Charles Kimbell Eby

Charles Kimbell Eby, 80, loving husband and father and enthusiastic volunteer, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025, on John 3:16 day. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:30 pm, Thursday, March 27, 2025 at First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Martin K. Eby, Sr. and Pauline Eby; his sister, Carolyn Grier; his brother, Martin K. Eby, Jr. on the day prior; and brothers-in-law, Jim Grier, III, John Schroeppel and David Casper. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean Casper Eby; daughters, Christina (Jon) Neely and their children, Piper (fiancé Abid) Eli, Jalear, and Susan (Lucas) Koch and their children, Tanner (fiancée Aenya), Bryson, Laura (Mitchell) Budke. Charles was born in Wichita, KS on January 18, 1945 and graduated from Wichita North High School in 1962. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1967 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Charles and Jean met at Kansas State University on a blind date and it was love at first sight. They were married June 15, 1968. Charles was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, where he served on various committees and workcamp teams. He was a member of the Hand-in-Hand Sunday School class for 55+ years and now Seekers. He spent his entire career working in construction in the business his father founded, Martin K. Eby Construction Company, alongside his father, brother, brother-in-law and father-in-law. He contributed to Wichita area projects including Century II, and served as Senior Vice President and manager of the heavy/industrial division and held licenses in multiple states. Charlie gave generously of his time and talents to organizations around Wichita. He was a member of Rotary International, Wichita Committee on Foreign Relations, an active participant in WSU Lifelong Learning courses and he and Jean attended all 50+ years of Wichita Music Theater. He found much joy in being a big brother to two young men through Big Brothers, Big Sisters. He served on the board of Open Door for 9 years and oversaw the “gut and remodel” of their new office. He was most passionate about his work through Habitat for Humanity, where he served for 20+ years. He served as President for 3 years and was instrumental in the establishment of the Habitat ReStore. Charles was honored in 2015, being named with the “Service above Self” award by the Wichita Downtown Rotary Club. In 2017 he received the Distinguished Community Service Award. He received multiple recognitions from Habitat for Humanity: 2004 Middle-States Volunteer of the Year, 2017 Cornerstone Award, 2019 Award for Demonstrate the Love of Jesus Christ and recognized in September 2024 at the Raise the Roof event. He was a strong supporter of Kansas State University. He was a founding member of Triangle Fraternity and served as President of the KSU Chapter. The Charles Eby family was named Family of the Year in 1995 and he also received the Distinguished Service Award from the College of Engineering in 1995. His passions in life were his family, serving others, and exercise! He supported his family in all ways possible, providing love and support, with a determined but light-hearted approach. He gave unending energy to accomplish whatever task was at hand. Charlie loved the outdoors, spending boyhood hours along the banks of the Arkansas River, fishing and hunting. He loved all forms of exercise, but especially running, biking, swimming, skiing in the Rockies, canoeing and kayaking. He enjoyed sharing these activities with his loved ones. Memorials have been established with First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202, and Wichita Habitat for Humanity, 2220 N. Opportunity Dr.Wichita, KS 67219. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 Services in Care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.