Charles Victor Kusick Jr. of the Missouri Veterans Home, Cameron, passed away Jan. 29, 2025, after a sustained illness.

All who knew him are profoundly saddened by his passing.

Charles, called “Chuck,” was the son of Charles V. Kusick Sr. and June K. Kusick. Born June 4, 1944, at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, he grew up in Kansas City and later lived most of his life with his parents on a small acreage in Rayville.

He was a graduate of Southeast High School in Kansas City. After graduation, he spent a short time in the workforce in and around the Kansas City metro area.

Chuck had a short stint with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, later transferring to the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Monticello, traveling the rivers and coasts of Vietnam during the war era. Chuck was especially proud of his military service to his country during the Vietnam conflict.

After his military service, Chuck retired to Rayville. After the death of his father, he and his mother shared responsibilities for the care and maintenance of each other and of the property. Chuck was the most devoted offspring that a mother could have had.

While living in Rayville, he was particularly fond of hunting and fishing with his “buddies.” He always shared rabbits, fish and squirrels with family members and friends. We still laugh recalling an occasional lead shot found in the stewed rabbit and squirrel meats.

He took great pleasure in the occasional smoke, with a glass of tea always on the side. He was adamant about only smoking non-filtered cigarettes because he said that the filtered ones caused cancer.

Chuck loved his Catholic faith, and practiced and preached it wholeheartedly. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus local chapter in Richmond and has lifelong friends there.

He loved his family, particularly his mother, father, brothers, six nieces and four nephews. Waiting for Chuck in heaven are his mother, June; and father, Charles Sr.

Chuck is survived by his brothers, James Kusick and his partner Wally Dickson, and Thomas Kusick and his wife, Gail Kusick; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charles’ honor can be made to the Veterans Assistance League, in memory of Charles V. Kusick Jr.; Cameron Missouri Veterans Home; 1111 Euclid; Cameron, MO 64429; Attention: Allison Drodge. You also may elect a favorite no-kill animal shelter of your choice. He would appreciate that.

Visitation was scheduled for 9-10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, followed by Mass at 10, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 602 S. Camden, Richmond. Burial was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery; 5001 N.W. Cookingham Road, Kansas City.

Please share your memories of Charles with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.