Charles "Chuck" August Gebauer was born April 24, 1927 to William & Emma (Steinow) Gebauer and died in Donna, TX April 29, 2021 at 94 years and 5 days. He was the 6th of 9 children born at the family farmhouse southwest of Akron, CO. He attended Rago school to the 8th grade then attended Akron High School but left to operate a farm and help support the family. He was drafted into the Navy at 18 for two years being the 4th brother to serve in the Pacific Theatre. After discharge from the service he returned to Akron, got his GED and married Betty Lou Koch on January 25, 1947. To this union four children were born: Linda Marie, Gary Lee, Alan Wayne, and Janean Rae.

Chuck and Betty began their farming and ranching career northeast of Akron, Co spending 65 years on the same farm before retiring. He was always at the forefront of farming techniques, utilizing fertilizer, soil conservation, planting trees and even building his own equipment when necessary. He always had the desire to fly and obtained his pilot license in 1953. He enjoyed being able to fly family, friends, neighbors and community members to various destinations. He flew his family to several places for winter vacations especially to south Texas where he purchased citrus groves in 1958. He accumulated over 2600 hours of flight time owning several planes throughout the years. He built his own runway on the farm for ease of access and maintained them for public and private use.

He was actively engaged in many organizations including lifetime member of American Legion and VFW. Longtime member of Akron Lions Club, appointed Commissioner to Colorado Game and Fish for 5 years by then Governor Love. He joined the Civil Air Patrol in 1956 and was active in Colorado Flying Farmers holding all offices, and various travel club organizations.

After retirement they enjoyed traveling in their motorhome throughout the country. For the last several years wintering in Texas and spending the summers in Colorado. He was honored to be chosen for the Colorado Honor Flight to Washington D.C. and thoroughly enjoyed the trip to visit the monuments.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bill & Emma, sister Helena Harper (Warren), brothers Wilferd, Alfred (Rose), Robert (Goldie), Chester, brother-in-law Oliver Dean, daughter Linda Putnam and son Gary. He is survived by his wife of 74 years Betty Lou, son Alan (Patty), daughter Janean (Craig) Johnson, brothers Harold (Frieda), Max (Joyce), sister Thelma Dean and a sister-in-law Margie Gebauer. Nine grandkids, 13 great-grandkids and many other relatives and friends including special caretaker Olga Garcia and longtime family friends Linde Brittain and Leigh & Penny Vidakovich.

A funeral service will be held Friday, May 7, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Akron.  Interment will follow at the Akron Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or to the Akron VFW.