Charles L. “Charlie” Middleton, 86, of Parsons passed away the morning of Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Elmhaven East in Parsons.
Charles Lee Middleton was born on July 28, 1938, to John Edward and Viola Mae (Walls) Middleton in Thayer. He grew up and attended school in Thayer, graduating from Thayer High School in 1957.
After marrying Elaine Livingston on June 5, 1960, the couple moved to Costa Mesa, California, where he worked at his fatherin- law’s service station. After returning to Kansas in 1963, Charlie did bridge construction until the family moved to Mound Valley in 1965. While the family lived in Mound Valley, they attended the Mound Valley Methodist Church. Charlie worked for the Southeast Kansas (Kansas State) Experiment Station until his retirement in 1999. During those years and thereafter, he also worked with his brothers on the family farm.
On Sept. 10, 1983, Charlie married Phyllis Raye (Smith) Garland at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Parsons. Charlie became a member of St. John’s and was baptized.
Charlie and Phyllis enjoyed time with family and taking trips to Las Vegas. Well-known for his “gift of gab,” Charlie went to many auctions and estate sales. He enjoyed antiquing, especially for advertising items and oil and gas collectibles.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Middleton of the home; a son, Mark Alan Middleton (Natasha) of Olathe; a daughter, Diane Michelle Middleton Davis (Douglas) of Parsons; a stepson, Dean Douglas Garland (Dianna) of Overland Park; a stepdaughter, Gina Kaye Garland of Parsons; 13 grandchildren, Zachary Middleton, Kierstin DeNoon (Ashton), Connor Middleton (Michaela), Lucas Middleton (Anna), Mark Stepanov, Matthew Middleton, Keri Davis, Jeffrey Garland (Tara), Amanda Garland, Calvin Garland (Gretchen), Tyler Garland, Nolan Webster and Paiton Webster (Clayton); 10 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by a son, Rodney Dean Middleton; a daughter, Kim Denise Middleton Orr; three brothers, Robert “Bob” Middleton, John Middleton and David Middleton; and three sisters, Irene Fender and two infant sisters.
The memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons. Burial will follow at Harmony Grove Cemetery in rural Dennis. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. Saturday until the service begins.
The family suggests memorials to St. John’s Episcopal Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.forbeshoffman.com.
