Charles "Chuck" Dean Modlin, Sr.

Charles "Chuck" Dean Modlin, Sr., 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

Chuck was born on February 11, 1940, in Cherokee, Kansas, to Herbert and Lorene (Sale) Modlin. He graduated with the class of 1957 at Fontana High School in California before proudly enlisting in the United States Air Force to serve his country. During his four years of military service he served as a flight line mechanic and was honorably discharged. Chuck, as a patriot, later served in the Coast Guard Reserves at the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.

On September 18, 1959, Chuck married the love of his life, Bonnie Tresner, at the Church of the Nazarene in South Whittier, California. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love. They were blessed with three children: Tammy, Terry and Chuck, Jr. As Chuck and Bonnie raised their family they instilled Christian values, teaching their children the importance of faith in Christ, love for one another, and pride in serving their country.

Following his military service, Chuck began a career with the Pennzoil Company as a route salesman and truck driver. Through hard work, determination, and leadership, he worked his way up to Branch Manager and Commercial Sales before retiring after many years of dedicated service.

Chuck had many interests and hobbies that brought him joy. He loved hunting, fishing, golfing, playing cards and dominoes, watching classic Westerns, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy The Price Is Right. He was also an avid NASCAR fan and an exceptionally talented mechanic. Whether rebuilding an entire engine or helping a family member troubleshoot a repair over the phone, Chuck always seemed to know how to fix just about anything. He had a remarkable gift for explaining things step by step and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Above all else, Chuck was a man of unwavering faith. His relationship with the Lord was the foundation of his life and guided everything he did. As a member of The Gideons International, he was passionate about sharing God's Word by helping distribute Bibles around the world. His heart for missions also led him and Bonnie to many countries, where they shared the Gospel and served others.

Chuck is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Bonnie Modlin, of the home; daughter, Tammy (Dave) Grobe of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada; daughter, Terry (Everett) Weems of Emporia, Kansas; and his son, Chuck (Gwen) Modlin of Emporia, Kansas. 12 grandchildren: Sarah (Anderson), Stephen, Samual (Amy), James (Julie), Celeste (Derik), David, Kaylee (Ben), Jennifer (Brendan), Josh (Sarah), Jacob (Luisa), Jared, and Jacey; as well as 11 treasured great-grandchildren: Lizzie, Haylee, Brielle, Tyler, Kingston, Parker, Sean, Keziah, Zaeliyah, Abbigail, and Dakota; his brothers, Dave Modlin (Tracy) and Jim Modlin (Suki), his sister, Lori Cashero; sister-in-law, Cheri Modlin; and his faithful dog, Cowboy Star Modlin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Lorene Modlin, and his brothers, Herb Modlin, Ronnie Modlin, and Johnny Modlin.

A Celebration of Chuck's Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, at Emporia First Church of the Nazarene. In lieu of flowers, because of Chuck’s love of Missions, the family is requesting donations to the Nazarene Alabaster Ministry which funds the Properties and Buildings of International Missions. Checks should be made payable to EFC Nazarene and may be sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box 43, Lebo, Kansas 66856.

Condolences may be expressed at Vanarsdalefs.com.