Charles Lee Mullen, Sr.

Charles Lee Mullen, Sr. was born on November 6, 1941, in Emerson, Mills County, Iowa, and passed away on June 29, 2026, at University Health Lakewood Long Term Care in Kansas City, Missouri.

Charles was the eighth of fifteen children in a large and loving family. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work while helping on the family farm. Around 1966, he began a career at Allis-Chalmers in Independence, Missouri, where he worked for many years. Later in life, he drove for his brother-in-law’s drive-away company, delivering commercial trucks and automobiles across the United States.

After retiring, Charles found peace and contentment at his quiet cabin in Lake Annette, Missouri, where he lived for nearly 30 years. He later returned to Independence before spending his final years in the loving care of his daughter at her home in Lone Jack, Missouri.

Charles was truly larger than life. When he loved, he loved deeply and without reservation. His greatest joy was his family, and he cherished every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

He shared his love of music and singing with generations of his family. Rarely did a family gathering pass without guitars being played, songs being sung, and laughter filling the room. Charles especially delighted in singing the silliest songs to those he loved, often reminding them, “I love you to bits!” These treasured moments will remain lasting memories for all who knew him.

Charles also found joy in the outdoors and treasured the peace and quiet of his little lake cabin. Whether surrounded by nature or by family, he was happiest sharing his time, his music, and his love with those closest to him.

His larger-than-life spirit, warm heart, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Laveta (Burdett) Mullen; seven brothers, Eddy, Jimmy, Bill, David, Kenneth, Larry and Rodney; four sisters, Bessie, Penny, Patricia Spurlin and Mary; and two great-granddaughters, London Jade and Maddie Lee Ayres.

Charles leaves behind: one brother, Michael (Madeline) Mullen; two sisters, Beverly Stuteville and Donna (John) Ishmael; six children, Lisa (Mark Burdick) Mullen, Colleen (Mike) Curtin, Sharla (Scott) Koller, Shawna Lancaster, Richonda Davis and Charles (Theresa) Lee, Jr.; twenty-one grandchildren, Billie (Kristina) Mullen, Jami (Heath) Gentry, Logan Sullins, Cheyenne (Daniel) Clarke, Kenneth (Tina) Bruno, Kaleena Hines, Kyle Williamson, LeeAnn Koller, Joshua (Stephanie) Ayres, Chance Ayres, Jared (Colby) Ayres, Jennifer May, Jessica Hatmon, Jazmine (Curtis) Melton, Heather (Will) Macon, Matthew Johnson, Britney (Laine) Smith Stimach, Lorian Duncan, Patrick Mullen, Kandase Mullen, Dawson Mullen; forty-five great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Visitation will be from 10am-12pm, Wednesday July 8, 2026 at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 6413. Graveside service immediately following at Valor-Brown Memorial Gardens 30000 Valor Dr., Grain Valley, MO 64029.A family luncheon will be held after the services at Fleming Meeting Hall, 21906 SW Woods Chapel Rd., Blue Springs, MO 64015.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that you send donations to the American Lung Society and/or The COPD Foundation.