Charles "Charlie" Bratcher Villanueva

January 6, 1947 – August 16, 2024

Charles “Charlie” Bratcher Villanueva, affectionately known as “Butch” by family, 77, was born in Claremore, Oklahoma on January 6, 1947, to loving parents Mary Louise (Bratcher) and Marciano Villanueva. Charlie was home the evening of Friday, August 16th, packing away books and treasured keepsakes as he prepared to downsize for the next chapter in his life when he peacefully passed away.

Charlie grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where he remained a resident throughout his life. He was proud to be older brother to Mac and Louise. He loved spending time with his family, especially on trips to visit cousins in Oklahoma and California, making memories and sharing lots of laughter.

Charlie graduated from Southwest High School in 1965, where he lettered in football. He and his brother Mac enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966, hoping for the chance to serve together. They were both stationed in Germany – Mac as a Medic and Charlie as a Clerk and a Demolitions Specialist. Charlie also played on the U.S. Army’s football team while stationed in Hanau, Germany. After his service ended, he took a job at Stuart Hall Stationary in downtown Kansas City, where he worked for nearly 12 years before becoming a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service. There, he received special recognition for his service over his 30-year career.

Charlie’s love of family continued throughout his life. He started his family in 1976, marrying Mary Lyn (Nussbeck) Villanueva. They were overjoyed to welcome Chuck, Melissa, and Lucas over the first decade of their life together. He was an engaged father and uncle to 18 nieces and nephews. Charlie volunteered as a coach for basketball and volleyball, often stepping up to coach the “b-team”. He believed that every kid deserved a chance to learn how to play and focused on teaching the fundamentals, which led to building confidence in the players and winning records.

After his retirement in 2011, Charlie fulfilled a lifelong dream and bought himself a Harley Davidson. Spending days riding around with friends and exploring on daytrips was well deserved fun. He also began volunteering at the Kansas City Indian Center, where he built strong relationships that were spiritually enriching to him. He loved to learn about his cultural heritage as an enrolled tribal member of the Lenape, Delaware Tribe of Indians. He learned to play the wooden flute and the art of beadwork. He could often be found listening to music by native artists, watching documentaries, and reading about the history and traditions of his tribal ancestors.

Charlie was kind, compassionate, generous, and loved by all who knew him. He loved rock n’ roll, science fiction, and watching football. He would often say the time spent with his kids when they were young was the greatest joy of his life. This joy grew when he became a Papa to grandchildren Axel, Lorelei, Charlena, and Althea. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly and often told stories of them with a twinkle in his eye.

Charlie was preceded in death by his mother Mary Louise, father Marciano, and brother Mac. He is survived by his sister Louise Gardner, ex-wife Mary Lyn Villanueva, sons Chuck Villanueva and Lucas Villanueva (married to Maris), daughter Melissa Jass (married to Bryan), and grandchildren Axel, Lorelei, Charlena, and Althea.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to honor Charlie’s memory to the Delaware Tribe of Indians: https://delawaretribe.org/home-page/make-a-donation/ or the Kansas City Indian Center: https://kcindiancenter.org/donate/