Charles Kies

Charles Edwin Henry "Bud" Kies, 89, of St. Louis died Tuesday, July 1, 2014.

He was the beloved husband of 57 years of Janet Merle Buchheit Kies; dear father of Jeffrey Charles, the late John David and Julie Joanne Kies.

He was the son of Edwin and Alma Kies of Jackson, where he was raised. A sister, Dorothy Kies Penzel (George), preceded him in death. His beloved nieces, Carolyn Bock (Lewis) and Georganne Syler (William), live in Cape Girardeau. Nephew and godson William F. Winter Jr. (Lisa) lives in Glen Carbon, Illinois; dear brother-in-law to John (Sandy) and Judy Buchheit; dear cousin to many.

After graduating from Jackson High School, Charles was drafted into the Army during World War II, serving with the 139th Airborne Engineers Battalion, 17th Airborne Division, and 194th Glider Infantry Battalion in Europe. He soared in a glider into Wesel, Germany, with supportive supplies toward the end of the Battle of the Bulge. He served in the 1st, 3rd and 9th Armies.

When he returned home, he spent some time in farming and raising cattle on the family farm in Jackson, going to the University of Wisconsin short course in animal husbandry. He also raised 5,000 chickens for eggs for the local hatchery, but lost half the flock in the summer heat of 1954.

He then came to St. Louis for a new career. He began working in accounting for Daybright Co. and developed his skills through a program of night classes at Washington University. After receiving an A.A. degree he joined Grossmann Contracting Co. as their accountant and office manager. He held the position for 26 years, retiring after Murphy Co. acquired Grossmann.

Charles was a faithful member of UCC churches in Jackson and St. Louis County. St. Stephen UCC in Baden was his home church for most of his life. He served in church leadership there and sang in church choirs 66 years over the course of his life. In recent years he was a member of St. Lucas UCC and sang in the choir there.

Charles had a lifetime appreciation of art, encouraged by his parents and teachers. He created his own drawings in pencil, chalk or paints and played the piano. He passed his love of music to his children. He also enjoyed traveling. He visited all 50 states and traveled out of the country with family and friends.

The funeral was July 8 at St. Lucas Church. Burial was in St. Lucas Cemetery.

John L. Ziegenhein and Sons South County was in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments or St. Lucas UCC.