Charles Clinton Wente, 86, passed away peacefully in Springfield, MO, on Fri day, October 22, 2021, at 8 AM , the same time he arrived for work nearly every day of his life. He was born on Friday, August 16, 1935 in Wheatland, MO to Ethel V. Hewitt and Frank A. Wente.

Chuck, as many knew him, was a proud Freemason. While living in Topeka, Kansas, for many years, Chuck became a lifetime member of Orient Lodge No. 51, Knights Templar Commandery No. 5, the Grand York Rite of Kansas, Arab Shriners, and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Chuck also served in the Marine Corps Reserves and was an honorary member of th e Kansas Coyotes 190th Airwing. He spent a lifetime serving others. From bagging groceries as a teenager to running his own Howard Johnson's hotel at the age of 26, Chuck valued hard work. Through his decades in the hotel business, Chuck had the opportunity to engage with some of America's greatest icons like Johnny Cash, Perry Como, James (JC) Penny, and President Harry S. Truman. Once Chuck decided to transition out of the hotel business, he served as Vice President and Project Manager at Foster Group from 1996 to his final days, always working a minimum of 40 hours a week. Chuck lived by the motto: "Be the first to show up, be the first to volunteer, and be the last to leave." Despite all his achievements, Chuck was most proud of being a husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Sheila Lee Wente.

Chuck is survived by his three daughters Tonya Highfill (husband Larry), Tamra Stallman (husband Russell) and Telisa Stringer (husband Dr. John); nine grandchildren, Tyler Dougherty (wife Angella), Luke Stringer (wife Meredith), Justin Dougherty (wife Sydney), Casey Lee Smith (husband Wyatt), Corrinne McGreevy (husband TJ), Julia Stringer, Haley Stallman, Will Stringer, and Samantha Stallman, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous friends and family.

A visitation will be held from 9-10 AM on Monday, November 1, 2021 at the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte, 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, MO 65804 with funeral service to follow at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Ronald McDonald House, 949 E. Primrose St., Springfield, MO 65807 or Harmony House, 3404 E. Ridgeview St., Springfield, MO 65606. Online Condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com