Charles Owen Klaiss

Charles Owen “Charlie” Klaiss, our fearless leader, age 85, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. He was born March 7, 1939, in Charlotte the son of Donald Owen and Ila Leona (Shumaker) Klaiss. Charlie was a man of many talents and the life of the party. He was always ready with a joke to lighten up any situation. Charlie started his career working as an electrician with his father and later started his own stage lighting business traveling throughout the world setting up concert lighting. He worked as Loretta Lynn’s production manager for many years and loved working together with her phenomenal team. Charlie especially loved the USO tours overseas. In his younger years, Charlie, loved the cowboy lifestyle. He rode bulls, roped, owned and trained horses, and could crack a bull whip like no other. Charlie was an active member of the Charlotte Fire Department his entire life and an ardent supporter of the Christmas Kiddies program. Charlie enjoyed life to the fullest and will always be remembered as a loving and devoted father and grandfather.
Charlie is survived by his children, Lee Harvey of Inverness, Florida, Brian Sheldon of Winder, Georgia, Kelly Wadsworth of Charlotte; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and brother, Neil Klaiss.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyce Elaine Klaiss; grandson, Adam Sheldon; and sister-in-law, Leila Klaiss.
A celebration of Charlie’s life was held on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 12 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday prior to the service.
Those desiring may make contributions in Charlie’s memory to the Charlotte Volunteer Fire Department, 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Charlie’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.