Charles (Chuck) Lee Bumgarner was born to Russell Sheldon Bumgarner and Elaine Kamler Bumgarner on Feb. 5, 1945, at Geneva. He passed away on April 6, 1998, at his home in Phoenix, Ariz., at the age of 53 years and 2 months. He was one of two children in the family.

Chuck was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Church in Geneva. He attended school K1 through the eighth grade at the Strang Public Schools. He then attended Geneva Public High School graduating with the Class of 1963. Following graduation he attended the University of Nebraska and Wayne State. He then returned home and assisted his father on the family farm until enlisting in the National Guard. He was stationed at Fort Ord, Calif. Following his basic training he returned home and was employed by Kingery Construction of Lincoln.

He was united in marriage to Paula Dondlinger of Geneva on April 26, 1969. They moved to Phoenix in the summer of 1972, where he continued in the construction business. Paula and Chuck were divorced in July of 1976, and he continued living in Phoenix until his death.

As a young boy his Grandpa Bumgarner took him on many fishing trips and a very special bond was formed with many fond memories. His father was a very dedicated fan of the New York Yankees and contributed to Chuck’s love of the game of baseball. Chuck was a pitcher and played for Strang and for the Geneva Legion teams. Chuck loved the sprint car races in Arizona and traveled to Knoxville, Iowa and Belleville, Kan., every summer to attend these races. When home visiting he especially loved his nephew, Lance and niece, Laci. They both thought the world of their Uncle Chuck and he enjoyed spoiling them. Throughout his life he remained a fun loving, carefree and high spirited person. He always managed to find fun in whatever endeavor he tried. His last years were spent with a very special friend, Miss Lauren Bigham.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father Russell Bumgarner.

He is survived by his mother, Elaine Ebbeka and step-father, Kenneth, who live near Strang; sister, Connie Fiala and her husband, Larry of Strang; nephew, Lance Fiala and niece, Laci both of Strang; aunt and uncle , Mervell and Betty Bumgarner of Geneva; special friend, Lauren Bigham of Phoenix, Ariz.; and by many cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 1998, from the Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva with Rev. Wanda W. Bennett officiating.

Nancy Jo Galusha accompanied Chuck’s niece, Laci Fiala, who sang "The Lord’s Prayer" and "My Heart Will Go On."

Casket bearers were Randy Needham, Jerry Hudson, Dayle DuBois, Gene McLaughlin, Tom Bumgarner and Joe Dailey.

Interment was in the Geneva Public Cemetery with memorials directed to the family.

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The family of Charles (Chuck) Bumgarner would like to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love and support given to us at the sudden death of our son, brother and uncle; also for your calls, cards, food, flowers, memorials, prayers and visits. A special thank you to Farmer & Son Funeral Home, Rev. Wanda Bennett, Nancy Jo Galusha and especially, Laci, for having the strength to sing for her Uncle Chuck. A big thank-you to the VFW Woman’s Auxiliary and the Congo Church ladies for providing and serving the wonderful lunch. Your acts of kindness will never be forgotten. God bless you all.

Ken and Elaine Ebbeka

Larry and Connie Fiala

Lance and Laci Fiala

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