Charles Kuhn
Charles Kuhn, 88, formerly of Breckenridge, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026. His memorial service will be on Saturday, January 31, at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church, with Andy Channer officiating.
Charles Wayne Kuhn was born on March 1, 1937, in Fannin County, Texas, to parents Claude and Eva Kuhn.
Charles grew up on a farm near Leonard, Texas. He attended school in Leonard and graduated from Leonard High School in the Class of 1955. In his senior year, The Class Favorites, he was voted “Most Friendly.”
He got his first car at age 14, a worn-out Model A Ford. Charles worked at a local grocery store, before and after school, and on Saturdays. His summers were spent working on the farm.
Charles preached his first sermon on a Wednesday night at age 16. He later remarked that he spent all day working in the field, in the hot sun, thinking about how nice and cool it would be that evening in the church building, only to discover that standing before the congregation was much worse than working out in the hot sun! He had prepared for days, making notes of what he would say, and the total message lasted seven minutes. As most of you know, he soon learned how to make his messages much longer.
Charles attended A.C.C. (now A.C.U.) and quit a year later to become a full-time minister at Savoy, Texas.
He married Maxine Smith in 1956. They were blessed with one son, Jerry Wayne.
In 1959, he was called to minister to a church in Denison, Texas, where he served until 1969. His revival ministry, while with the church in Denison, allowed him to preach in 36 states, Canada, and Mexico.
Charles and Helen were united in marriage in February 1971; they made Breckenridge their home until a few years ago.
Charles was employed by Peelers Office Supply from August 1971 to December 1975. He owned and operated Kuhn’s Office Supply from 1976 to 1992. He enjoyed ranching and operated Kuhn’s Exotic Animal Ranch from 1987 to 1996. When the ostrich market failed, he moved into town and opened Circle K Auto Sales.
Charles had served as teacher for the adult Bible class and as “fill-in” minister at the First Christian Church for several years.
He was asked to serve as an interim minister for three months in 1998. At the end of three months, he was called as a minister and served at the F.C.C for the next eight years. He taught a Bible study group during the summers at Twin Spruce R.V. Park in Ruidoso, New Mexico, for a number of years.
Charles was active in civic work in Breckenridge for many years, as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Retail Merchants, Stephens County Sheriff Posse, Chairman of the United Fund Drive, and an active member of the Stephens County Jr. Livestock show. He also served on the Stephens County Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and was President of the Breckenridge Ministerial Alliance. He also chaired the drive to build the Breckenridge Memorial Chapel in the Breckenridge Cemetery.
Charles truly enjoyed life; he often said “A total stranger is just a friend you haven’t met.”
He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, RC Kuhn, Linsey Kuhn and Morris Ray Kuhn; along with one sister, Ruby Jean Darst; son, Jerry Kuhn; and brothers-in-law, Bill Prowse, Bobby Prowse, and Thomas Holmes.
Charles is survived by his wife, Helen; and three step-children, Paula Franco and husband, Rudy, Denise Leach and husband, Cliff, and Bryan Boehler and wife, Valerie; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Mr. Kuhn can be made to the First Christian Church or to the donor’s choice, and can be left at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home. Condolences can be made at meltonkitchens.com.
