Elder Charles Leonard Surbaugh, 83, passed quietly into the arms of his Savior Monday, September 22, 2014, with his family gathered around. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton, Missouri. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 23, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 P.M., also at the Chapel. Interment will be in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Kansas City Primitive Baptist Church and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Charles was born to Leonard and Annie Mae (Averill) Surbaugh on July 21, 1931, near Fontana, Kansas. He graduated high school in LaCygne, Kansas. He entered the Army in 1952 and served his country proudly for two years. He then married Edith Marie Walker of Carthage, Missouri on December 18, 1954. To this union were born four children; Teresa May Surbaugh Pile Roach, Leon Everett Surbaugh, Gayle Renee Surbaugh Wilson, and Glen Kevin Surbaugh. He found a home with Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church in Bentley, Illinois in 1955. Later when the family moved to Missouri, he moved his membership to the Kansas City Primitive Baptist Church. He was ordained to the ministry in 1969. He faithfully served God's children and was a pillar in the Primitive Baptist Church. He traveled many miles in many states following the leading of the spirit to preach the gospel, pastoring many churches over 45 years.

He retired from Kansas City Power & Light after 22 years. Charles was a leader in 4H for 21 years. He served on Davis R-12 school board for several years also.

Charles never met a stranger. He would give the shirt off his back to help someone. He enjoyed spending time with children, who all loved him. Charles loved telling his grandchildren stories from his past. He liked hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, and traveling. He and Edith traveled to all 50 states.

Charles is survived by his wife of 59 years, Edith Surbaugh of the home, his daughters; Teresa Roach, husband Terry, of Garden City, Missouri, and Gayle Wilson, husband Barry, of Urich, Missouri, his sons; Leon Surbaugh, wife Deborah, of Krum, Texas, and Glen Surbaugh of Greenwood, Missouri, 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, his brother, Roland Surbaugh of LaCygne, Kansas, and many nieces and nephews. He and his wife were surrogate parents to many young people.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Annie Surbaugh, and siblings; Donald Surbaugh, Florence Coleman, Lillian Sallie Zuida Goodall Coleman, and Rosemary Surbaugh.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.