CAMERON, Mo. – Charles Max French, 85, passed away Dec. 12, 2025. He was born Oct. 15, 1940, in St. Joseph, Mo., to Max and Frances (Parker) French.
Charley graduated from high school in Osage City, Kan., and earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Kansas State University.
In 1973, Charley and Mona moved to Cameron, Mo., from Chattanooga, Tenn. In his heart he was a mechanic, not a corporate engineer. He was fortunate to own and operate the Chrysler-Dodge dealership French Motors until his retirement in 2005. He was fortunate to have good customers and always tried to do right by them.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, JoAnn Carson.
Survivors include his wife, Mona; nephews, Scott (Doug) Carson, San Francisco, Calif., and Grant (Lori) Carson, Northlake, Texas; sister-in-law, Donna Barnes, Hutchinson, Kan.; brother-in-law, Richard (Connie) Stucky, Pretty Prairie, Kan.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A reception to celebrate Charley’s life will be 5-7 p.m. Dec. 16, at McCorkle’s Eatery & Pub, 109 W. Third. St., Cameron. Family and friends are welcome to come and share memories of Charley. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials can be given to Turney-Lathrop Baby Grace or Linda’s Precious Pet’s Animal Care Facility. Condolences can be left at polandthompson.com. Arrangements are by Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, Cameron.
