good of an example of a loving, kind, Christian man. We have only the fondest of memories of both Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney from as far back as we can remember. We miss Chuck already.
Kate Andrews
June 17, 2013
Dear family and friends, I send you comfort and love and peace as you remember Chuck's life and meaning to you. I rejoice with you as he is waiting with our Father to join with you again.
Kate Andrews
June 17, 2013
I rejoice with you in your dad and granddad waiting with our Father for us but I sorrow with you for your loss.
Nicola Walsh
June 17, 2013
Much love to the Sweeney Family. I remember Mr Sweeney visiting Abigail and Sally at School and taking such a genuine interest in all they did. The girls ADORED Mr Sweeney. The respect and honour they showed him was beautiful - He was obviously incredibly kind and respectful to them. I appreciate his support of all that we did in the classroom.
Betsy and Cabot and family - you loved Mr Sweeney well. You modeled to me what it is to honour and love those in your family. You cared for him in a way that was noticed in heaven. Great will be your reward.
June 17, 2013
So sorry to hear about your dad. He and Mary cabot were great friends, sorry we are in Charlotte and will not be there. Sam and Nancy Lamb
Brandan Baker
June 17, 2013
Uncle Chuck,
Although I wish we could have spent more time together, I will always have such a great memory of you. Most prominent, is the legacy of the kindness you have shown to so many over the years. Countless have been touched by your benevolence and good will. Also, thank you for being so kind, and also showing concern for grandma over the years as well. You mill be missed by so many, though now you rejoice in heaven with Grandpa Lee, Grandma Pearl, your mother, and Mary Cabot and Jane. May God bless the entire Sweeney family during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Uncle Chuck. Brandan Baker
June 17, 2013
I really don't know what to say, I just heard this about my brother, he will be missed more than I can say, I love you and I hope you felt that, Thank You for being a part of my life, forever Linda.
Connie Basel
June 16, 2013
It was always a pleasure to visit with Chuck when he visited Hillcrest. I will always remember how he gave Jane's memorial money to be used for the children's playground. I often told him how much the children loved that playground. I also remember that every year he placed flowers on the altar on Jane's birthday. Saddened to hear of his death. After reading his obit I wish i would have known him better.