Charles M. Grate, age 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 10, 2018. He was born May 15, 1930 in Kansas City, MO to Charles Monroe and Elsie Crain Grate.

As a self taught engineer, Charlie was a proud senior mechanical engineer for General Motors for 33 years. Upon retirement, he went to work for Morrison-Knudsen Civil and Constructional Engineering Firm in Spring Hill, TN. His passion for his work showed in everything he did. He was the ultimate "fix it" guy. He was a master woodworker and spent most of his free time building things for his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and treasured family weekends at his home on Lake Taneycomo.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Dorothy Marzolf and Virginia Piburn and one niece Dianna VanNorman.

He is survived by his son Steven Grate (Rick), two daughters Brenda Wake (Randy) and Lisa Brint, 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ovais Zubair, Tonya Storie with Seasons Hospice, Dr. Thomas and Karen Sweeney and the staff at The Castlewood Memory Care Unit.

A graveside service will be held at 11am Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Floral Hills Cemetery, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64133. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial donations be made to Dynamic Strides Therapy Inc., 2673 E. Sawyer Rd., Republic, MO 65738, Seasons Hospice, 1831 W. Melville Rd., Springfield, MO 65803 or The Alzheimer's Association of Greater MO, 3645 South Ave., Springfield, MO 65807. Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfunealhome.com