Charles Dudley

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Charles Leroy Dudley was born on December 19, 1934 to Charles Claude Dudley and Minnie Gandy Dudley. Charles was primarily raised by his grandparents, Richard and Bertha Gandy. He lived most of his life in the Galena, Kansas area where he attended the Galena school system. His gentle soul passed away on June 15, 2017 at the Quaker Hill Manor at the age of 82.

Charles was an expert jet engine inspector for over 36 years, retiring at the Neosho facility currently known as Premier Turbine. (Formerly known as Rocketdyne/Teledyne/Sabreliner/Premier Turbine.) He raised and bred racing quarter horses for many years, participating in races around the Midwest. He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and the Spring River Boat and Ski Club.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and uncles who were like brothers.

Survivors include devoted wife of 63 years LaJunta Jackson Dudley; loving children, Joni Jessee (Dean); Curtis Dudley (Jacquelyn); 3 Grandchildren: Matthew Todd Jessee (Judith); Julie Jessee Miller; Nathan Charles Dudley; 4 great-grandchildren: Taylor Black, Cameron Miller, Madeline Jessee, Matthew Graham Jessee. Charles will also be missed by an entire host of friends and family!

Services will be held at 2:30 PM on Monday, June 19, 2017 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. Visitation will be from 12:30 PM until the time of the service. Immediately following the service, the friends will be dismissed from the funeral home, and the family will prepare for Private Burial.

The family will be gathering at the home of Joni and Dean Jessee, 3220 Monroe, Galena, KS.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the First Christian Church of Galena, KS or a charity of the donor’s choice.