Charles “Chuck” Patrick Waymaster

Charles “Chuck” Patrick Waymaster entered this world on February 18, 1957, and departed on July 1, 2023 at the age of 66.  The world lost a great man on that day and no words can adequately describe his life.

Chuck was the last of four boys born to Leroy and Gloria (Luerman) Waymaster.  He grew up in Bunker Hill, Kansas where he attended school until he went to Luray High School.  This is where he met his high school sweetheart, the absolute love of his life and best friend, Melanie Schuler.  They were joined in marriage on June 3, 1978.  They were blessed with four children, Brian, Audrey, Nicholas, and Alicia.  He attended Fort Hays State University where he played football and graduated with a marketing degree in 1979.

Chuck owned a successful natural gas marketing business for 34 years in which he was well respected.  It became a family business where he enjoyed working with his wife, son, and daughter. 

Chuck was the most amazing, caring, and loving person.  He was the definition of what a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother & son should be.  The world was a much more beautiful and positive place with him in it.  Those wonderful attributes continue to live on as they are embodied by his wife, children, and grandchildren through his influence.

Chuck was a true gentleman and had his priorities straight – and his number one priority has always been his family.  He was a successful entrepreneur who held many distinguished titles throughout his life, but his favorite and most cherished was being called GrandChuck by 6 beautiful grandchildren who absolutely adored and thought the world of him.  Traveling was a passion for Chuck and Melanie, they were fortunate to see much of the world across many wonderful trips, frequently sharing those experiences with their children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Chuck is survived by his wife Melanie of 45 years, Lawrence; his children Brian Waymaster, Lawrence, Audrey (Chip) La Clair, Lawrence, and Alicia (John) Kane of Bartlesville, OK; his grandchildren, Preston La Clair, Natalie Kane, Carter La Clair, Johnny Kane, Charlie Kane, and Eliana La Clair; his mother, Gloria Waymaster, Russell, and three brothers Lance (Mary Pat) Waymaster, Russell, Mike (Diane) Waymaster, Bunker Hill, and Rick (Reesa) Waymaster, Council Bluffs, IA, and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his son, Nicholas Waymaster; his grandson, Charles Patrick La Clair; his father, Leroy Waymaster; his father in-law, Al Schuler; his mother in-law, Marilee Schuler; and his best friend and business partner, Robert Palmer.

Celebration of Life will be Friday, July 7 at 10:30 AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence.  Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 – 10:00 AM Friday.  A burial and a luncheon will follow the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Corpus Christi Catholic Church in care of the funeral home, Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044.

23 Condolences

  1. Judy Herrick on July 3, 2023 at 5:50 pm

    My deepest condolences to the family. I knew his mother-in-law from attending grade school in Covert, Kansas, and my sister Genia adored her as the teacher who recognized her talents and encouraged her to learn and study as much as possible.



  2. Sheila (Zweifel) Hinman on July 3, 2023 at 5:51 pm

    So sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Melanie and your family. I remember Chuck fondly, he was a great classmate.



  3. Kristy (Echer) Brown on July 3, 2023 at 6:03 pm

    So very sorry for your loss. Prayers to Melanie and the family. So many fun memories with him and Melanie in high school and college.
    Kent & Kristy Brown



  4. Gail cancer mark Kimiecik on July 3, 2023 at 6:44 pm

    So very sorry for your loss, its never easy. We shared the same birthday 😥He was a very handsome man.



  5. Ali Yother on July 3, 2023 at 6:57 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear if Chuck’s passing. Sending our deepest sympathies & much love! Lifting you all up!
    Mike & Ali Yother



  6. Martha Paschal Powell on July 3, 2023 at 7:00 pm

    So sorry for your loss. He was a great friend of my brother and I remember all the Waymaster boys coming over to our house before bball and football games. He will be missed.



  7. Lyn Raymond on July 3, 2023 at 7:27 pm

    Sending love and prayers for all of you during this difficult time. Chuck was such a wonderful person that losing him is incredibly painful. May all your beautiful memories comfort each of you as you carry on as he taught you to live, until one day you are all together again.



