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Charles Phillip Gore

Centralia, Kansas

07/01/1935 - 09/05/2020

Charles Phillip Gore,85, of Centralia, Kansas a loving husband, father, grandfather and lifelong educator passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City.

Phil was born on July 1, 1935 in Elida, New Mexico to Charles Floyd and Cubie Ridgway Gore. He attended and graduated from Clovis High School in New Mexico; where he was a member of the 1951 State Basketball Championship Team. He accepted a baseball scholarship to Howard County Junior College; and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Eastern New Mexico University.

Phil married Mary McMahon on December 28, 1960 in Clarkton, Missouri after a whirlwind romance. They were happily married for 59 years and had two children together. He taught and coached in Farmington, New Mexico and Durango, Colorado. He was employed by the Colorado State Department of Education and was the Director of the East Central BOCES in Limon, Colorado. Before his retirement, he served as the Extended Studies Director at Adams State College. Phil touched many lives through interactions with his family, his students and his fellow colleagues—he was a relentless learner. He was a natural teacher and he truly loved the education field; dedicating 45 years to being an educator and administrator.

Phil served in the New Mexico Army National Guard. He liked reading, fishing, golfing, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Denver Broncos, and watching all sorts of sports on television.   He never turned down ice cream or coconut crème pie. He and his wife retired to Centralia, Kansas to be closer to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed again living in a small town and became a huge Centralia Panther’s Fan.

He is preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law John Schmitz.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughter, Lisa Schmitz of Centralia; his son Jeffrey (Sonny) Gore of Centralia; his grandchildren, Eric (Candice) Schmitz of Centralia, Holly (Brian) Wempe of Pawnee City, Nebraska, Emily (Nathan) Combs of Eatonville, Washington, Jared Schmitz of Centralia, Hollis Gore of Hanover, Maryland, Jason Gore and Isaac Gore of Centralia; and great-grandchildren, Breanna and Jayce Schmitz, and Abbie and Easton Wempe.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:30 PM on Thursday, September 10th at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca, Kansas. A private burial will be held Friday morning at Roots Cemetery.

Memorials will be designated at a later date to benefit education in some way.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:30 PM on Thursday, September 10th at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca, Kansas

A private burial will be held Friday morning at Roots Cemetery.

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14 Comments

  1. Kim Bramhall on September 6, 2020 at 3:48 pm

    Mary and family,

    So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with Phil. People like him are found few and far between. Praying that your hearts find peace.

    • Donna Kramer on September 7, 2020 at 2:31 pm

      Mary and family you have my sympathy and prayers. I will miss seeing him when we meet out and about town.🌹🌹

    • Melissa Mease Huff on September 8, 2020 at 5:22 pm

      My sincere condolences to all of the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  2. Jim and Karen VanGilder on September 6, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    So sorry and shocked at the Loss of your dear Loved one. He will be so missed by all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  3. Kim Tennal on September 6, 2020 at 4:23 pm

    So very sorry to hear of his passing. He was always a great guy to be around! Love and prayers to you all!!

    • TOM AND MICKIE CROWTHER on September 6, 2020 at 8:30 pm

      Mary and family,
      We are so sorry to learn of Phil’s passing. He was a happy man and always friendly. We always felt a Colorado connection with you guys. It is so hard to lose someone even with faith and hope in your lives. We will be thinking of you.

      Tom and Mickie Crowther

  4. Don and Janet Bailey on September 6, 2020 at 4:56 pm

    So shocked to hear of Phil’s passing. Our thoughts are with you: Mary, Lisa, Jeff and families and friends! Limon was fortunate to have Phil as a major factor in the success of the East Central BOCES, LHS Badger fan, etc. Prayers for all of you! Don and Janet Bailey

    • Lucille Reimer on September 8, 2020 at 7:18 pm

      Mary and family. So sad to hear of Phil’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of a dedicated man.

  5. Michelle Niblock Hashbarger on September 6, 2020 at 10:04 pm

    I am deeply saddened to hear of Phil’s passing…I extend to you and your family…my most heartfelt sorrow and condolences…

  6. Pat Deters on September 7, 2020 at 5:05 pm

    Deepest sympathy to Mary and the family. Was such a kind man, always talked to you. I remember Phil and Mary coming to Eastridge to donate their services.

  7. Naomi and Terry Malcom on September 8, 2020 at 10:49 pm

    My heartfelt condolences to Mary and the family. Phil hired me as the first Occupational Therapist at EC BOCES. He was a lot of fun to work for and supportive as well. He blessed Limon and the I-70 corridor with his knowledge and expertise. Just an all around wonderful man. I have missed him… I know you will as well. So sorry…

  8. Morris Stagner on September 9, 2020 at 2:07 pm

    Phil, I will really miss you. Going to high school with you was a light of my life and will always be remembered. I think one of the fondest memories was when you and me and our buddies went to my folks cabin in the area of Las Vegas, NM. We really had a time and will be remembered by all of us. I am sure you will be missed by your loved ones. Jesus, Please especially bless Phil and please tell him I said Hello.

    Morris Stagner

    P.S. If you run into Claudette, please give her a big hug from all of us Stagners

  9. George Ehlers on September 9, 2020 at 6:06 pm

    My prayers to you Mary with heartfelt sympathy at the loss of Phil. Lisa and Jeff, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad passing and my prayers and thoughts are with you all. Phil always had a smile to give and he was always good at teasing you if you caught his humor. He will be sadly missed, and my thoughts go out to all of the family at this time. Condolences and prayers to you Mary, and Bless you all. God Speed Phil……….

    George Ehlers

  10. Clint and Crystal Strong on September 10, 2020 at 1:35 pm

    Mary and Family,

    We are so sorry for your loss! Phil was always so great to all of us and a joy to be around. May the God of all comfort and peace be with you in this difficult time. We will be praying for you all.

    Blessings, Clint, Crystal and the girls

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