Charles Wesley McGuire was born December 2, 1927, the fifth and last child of Anna Mae and James Judson McGuire, in Chelsea, Oklahoma. He passed from this life on December 21, 2011 at 84 years of age. Charlie (his preference) was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: James Judson Jr., John Morton and Robert Denny and his sister, Mary Dean Cleary. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dolores ("Lori") Eileen McGuire; his three children, Kathleen Leigh Whatley of Prior Lake, MN., Charles Wesley McGuire II of Lake Zurich, III and Elizabeth Jane Ahrens of McHenry, III; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Charles was proud of having served his country as a marine, having enlisted at the age of 17 "to be there with his brothers" during World War II and later, being recalled from the inactive reserves, during the Korean War. With the help of the World War II G.I. Bill, Charlie went on to graduate from Washington University and to become a productive citizen and mentor to many. He retired from Abbott Laboratories in 1983, where he served as Corporate Director of Organization Development. After retirement his heart problems limited his activities somewhat, but not enough to dampen his joy of riding his fox trotter, Piney River Kate, through the woods of Longshadow Farm, or to keep him from producing beautiful walnut and cherry pieces of furniture and memento/jewelry boxes for family and friends in his workshop. As his active life slowed, he happily joined his wife's writing groups and started writing. He authored a sociopolitical column for the Senior Living Newspaper for five years and enjoyed every minute. Today Charlie leaves a legacy of his thoughts and observations on life via his large collection of essays which he wrote under the title of "Ruminations." He also leaves an unfillable void to those who knew and loved him. Our family extends our special thanks to Dr. John Bentley for 28 years of beyond-the-call care and genuine caring and to the most compassionate and loving crew of hospice personnel imaginable: Deb Stover, Cathy Ward, Missy Wiggins and Monica Koetters and Hospice Chaplain Glyn Davies of Hospice and Palliative Care of Springfield. As well as for the daily home care provided by Everest College Medical Assistants, Hope Burks and Daisy Morrison. Charlie chose to be cremated, but a memorial service will take place in the future and will be announced when plans are in place. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice and Palliative Care of Springfield, 2432 E. Madrid, Springfield, MO 65804 would be appreciated.