Charles Alexander Cortner, 82, an Osawatomie native, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2002 at Country Haven Nursing and Rehibilitation Center in Paola. He was born Oct. 19, 1919, in Osawatomie and was one of the eight children of Joseph Alexander and Minnie Morrow Cortner. He grew up in Osawatomie, attended local schools and graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1939.

He was married to Lela Louise King on Jan. 2, 1941 in Olathe. They became the parents of one son. Mr. Cortner served with the U.S .Army from Sept. 24, 1940 until Oct. 13, 1945. He was a member of the military police. While he was in service, the family lived in Seattle, Wash. After his discharge, they returned to Osawatomie to live. His wife preceded him in death in 1997.

His career with the Missouri Pacific Railroad began in 1945. He was an engineer and worked for 36 years before retiring in 1981. His memberships included the United Transportation Union, Hanlin-Kelly Post No. 2258 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, John Hinkle Post No. 204 of the American Legion, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 921 and the First United Methodist Church, all of Osawatomie. Others preceding him in death were to brothers and three sisters.

Survivors include his son, James C. Cortner of Osawatomie, two sisters, Dorothy Heckart of Osawatomie and Rita Hayden of Enid, Okla; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services were today (Monday) at the Osawatomie Cemetery. Pallbearers were Steve Ricketts, Stan Ricketts, John Cortner, Lynn Dickey, Kelly Twogood and John Bumgarner. Memorials are to Chioldren's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO and may be sent to Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home in Osawatomie.

Published in the Miami Co. Republic, Paola, KS, Jan 28, 2002