Charles M Terwilliger

Major Charles M Terwilliger

June 1, 1920 - April 5, 2025

Charles Terwilliger, 104, of Independence, Kansas, passed away April 5, 2025. Born near Booneville, AR, he was a proud Army veteran who served in the infantry in WWII, and later as a commissioned officer in the Quartermaster Corps in the Korean War. He retired early to spend more time with his beloved wife, Maxine, whom he married in 1941. She preceded him in death in 2008 after nearly 67 years of marriage.

Charles was known for his strong work ethic, love of reading, gardening talents, and deep faith. He was a devoted family man who created lasting memories for his grandchildren during their cherished summer visits.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vora Byrd Ervin and John Louis Terwilliger, his daughter Barbara McHughes, all of his siblings (Irvin, JL, and Bobby Terwilliger, Verba Milligan Knape, Myra York, Bettye Kline, Nadine Harlan), and one great-granddaughter.

Surviving his passing is his daughter Sharon Knuth, six grandchildren (Laura Self, Kelly Blair, David McHughes, Lexie Joseph, Aimee Knuth, Sarah Robinson), 21 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives and friends.

He will be remembered for his love, integrity, and the quiet strength he showed throughout his well-lived long life.

Visitation will be 3:00pm-6:00pm, Thursday, April 10th at Potts Chapel, 122 S. Penn Ave., Independence, KS. Graveside service will be 11:00am Friday, April 11th, at the Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas.