Charlene Town

Charlene Fern Town of Eureka, died on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Eureka Nursing Center, in Eureka, at the age of 84.

She was born on October 25, 1940, on the family farm northeast of Eureka, to Charles Fredrick and Nellie Florence (Cook) Denner, and was raised in the area, graduating from Tonovay High School with the Class of 1958. In her youth, she worked at Dairy Queen and later waitressed before owning the Jiffy Burger Café. On January 5, 1964, Charlene was united in marriage to William Alvin “Willie” Nordmeyer in Eureka. To this union, three children were born. During  this time, Charlene was every bit a ranch wife, milking cows, raising bucket calves, and providing many wonderful home-cooked meals.

After this marriage ended, Charlene's passion for helping others led her to become an EMT, where she volunteered for five years with the Greenwood County Ambulance Service. She then worked at Medicalodge in Eureka for over eleven years as the Department Head of Restorative Services. On September 2, 1977, Charlene married Junior Milton Town in Eureka. She decided to return to school and became a Certified Physical Therapist Assistant, working at Our Lady of Lourdes in Wichita before coming to Greenwood County Hospital. She retired in 2001 due to mobility problems.

Charlene was a member of the Christian & Congregational Church, the church board, President of the Christian & Congregational Women’s Fellowship, and served on the Missions and Memorial Committees and was a member of the choir for over 30 years. She was a member of the Sweet Adelines, Union Community EHU President, CEHE, Greenwood County American Cancer Society, Co-Leader of the Union Shockers 4-H Club, and was the Foods Leader.

During her working and volunteer life, Charlene was recognized in many ways including Employee of the Month, Employee of the Quarter out of 30 health care facilities in a four state area, Therapist of the Year, and received the Human Dignity Award.

Charlene loved travelling. She visited many states, including the non-contiguous ones, as well as Canada and Ireland. She loved reading, flower gardening, and singing. But above all, she loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Julie and husband, Ralph Bilson of Eureka; Michelle and husband, Alan Johnson of Eureka; and Marcy Nordmeyer of Kansas City, Missouri; one step-son, Larry Town of Howard; four grandchildren: Lane, Gentry, Kennedy, and Cody; three great-grandchildren: Maxwell, Blake, and Maggie; one brother, David Denner of Florence, South Carolina; and numerous step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two step-children, Jeff Town, and Cheryl McCoy; and four siblings: Wildine Denner, Rilda Cook, Arleta Carter, and Julia Seward.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, September 19, 2025, at Koup Family Funeral Home, Eureka with Pastor Dan Buck of the Christian & Congregational Church officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Eureka. Visitation is set for 6:00 to 7:00 P.M., Thursday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Christian & Congregational Church or to the Eureka Public Library. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online at koupfunerals.com.