Charles Giovannini

Charles R. Giovannini, age 88, passed away on May 9 in Kirksville, Missouri, surrounded by family. Born on November 3, 1936, in Novinger, Missouri, Charles was the son of John and Anna (Bartosik) Giovannini. He graduated from Kirksville High School in 1954 and went on to attend Northeast Missouri State College (now Truman State University). On August 17, 1959, he married Mary Link. Together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage and built a legacy rooted in family, community, and service. The joy of his life was his family who survive him: his wife Mary; two sons, John Robert “Bob” (Hilary) and Charles “David” (Annette Kenney); one daughter, Beth (Bobby) Poston, all of Kirksville, MO; six grandchildren whom he cherished: Dillon (Monika) Poston, Travis (Angela) Poston, favorite granddaughter Katy Poston (Brayton) Glaspie; Andrew, John, and Hunter Giovannini; and five beloved great-grandchildren: Kemper Giovannini, Tinley Giovannini, Claire and Anna Poston, and Taylor Poston. He is also survived by his sister, Marianna Giovannini Sparks. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. For over 50 years Charles managed his own real estate office. He was proud that he attended and graduated from the first Graduate Realtor Institute and attained the designation of GRI. He developed Belaire Estates subdivision in Kirksville’s north section and proudly served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, earning an honorable discharge. Charles was a dedicated public servant and active community member. He chaired committees and was elected President for the Adair County Area Chamber of Commerce. He was active in the Jaycees for many years. He championed the city manager form of government and had the $1.00 check he received for serving the first year on the Kirksville City Council. He was instrumental in promoting economic development in the area, even traveling to Japan as part of a delegation from the State of Missosuri to bring business to Missouri. He was elected chair of the Democratic Committee. A man of great loyalty, Charles was a 50-year member of both the Kirksville Moose Lodge and Kirksville Lodge No.105 A.F. & A.M. He especially held the Shrine Club close to his heart. Charles had a deep love for the Spring Lake community, where he served on the Board of Directors. He was an avid fisherman, boater, and water skiing instructor, passing along his love of the water and ability to ski to many children. He also enjoyed coaching little league baseball, supporting his children in sports and dance, and was a lifelong fan of the Cardinals, Chiefs, Mizzou Tigers and the Truman Bulldogs.. Springtime meant preparing for golf, a hobby that quickly became a lifelong passion. Monday night card games were a weekly tradition he rarely missed. An avid outdoorsman, Charles was committed to hunting of all kinds, especially pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota with his long-time hunting group. Retirement didn’t slow him down. He became a “farmer at heart,” helping with planting and harvesting whenever possible. The family expresses heartfelt thanks to The Pines for their compassionate care. A thank you to Dr. Maria Evans for her special visits. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Visitation: Tuesday, May 13th, 4–6 PM service at 6:00 PM