Charles "CR" Whitcomb

Charles Robert "CR" Whitcomb, age 86, of Bronson, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Anderson County Hospital in Garnett, Kansas.

Charles was born on July 17, 1939, in Xenia, Kansas, the son of Melvin and Ruth Whitcomb. He was the second oldest of seven children and grew up alongside his siblings: Donald Whitcomb, Phyllis Jackson, Cheryl Moore, David Whitcomb, Wayne Whitcomb, Debbie Stewart, Dewayne Whitcomb, and Sandra Whitcomb.

CR was a hardworking man his entire life. He was employed at Gates Corporation, where he worked with hydraulic coils, and he also farmed for many years, raising numerous breeds of beef cattle, a passion he carried throughout his life. Even in retirement, he could be found tending to the land and enjoying the peace of the outdoors.

A skilled outdoorsman, CR was considered a "premier fisherman." His talent on the water was so well-known that even legendary angler Harold Ensley once sought to fish with him. More than his own skill, CR was known for teaching others,passing down his knowledge to help others become the best hunters and fishermen they could be.

He spent his later years with his beloved partner, Susan White. Together, they shared faith, companionship, and a deep care for others.

CR had a strong faith and regularly attended The Barn, The Covenant of Faith, and the Colony Community Church. His life reflected his beliefs, generous, selfless, and full of heart. He would often drive all the way to Kansas City to buy Wonder Bread by the rack, only to return home and give it away to anyone in the community who needed it. As his son LeeRoy shared, "He would give the shirt off his back."

CR was the proud father of four children with Ellen Whitcomb: LeeRoy Whitcomb, Bob Whitcomb, Linda Whitcomb, and Janice Whitcomb. Later in life, he married Linda Wiklund, and through that union, gained two stepchildren, Gary Thompson and Craig Thompson. He is also survived by six grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, and a large extended family of nieces and nephews.

CR is survived by three children, LeeRoy, Bob, and Linda; one step-son, Craig Thompson; three siblings, Cheryl, David, and Wayne; six grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, and a large extended family of nieces and nephews.

CR is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Janice; Siblings in infancy; one brother Donald; two sisters, Debbie and Phyllis.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 12, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Hwy 54, Iola, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Osage Valley Cemetery, Mildred, Kansas. CR's family will greet friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, August 11, at The Venue, Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Condolences to the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.