CHARLES B. ELROD, 75, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Wednesday evening, September 28, 2011 at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita surrounded by his family.

Born April 5, 1936 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, he was the son of James Edward and Nellie May (Thomas) Elrod. He was raised and educated in eastern Oklahoma until the age of 13, when he moved to Enid. Charles attended and graduated from Autry Technical School, heating and air conditioning program.

He was united in marriage to Vera Draper on March 29, 1958 in Miami, Oklahoma. To this union, two daughters were born. Charles moved his family to Winfield in 1972. The couple later divorced. He worked as service manager for Montgomery Wards for a short time before owning and operating Elrod's Appliance from 1975 to 1988. He married Judy Dewey on September 23, 1988 in Wichita. The couple made their home in Winfield. In 1989, he went to work for the USD 465 School District. He worked as a custodian at Country View Elementary School for several years, as well as the high school and middle school. Charles dearly loved the children.

Mr. Elrod was a member of Central Baptist Church as well as the Kansas Old Time Fiddlers, Pickers, and Singers. He was a guitar player and won various contests for guitar picking and country western band. He also taught several people to play the guitar. He especially loved his grandchildren and his cats.

Charles is survived by:
His wife: Judy Dewey of Winfield;
His daughters: Deborah Ann Owen and husband, Paul of Arkansas City; and Sheryl Diane Elrod-Heitman and companion, James Shewbart of Arkansas City;
His son: Jason Stockton and wife, Lori of Winfield;
His son-in-law: Randy Wall of Winfield;
His grandchildren: Shawnea Stewart and husband, Doug, Matthew Paul and Bradford Eugene Owen, Mallyssa, Rita and Calvin Stockton, and Elayna and Jamie Wall;
His great grandchildren: Doug, Jr., Destiny, Danae, and Darius Stewart, and Aidan, Kyran and Julian Owen; and
His feline companions: Bob E., Mickey and Dottie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Marnie Wall, and his brother, James Joseph Elrod.

Graveside Funeral Services and military committal honors will be held on Monday, October 3, 2011 at 5:00 P.M. at Rose Valley Cemetery southeast of Winfield. Miles Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.