Charles Edward Lidge

On October 22, 2020, Charles Edward Lidge, 76, passed away at Missouri Veterans Home-Warrensburg, Missouri. He was born on January 24, 1944 in Hope, Arkansas to Edgar Allen Lidge and Thelma Mae Smith Lidge. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961. After graduating, he attended Community College for two years in the Kansas City area.

On May 14, 1965, Charles was then drafted to the United Sates Army, where he served two years in Vietnam. From his service, he received a Vietnam Service medal with two Bronze Stars, a National Defense Service Medal, a Combat Infantryman Badge, a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and an Expert (Rifle) badge. He was honorably discharged May 12, 1967, and was then was employed by the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, where he served for ten years. Afterwards, he began work for Western Missouri Mental Health Center as a security guard. After 26 years, he retired in 2007 as a Supervisor over Hospital Operations.

On November 18, 1978, Charles married Cecilia Ruth Preston. To this union they created a blended family of four children, Charles Edward Lidge Jr. “Tulie”, Chairo Louise Lidge “Grandma”, Chandelyn Preston, and Rosalind Preston. Charles loved his family, as he would always say, “I would kill a dead tree for them.” To him, no one was a stranger, and he loved to entertain and feed you while listening to old school music.  Charles always offered himself whenever anyone was in need, and was a mentor to his nephews and did not mind disciplining them with tough love! Charles was also a debonair man of style! Anyone that knew Charles, knew that he always dressed to impress, from head to toe. No matter the event, you would always find Charles distinguished from the crowd, with plenty of jewelry on and a nice brim on his head.

He was preceded into death by his parents Edgar and Thelma Lidge, his brother Roger Louis Lidge, and nephew Rodney Lidge. He leaves his cherished memory, to his faithful and loving wife of 42 years, Cecilia Ruth Lidge; his children Charles Lidge Jr., Charo (George) Kelley Atchison, Chandelyn (Robert) Martin, and Rosalind Robinson; nine grandchildren, Charles III “Chuckie”, Elias, Greyson, Charlee, Kennedy, Kameryn, Kaydenn, Cledell “Deron”, and Nakiesha Robinson; two precious great-grandchildren and a host of dear relatives and friends. Charles is deeply loved, and will be missed.

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