Charles Rishel

Charles Wilbur Rishel, 96, of Wichita, KS, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2017, at the Kansas Masonic Home in Wichita. Wilbur was born November 20, 1920 in Wichita, KS, the son of Arthur Burt and Genetta B. McKee Rishel. Wilbur attended the College of Emporia where he met the love of his life on a piano bench, Ruby Cossaart Rishel. Wilbur and Ruby married on June 6, 1943, and the newlyweds made Wichita their home for 73 years. Wilbur had an amazing professional career following his passion for fixing anything, troubleshooting, and building the latest contraption. He started at Stearman Aircraft Co. (Division of Boeing Plant 1) in the 1940s helping build B17s and the first B29 that rolled out the door. It was while working at Boeing that his love for flying began and he earned his pilot’s license. Wanting to pursue his career, he joined Dickey Electric, Safelite AutoGlass, and became a member of the IBEW Local Union #271 (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). While trying to get a local IBEW job, Wilbur worked as a traveling electrician, wiring missile silos during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Later, he joined AandH Electric and worked there until he retired in 1985. Wilbur had a true zest for life that came across in all he did. He was a loving husband and devoted father to four children and made time to pursue a wide variety of interests. He enjoyed perfecting his skills in photography, always shooting pictures and showing off his slide shows and family films. Wilbur had a passion for flight. He restored wrecked airplanes to airworthiness. Although Wilbur had many different airplanes, his favorite was his Piper J-3 Cub. He and Ruby enjoyed many air adventures together. In fact, he referred to her as his co-pilot. In early 2000, he was also involved in the restoration of the B29 “Doc”. Wilbur was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church for over 60 years. He and Ruby also served as missionaries making several trips to Costa Rica where they both practiced their faith and love for helping others. Wilbur also enjoyed being a member of the Masonic Home Lodge #450 for over 60 years. Wilbur is survived by his brother Howard Rishel; sons, Charles (Sandy) Rishel and Jim (Grace) Rishel; daughters, Ruth Ann (Rick) Phillips and Mary Kay (Ron) Whitaker; six grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. Wilbur was preceded in death by wife, Ruby; his parents, Arthur Burt and Genetta; brother, Robert; and one great-grandson, Neil. To celebrate Wilbur’s life, visitation will be held from 5-7 pm, Thursday, Jan. 19, and Funeral Services, 1:30 pm, Friday, Jan. 20, both at Broadway Mortuary, 1147 S. Broadway, in Wichita. A memorial has been established with Midian Shrine Plane of Mercy. Share online condolences at www.CozineMemorial.com. View more condolences at Kansas.com. Services by Broadway Mortuary. Blue skies and fair winds. Godspeed my friend!

Visitation

Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Thursday, January 19, 2017 Place: Broadway Mortuary Chapel
1147 S. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67211

Funeral Service

Time: 1:30pm, Friday, January 20, 2017 Place: Broadway Mortuary Chapel
1147 S. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67211

Burial

Time: Place: Pleasant Ridge Cemetery
19221 W. 6th St. S., Goddard, Kansas 67052

Memorials

Midian Shrine Plane of Mercy
130 N. Topeka
Wichita, KS 67202

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