Clarence H Kirchner, Jr.

Clarence H. Kirchner, Jr. “Skip” of Overland Park, KS (formerly of Hollister, MO) passed away Friday April 18th at Colonial Village in Overland Park, KS. Cremation is planned with a memorial service on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 10 am at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Skip was born January 10, 1943, in Wichita Falls, Texas to Clarence, Sr. and Hazel “Juanita” Kirchner. He was the oldest of four boys. He grew up mostly in Teague, TX but the family often traveled throughout Texas and Oklahoma when Clarence, Sr. was needed on an electrical job. Skip graduated from Permian High School in Odessa, TX but long considered himself a Teague High School Class of 1961 classmate. Skip attended Navarro Community College but when the Vietnam war broke out, he opted to enlist in the Army. Skip decided to join in training to become an officer and upon completion was deployed to Vietnam with the Army Corp of Engineers. Skip was able to help a village rebuild a bridge that had been destroyed, reconnecting them with nearby communities. They were very appreciative and gifted him a beautiful piece of artwork made of local oyster shells that hung on his wall throughout the rest of his life.

Upon returning, Skip was united in marriage with Gayle Elise Chenoweth, St Louis. They embarked on married life at Ft Leonardwood, MO and their daughter, Whitney Ann was born the following year. The Army decided Skip was to attend college and sent them to Hattiesburg, MS where Skip earned a BS in Computer Science. Stations after that included Ft Lee, VA, where their son Ian Grayson was born, Ft Carson, CO, Stuttgart, Germany, Wharton Barracks, Germany and finally Joplin, MO. During this time Skip earned his MBA from Boston University. Skip and Gayle took advantage of the opportunities the Army offered and traveled extensively to see more of the world. Gayle was a huge support to Skip in all that was expected of an officer. She also introduced him to one of his biggest loves, sailing.

After serving 20 years, Skip retired from the Army as a Major with many commendations including a Bronze Star. He went on to teach Computer Science at Missouri Southern State University then worked for the city of Joplin as a HUD coordinator. This job allowed him to use the skills he’d learned from his father as well as the Corp of Engineers. He evaluated low and fixed income homes, accepted bids for work that needed to be done, inspected the work upon completion, and then paid the contractors. During this time, he also tried his hand at flipping houses. He completed a house and the conversion of a large home into five apartments.

Skip and Gayle lost Ian in 2003. This was a very difficult time for the family.

Skip hit the jackpot with the addition of his son-in-law, David Schmale. They spent many hours “doing what men do.” Piddling around in the workshop, garage, drinking beer, sailing, BBQing, LONG trips to Costco going down EVERY aisle topped off with a hotdog, all things that made Skip smile.

Two grandsons, Kye David and Kristopher Grayson became the joy of his life. Skip loved nothing more than teaching them how to sail, spending Spring Break with them in Corpus Christi, presenting them with an American flag at their Eagle Scout Court of Honors. He enjoyed watching their sporting and music events and teaching them to fix things around the house.

After Gayle’s death in 2018 from colon cancer, Skip moved to Overland Park, KS to be closer to Whitney and her family. This time close to Whitney was a gift and they spent many days getting to know each other better. He loved sitting outside, watching the seasons change, and a good cup of

coffee-black. He enjoyed the frequent visits and coming to Whitney’s house, especially when she made some of her mom’s recipes. Skip was a connoisseur of good food and could make a mean chicken fried steak. His specialty was breakfast for dinner though and when he was in charge of dinner, you could count on pancakes and bacon with all the trimmings.

Skip was an accomplished drone pilot, flying in the Branson and Joplin areas. He enjoyed taking pictures of landscapes and homes for their owners. He also loved taking videos of his boat on the water.

He was preceded in death by his wife Gayle in 2018 and his son Ian in 2003, his parents Clarence, Sr. and Juanita, and his brother, Charlie as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his daughter, Whitney, his son in law, David, his grandsons, Kye and Kris, all of Olathe, KS. Also, his brothers Roger Kirchner, of Round Rock, TX and Steve Kirchner, of Denver, North Carolina. He also leaves behind many brother and sister in laws and nieces and nephews. His many pups, Lulah, Sophie, Fanny, George, Abby, Skeeter, Bandi and Schatzi were waiting for him at the rainbow bridge.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation that helps veterans and their families. https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/