Charles Wilks

Charles “Charlie” Wilks was born on October 25, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri and placed by God in the loving arms and nurturing care of Katherine and Cornelius Williams. He was educated in the Kansas City, Missouri Public School System, and was a graduate of the Culinary Arts & Food Preparation Vocational Training Institute.

His Christian journey began at the Metropolitan Spiritual Church of Christ, where he was christened, baptized, served as an Altar Boy, a member of the Sunday School and Spiritual Union. Charles rededicated his life to Christ, and became a faithful member of Spirit Life Church, Independence, Missouri, under the leadership of Pastor Dave Durgan and Associate Pastor Keith Clements.  He was a member of the Men’s Group.

Charles was employed for several years with the Kansas City, Missouri School District. He was a Notary Public and a Food Handler Manager for the Kansas City, Health Department. Also, he worked in janitorial services and for Adecco.  For many years and currently, he served as a Judge for the Kansas City Board of Elections.

Charles married Kande Davene Gough, who preceded him in transition.  Although Charles had no biological children, he was a father and grandfather figure to many. To his nieces and nephews, he was their favorite uncle. As a brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, protector, friend, a better one could not be found.

He will be remembered for his caring, sharing, and giving spirit, wit, and humor. He always helped anyone in need.

Charles was a great cook and enjoyed feeding everybody, even strangers. A dapper dresser, he had caps, Kangols and hats to match every outfit. Charles rode the KC ATA bus for many years, where he met many people while riding with bus driver, Tumia (Tee) Williams.

His passion was playing dominoes.  He enjoyed all sports, but he was a die-hard KC Chiefs Football and Royals Baseball fan. Wrestling and gaming, watching TV and listening to music were also among his favorite pastimes. He was happy to watch his great-nephew, Langston “Charles” Alexander Smith, play for the KC Royals Baseball Scouts Team. Charles loved his family, and his family loved him. Family gatherings will not be the same. We thank God for loaning him to us.

Charles was preceded in transition by his parents: Katherine and Cornelius Williams, Charles J. Moore and Helen Wilks; siblings: Tommy Wilks, Gladys Murray, Reverend Lucien B. Smith, Sr.; and sister-in-law: Delores Ann Smith.  On February 15, 2022, Charles was ushered peacefully into God’s eternal presence where he is safe in His arms.

He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory, his devoted sister; Louella Elaine Henderson-Hayes (beloved brother-in-law, Michael); sisters: Ora Lee Brown, Joliet, IL.,  Stephanie Wilks, Milwaukee, WI.,  Arwilda Poole (Noah), Sedalia, MO.; brothers: Johnnie Wilks, Topeka, KS., Andre Wilks (Liz), Chattanooga, TN., William Henderson, Jr. (Jeanette); sister-in-laws: Wilhelmina (Nina) Smith-Howard, Sharon F. Hayes; “fav-o-rite nieces”: Katherine Holmes (James), Celestine Williams, Lushonda Smith (Lewis), Sonja Smith; nephews: Larry Smith (Jennifer), Lucien Smith, Jr., Andrae Smith (Keira), Darren Smith and Arian Smith (Megan); great nieces and great nephews, cousins, other relatives, a host of friends, special friends and his beloved Spirit Life Church family.