Charles E. Haverty passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 26, 2024 at the age of 95. He was born May 22, 1929 in Lawrence, Kansas to Alvin A. and Dalphine M. Haverty. He graduated from Lawrence High in 1947. Following high school, he pursued a degree in economics from the University of Kansas. His studies were interrupted while he served four years in the United States Navy as a Naval Aviator. During his time in the service, he met Barbara Wurth of Independence, MO, who he married on March 6, 1954. Following his discharge from the Navy, he and Barbara returned to Lawrence so that he could finish his degree at KU.
Charles began his career with Procter and Gamble, working in Wichita, Kansas City, New York, Cincinnati, and finally Chicago. After KU’s 1969 trip to the Orange Bowl, he and Barbara decided to move back to Lawrence to be closer to family, the Jayhawks, and to raise their three children (Matt, Tom and Susan). He initially worked as a stock broker. He later worked as president of Lawrence National Bank, before finishing his career as a broker. While president of the bank, he helped to introduce the bank’s first ATMs (known as OTTO). This led to several speaking engagements at both state and international banking conventions.
Charles was active in the community. He served as drive chairman for the United Way, and president of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. He also served as a board member of the Lawrence Art Center and the Douglas County Historical Museum. He was a member of the Lawrence Country Club, serving as president the year a new club house was built. He also loved to play bridge. He noted that while he spent more hours playing golf than bridge, he was a much better bridge player.
He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church over 50 years, where he served on the Vestry as well as treasurer for 3 years.
Family was most important to Charles. He fiercely loved and supported his children and grandchildren. He planned and led regular beach trips for the entire family to St. Simons Island, GA.
Preceding him in death are his parents and brothers J.R. Haverty and Alvin (Beebe) Haverty.
He is survived by his wife Barbara, son Matt Leawood, son Tom (Jenny) Kansas City, daughter Susan (Doug) Eck Lenexa, granddaughter Madison Haverty-Hassig (Nick) Denver, grandson Luke Haverty New York, grandson Jay Haverty Kansas City, granddaughter Kyle Haverty Dallas, granddaughter Dr. Lindsey Eck Johnson (Dr. Tyler) Kansas City and grandson Austin Eck (Lexie) Denver.
A memorial service will be held on November 9 at 2:00 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence, KS followed by a celebration of life at Lawrence Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Trinity Episcopal Church.
