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.
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