Charles Dean Cordell, 85 of Independence, MO, died Sunday, November 1, 2009 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2009 at the Atkinson Chapel in Harrisonville, MO with visitation from 1:00-1:30 p.m. Friday at the chapel. Burial will be in Freeman Cemetery, Freeman, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice, 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114.

Charles was born on July 19, 1924 in Freeman, MO, the son of Charles Martin and Grace Lee (Davis) Cordell. Charles grew up in Freeman where he attended school. He was a decorated WWII Army veteran. Charles married Melva Pauline Baker (Swope) on December 22, 1977 in Independence.

Charles worked at the Claycomo Ford Plant for 36 years before retiring in January, 1988. He was a member of the UAW Local #249, Claycomo and was a lifetime member of the Independence VFW Post 1000. He enjoyed scuba diving, canoe camping and water skiing when he was younger. He also enjoyed many years at the "Shady Rest" at Pomme de Terre Lake. In recent years, he enjoyed traveling to Southern Missouri, Arkansas and Colorado. He enjoyed eating and socializing. He was blessed with many loving and supportive friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Ruth Cordell, Dorothy Lee Cordell, Genevieve Warner and Dana Beatrice Waldron; and his wife, Melva, on May 10, 2004. He is survived by twin children, Dennis Joe Baker of Independence, MO and Deborah Kay Stadsvold (Kenneth) of Ramsey, MN and five grandchildren, Brett Kenton Stadsvold, David Blaine Baker, Spencer Thomas Stadsvold, Garrett Michael Stadsvold and Faith Nicole Baker.

He has been described as a gentle giant; we will miss him.