Charles Wynton Alford

Charles Wynton Alford, age 70, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on February 14, 2025, in Topeka, KS. He was born on October 2, 1954, in Caney, KS, to Charles Leonard Alford and Ruby Lea (Darnall) Alford. Raised in Peru, KS, he graduated from Sedan High School in 1972 and attended Coffeyville Community College before joining the United States Air Force in 1975.

During his service, Charles was a sergeant specializing in Electronic Computer Systems, stationed at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. He earned the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. After his discharge in 1981, he settled in Topeka, KS where he married Teri Patricia (Long) Alford from 1983-2001 having two children, Katie Marie (Alford) Sullivan and Charles Weston Alford.

Charles is survived by his two children, Katie (Nelson) and Weston, four bonus children Jason, Brandon, Josie, and Janna (Derrick), eight grandchildren, Madden, Ava, Andi, Preston, Sebastian, Quinton, Lane, and Alaina, all of Topeka, KS, three sisters, Cheryl (Daniel) McMillan of Peru, KS, Myrta (Erik) Billings of Sandusky, OH, and Dawna (Janice Mertz) Alford of Pittsburgh, KS. He also leaves behind six nieces, three nephews, 21 great-nieces, and seven great-nephews across KS, TX, OH, MA, NH, ND, and OK. He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant brother, William Henry Alford, and a great-nephew, Joseph Steven McMillan.

Charles loved adventure, whether by trains, planes, fast cars, or motorcycles. In recent years, many of these adventures were accompanied by his furry sidekick, Tramp—a rescue dog lovingly and appropriately named after the Disney movie Lady & The Tramp. He was happiest outdoors, whether tending a garden, working in a garage, on a road trip, or camping under the stars.

Above all, Charles had an unmatched sense of humor, always ready with perfectly timed (and often inappropriate) jokes. He fully embodied the term Dad Joke—from asking departing restaurant patrons if they "left anything for us" to claiming he had "test-driven" grocery carts or that he had "warmed the seat up for you." He was a lover of life, family, friends, animals, adrenaline, and new experiences.

Cancer may have taken his body, but it never took his spirit. He never gave up his strength, faith, or courage. Always proud of being SPECIAL—as he put it—having had two types of mutated cancers, a rare condition affecting less than 1% of people. With treatment, he was able to live many more months, have several more adventures, and create countless more memories. His courage, bravery, and willingness to embrace new possibilities leave an enduring legacy.

If there's anything to learn from Charles, it's this: See things through, take the path less traveled, don't give up when you make a mess, and put a smile on a stranger's face. No one remembers the start or the finish—it's the middle that makes all the difference.

Private services will be held in Peru, KS, on February 19, and in Topeka, KS, on March 8. Please reach out to family or friends for additional details.