Charley Powers Mabry
Charley Powers Mabry, 72, died from lung cancer on January, 30, 2021, at the Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center in Miami, Flo. He was born February 9, 1948, in Ellsworth, Kan., the son of Rex and Mable (Powers) Mabry.
Charly grew up on his family’s cattle ranch in southwest Lincoln County, Kan. He attended high school in Lincoln with the Class of 1966. He left high school in February of his senior year to voluntarily enlist in the United States Army. He later received his GED and attended Fort Hays State University.
Charley joined the army infantry immediately after this 18th birthday on the “buddy system” with his close friend, Butch Kobbeman.
While still 18 years old, he served as a paratrooper in Viet Nam with the 82nd Airborne, then later served in Viet Nam with the 101st Airborne. Charley fought in the Tet Offensive. After returning to the states, he was honorably discharged.
Charley did not marry, but enjoyed traveling the country with his many friends. He spent his last 25 years living with his veteran friends at Nightengale Manor Apts. in Miami Beach, while enjoying the South Beach, Florida lifestyle.
Charley was predeceased by his parents.
He is survived by his three sisters and their families: Ann Mabry; Mary (Rick & Tracey) McGill; Nancy Mabry (Dustin, Heather, Bryn, & Lakyn McWhirter, Abbie & Mike Bencomo; Brooke McWhirter; Katie & Trent Wecker).
Charley’s charismatic personality filled any room, as he was always the life of the party! He was a true friend, who was loved and admired by all who knew him. His presence on this earth will be greatly missed… We know that he loved Jesus and that God has a special place for Charley in Heaven.
Charley’s life was celebrated in Miami Beach, Florida on May 15, 2021. Charley will be honored with a short service at the Lincoln City Cemetary at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. The VFW color guard will pay tribute to Charley for his service to our country. Family and friends are invited to honor Charley at the service, as well as at a gathering at the VFW immediately following the service. The family suggests memorials to the Nightengale Manor for Veterans of Miami Beach, Flo. For memorial information please contact Nancy Mabry @ njmabry58@gmail.com