Jetmore - Charles Woodson Guthrie , 85, was born at Wesley Hospital in Wichita, Kansas on October 12, 1932, the only child of Charles Ousley and Ruth Long Guthrie. He passed away on April 3, 2018, at his home in Jetmore. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alison Sayler Guthrie.

Charles Woodson, or "Gus," as he was known by many, attended Jetmore Grade School and graduated from Jetmore High School in 1950.  An outstanding athlete, musician and drama student, Gus was voted "All School Boy" in his senior year of high school. He attended the University of Colorado for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1953. He was stationed at Parks AFB, in Oakland, Calif.; Brooks and Kelly AFB, in San Antonio, Texas; and Suitland Hall and Ft. Meade in Maryland. He served in the Intelligence Division and National Security Agency until his discharge in 1957. After service, he attended Kansas State University, and then returned to Jetmore, where he purchased the Chevrolet Agency. He later took over the Conoco Service Station and Repair Shop, as well as his father's farming operation.

Gus had a passion for civil service, not only by serving his country, but also his community. He served as a volunteer fireman for many years, and was a member of the Jetmore Jaycees. Gus joined the Jetmore Lions Club in 1959, serving as president and secretary through a membership of more than 50 years. He was a member of the Hodgeman County Historical Society, and was president of the organization at the time of his death. Gus was treasurer of the Hodgeman County Economic Development Board and was a member of the Hodgeman Community Foundation Board. He served on the Hodgeman County Health Center Board for several years and was a Jetmore City Council member for 12 years.

While serving in the Air Force, he married Alison B. Sayler, of Jetmore, in the Jetmore United Methodist Church on August 8, 1954.  They had three sons, who survive, including:  Charles "Larry" (Cheryl) Guthrie of White Salmon, Wash.; Wayne A. (Pat) Guthrie of Sequim, Wash.; and Martin L. (Suann) Guthrie of Houston, Texas.

Charles was a lifelong member of the Jetmore United Methodist Church. He sang in the church choir and was a Sunday school teacher. He was a Lay Leader in the church, and served on the Board of Trustees and the Pastor/Parish Relations Committee. He was also the Church Historian for many years. Along with three other church members, he researched and wrote a book which commemorated the 100 ^th anniversary of the Jetmore United Methodist Church. In 2000, when the church created its living experience of the Journey to Bethlehem, Gus was instrumental the construction of the original set. He also took great pride in his role as the tax collector or elder in the production—always growing a beard to make sure he looked authentic.

With an expanding family, Gus and Alison decided build a home in Jetmore in 1967. Here, he enjoyed gardening and bird watching. A densely wooded backyard continues to provide a sanctuary for a wide variety of birds. In fact, Gus spent many hours identifying and recording birds and their activities that were used in research for Cornell University.

Gus enjoyed working with stained glass, designing and fabricating four windows that were installed in their home. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed expanding his father's antique telephone collection. The family went on many camping trips to Colorado and New Mexico—first in an Apache tent trailer then graduating to a modified school bus with motorcycles for riding trails. Along with his oldest son Larry, Charles was a charter member of the local Stump Jumper motorcycle club in the early 1970s. After the boys grew up, Gus and Alison traveled to Israel, Australia, Russia, Sweden and England, as well as both coasts of the United States to visit their sons.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life service will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Jetmore United Methodist Church with Pastor Cyd Stein presiding. Friends may sign the register book from 9 a.m. to 8p.m. on Friday, April 6, 2018, at the Beckwith Funeral Home in Jetmore.

Memorials may be directed to the Jetmore United Methodist Church, the Hodgeman Community Foundation or the Haun Museum, in care of the Beckwith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 663, Jetmore, Kansas  67854.  Condolences may be left at www.beckwithfuneralhome.com.