Charles Victor Kusick, Jr., of the Missouri Veterans' Home, Cameron, Missouri, passed away on January 29, 2025, after a sustained illness.  All who knew him are profoundly saddened by his passing.

Charles, called Chuck, was the son of Charles V. Kusick, Sr. and June K. Kusick.  Born on June 4, 1944, at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, Missouri, he grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and later lived most of his life with his parents on a small acreage in Rayville, Missouri.

He was a graduate of Southeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri.  Upon his graduation, he spent a short time in the workforce in and around the Kansas City area.  Chuck had a short stint with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, later transferring to the U.S. Navy.  He served on the USS Monticello, traveling the rivers and coasts of Vietnam during the war era.  Chuck was especially proud of his military service to his Country during the Vietnam conflict.

After his military service, Chuck retired to Rayville, Missouri.  After the death of his father, he and his mother shared responsibilities for the care and maintenance of each other and of the property.  Chuck was the most devoted offspring that a mother could have had.

While living in Rayville, he was particularly fond of hunting and fishing with his "buddies."  He always shared rabbits, fish and squirrels with family members and friends.  We still laugh recalling an occasional lead shot found in the stewed rabbit and squirrel meats.  He took great pleasure in the occasional smoke with a glass of tea always on the side.  He was adamant about only smoking non-filtered cigarettes because he said that the filtered one caused cancer.

Chuck loved his Catholic faith and practiced and preached it wholeheartedly.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus local chapter in Richmond, Missouri, and has life-long friends there.  He loved his family, particularly his mother, father, brothers and six nieces and four nephews.  Waiting for Chuck in heaven are his mother June and father, Charles, Sr.

Chuck is survived by his brothers, James Kusick and his partner Wally Dickson; Thomas Kusick and his wife Gail Kusick and his many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charles' honor can be made to the Veterans Assistance League, in memory of Charles V. Kusick, Jr., Cameron Missouri Veterans' Home, 1111 Euclid, Cameron, Missouri 64429 – Attention: Allison Drodge.  You may also elect a favorite no-kill animal shelter of your choice.  He would appreciate that.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M., followed by Mass at 10:00 A.M. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 602 South Camden, Richmond, Missouri.  Burial will take place on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 1:30 P.M. in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 5001 Northwest Cookingham Road, Kansas City, Missouri.  Please remember to share your memories of Charles with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.