Charles “Chuck” McCormick was a loving husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He was a wonderful man of faith and devoted to Jesus Christ.

Family was everything to Chuck. His wife, Rachel; children, Kyler, Kaiden, and Kolten; his parents, Mark and Melanie; and his brothers, Warren and William, were his world. He was always there for them and tried his hardest to help when he could. He would do anything for his children, and having Kyler is what sparked his journey to becoming a firefighter.

Before he became a firefighter, Chuck loved music and wanted to become a musician. However, God had other plans for his life, and he was blessed with his first child, Kyler. Chuck had a passion for helping others and made the decision to go to school to become a paramedic. After going through clinicals during school, he found that he liked the fire department and decided to pursue that path once he graduated.

In 2014, his family moved to Georgia, and he began his career at Cherokee County Fire Department. After three years, his family moved back to the Kansas City area, and he began working for the South Metro Fire Protection District. At the end of 2019, after working part-time for a while, Chuck went to West Peculiar Fire Protection District full-time. Chuck also served in the National Guard for six years.

Even as a young boy, Chuck had a fearless, can-do attitude. He was never afraid to try new things and lived life to the fullest. He had an infectious positive attitude, and no matter the situation, he was smiling. He loved challenging the way people think and could argue his points with utter conviction. He was unapologetically himself a hundred percent of the time but could get along with anyone. He inspired and encouraged others to try new things and follow their dreams.

Chuck’s favorite place was outdoors. The only time he wasn’t outside was when he was sleeping. He loved getting his boys outside and going on short nature hikes or playing at the park with them. He loved animals and wanted to have his own little farm. He had goats, a pig, chickens, ducks, and enjoyed taking his boys out there to help feed or just run around with them. He also loved to tinker and was always trying to build, take apart, or learn a new skill. He wasn’t always the most successful, but he never let it discourage him. He truly believed he could do anything and lived life as such.

Chuck was a wonderfully caring person and loved his family very much. Chuck is deeply missed by his family and friends and will forever be in the hearts of those that knew him.