  8. Ann Jamison on July 3, 2023 at 8:39 pm

    We are so shocked and sad to hear of Chucks passing. We are praying for strength and comfort during this time for all the family. My God give you comfort and peace.
    Ann and Rosetta Jamison



  9. Dell Princ on July 3, 2023 at 9:20 pm

    We are deeply saddened to hear of Chucks passing. Our sympathy goes out to Melanie and her family. Being a classmate of Chucks throughout high school and college, I got to know Chuck very well. Not only was Chuck a sincere friend, he’s one of the nicest human beings you will ever know. Dell and Carla Princ



  10. Regina Hargadine on July 3, 2023 at 10:05 pm

    So very sorry to hear about your loss. It is so hard to believe whenever I saw him he seemed so healthy, even though I knew he was sick. He was indeed a lovely man. I can’t even imagine how much you will miss him. Sending you prayers and love.



  11. Martin J. Ulrich on July 3, 2023 at 10:26 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Chuck. He was a Classmate of mine at Luray High School. We had a lot of good times together especially in football, which I am very proud off. Chuck and his Family lived beside my Dad and Mom for a while in Luray. Since then l have not seen him. Wish the Best for his family though this hard time of his passing. He will be greatly missed. Martin J. Ulrich



  12. Tony and Nancy Hagen on July 3, 2023 at 11:05 pm

    We’re sorry for your loss. We’ll pray for peace and comfort for your family. Knowing Chuck is with his Lord is a blessing for all.



  13. Glen Blundon on July 4, 2023 at 6:02 am

    So sorry to hear of Chucks passing. We were classmates at Luray High, and had a great friendship. Prayers for the whole family. He fought the battle so hard.



  14. Randy Hutch. on July 4, 2023 at 9:39 am

    So sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. I really respected and liked Chuck and felt lucky to call him friend. Melanie, I know you’re heart is breaking 💔 now… Prayers for you and your family. Love to you.



  15. Charles Kennedy on July 4, 2023 at 2:57 pm

    So sorry to hear Chuck has passed. I was a classmate of Chucks at Luray High School. He was a great guy and fierce competitor. I will always remember his kindness and good natured spirit. Although our paths seldom crossed after high school, I will always retain warm thoughts from the conversations we had. He will truly be missed.



  16. Martin Schneider on July 5, 2023 at 6:40 am

    My condolences to Chuck’s family, I am sorry to hear of his passing. Chuck enjoyed having fun in sports and in the classroom in high school.
    Our prayers for Chuck and his family, may they have many good memories.



  17. Vicki Chegwidden Rogg on July 5, 2023 at 11:49 am

    Having been friends with the Waymaster family my entire life, I became very fond of Chuck for all of his.life…..from birth until his passing. He was the most impressive of men. His qualities were many……loving heart, integrity, caring nature, courage, strength, talent, loyalty, sincerity, joyful spirit, and man of God. Heavens gain is our loss on this earth. I send my love to all his dear family.



  18. Kyle and Christine Cederberg on July 5, 2023 at 8:22 pm

    Melanie and Family,
    We are very sorry to hear about Chuck’s passing. He fought courageously during these last few years.

    There are many pleasant memories of our time together in high school and college. Hopefully, you will find peace and comfort in your fond memories of Chuck.



  19. Sherry Letsch on July 6, 2023 at 3:55 pm

    I can attest Chuck was true to his sweet nature, and to the values by which he was raised. Stellar man, stellar life, much loved and respected.
    To his family and all those who love him, I share your grief and lasting beautiful memories. We are blessed to have known him.



  20. Debbie McKanna Scott on July 7, 2023 at 10:53 am

    Extending condolences Melanie to you & your family. May you find peace & comfort in knowing that family are near. Greg & Deb Scott



  21. Margarita & Roger Fate on July 7, 2023 at 1:00 pm

    We are so sorry to hear about Chuck. Praying your family will be comforted with precious memories during this very sad time. My God’s presence at this time be with your family to comfort you. Our hearts are with you during this difficult time. Peace and Love to you.



  22. Rick and Wendy Pinne on July 8, 2023 at 3:00 pm

    So sorry to hear of your loss! We were truly blessed to have known Chuck. Will have a glass of wine, or two, in his honor this evening 🍷



  23. Janelle Michaelis on July 19, 2023 at 10:14 am

    So very Sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. We went to School together our Grade School years at Bunker Hill. He was my 1st Boyfriend crush. I always knew Chuck would do good for himself and his Family



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