Charles Ray Harness of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, after a short illness. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 1, at Royer Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri. Visitation will be at 1 pm followed by services at 2 pm. Burial will follow services at New Salem Cemetery.
Charles was born on April 3, 1935, in Chicago. He had just celebrated his 90th birthday.
Charles graduated from Manual High and Vocational School in 1953. He attended Kansas City Metropolitan Junior College for two years and served in the US Army for two years. He was primarily stationed in Germany and traveled Europe extensively when he had free time.
Charles was interested in broadcast journalism at an early age, and began his career as a page at WDAF-TV, where he was mentored by local news icons Randall Jessee and Walt Bodine. He went on to work at radio and TV stations in Portsmouth, Ohio; Great Bend, Kansas; and Kansas City, Kansas. Charles was also News Director of KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa, where he was a well-known TV personality and was considered a local institution.
Respected as a broadcaster and a mentor, Charles was active in the community and served as President of the Greater Sioux City Press Club.
Charles later used his communication skills as the Media Relations Manager and spokesperson for Iowa Beef Processors (IBP) in Sioux City from 1976 until 1983. After a brief stint as President of an advertising agency in Sioux City, Charles joined the National Pork Producers Council in Des Moines, Iowa. As Vice President of Communications for the Council, he was part of the group that popularized the phrase “the other white meat.”
After retirement, Charles returned to the Kansas City area and lived at Lakewood in Lee’s Summit. He helped to care for his parents, Morris and Betty Harness of Independence, Missouri. Later Charles moved to independent senior living at The Gardens at Jackson Creek in Independence. Active until the end, he produced monthly musical programs for the residents that were very popular.
He was preceded in death by parents Morris and Betty Harness, sister Peggy Harness, and great-niece Olivia Harness-Clark.
Charles is survived by his brother Thomas Harness (Janet); his nieces Amanda Leigh (Mike), Kate Harness, and Mary Baack (Thomas); and his great-nephew Griffin Harness-Clark.
Memorial contributions may be made to the organization of your choice.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600