Loyal Charles Auman

Loyal Charles Auman unexpectedly passed away at Overland Park Regional Medical Center on May 11, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family. Charles was born on December 2, 1948 in Columbus, Kansas to Loyal Billy Auman and Cleta Stone Auman who preceded him in death.

He grew up on the family farm and helped with farm work, cutting wood for the wood burning stove and learned many skills alongside his father. He helped to build their "indoor plumbing" and worked on the installation of the rural water system as a teenager. In addition to doing farm work, he grew tomatoes for sale to local markets and worked in a lawn mower factory to earn money for college. Charles was always a diligent student and participated in many extracurricular activities, including FFA, 4-H and varsity football. He served his fellow students on the Student Council for several years.

Charles graduated from Riverton High School in 1966 and was the class salutatorian. He went on to earn a BS in Mathematics, an MS in Mathematics, and an MS in Computer Science at Pittsburg State. He also earned an MBA in Theology at Saint Paul's School of Theology, Methodist in Kansas City, Missouri. Over the years Charles served as a youth pastor, taught high school and college level mathematics, worked as a computer programmer at Sprint and DST and became a tax preparer.

Charles found joy in the simple pleasures of life and the people he loved the most. He was an avid fan of the Kansas Jayhawks (especially basketball), Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. Each year he would say, "Next year the Jayhawks will win it all". Charles loved attending live concerts including Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor and Jackson Browne. Family vacations were among his happiest times, and ocean visits were his favorite. He wanted to visit all fifty states, but still had a few to go at the time of his passing. Charles was a devoted animal lover and he once drove to Texas to adopt Louise, a rescue Great Pyrenees who loved him until and beyond his dying day. Charles enjoyed working in the garden, utilizing the knowledge he gained in his early years on the farm. He was always happy to enjoy a home cooked meal with those he loved, and over the years became an accomplished cook. Known for his quick wit and playful sense of humor, he delighted in telling math jokes that often earned equal parts of laughter and groans. Charles never met a stranger and loved talking with anyone and everyone.

Charles met the love of his life, Pam Printy Gwin, in 1988, introduced by a mutual friend. They married on May 6, 1989 and he became stepfather to eight year old Emily Gwin and six year old Katy Gwin. He also considered his niece Sara Printy to be a step daughter. He excelled in his role as a father, and the girls all adored him. Charles also leaves two step daughters from his first marriage, Lisa Peek and Amy Bryant. He is mourned by his beloved grandchild, Ben Vasquez, sister SueAnn Bryan (Donnie) and brother Tandy Auman (Debbie) and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life held on Saturday, June 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Amos Family Funeral Home at 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Great Plains SPCA .