Chuck Surface, a former Missouri state lawmaker and an economic development director for Webb City, died Wednesday of cancer at age 68, according to the Joplin Globe.
Surface was instrumental in converting a long-closed gas station on Route 66 in Webb City into a visitors center. He also sought to put a roadside park dedicated to Route 66 near Cardinal Scale Manufacturing Co. in Webb City.
A perusal of the Route 66 News archives also shows Surface used his pull as a former county commissioner to help land a Route 66 museum in the Jasper County Courthouse in Carthage.
According to the Globe:
“He wanted Webb City to become a part of the culture of Missouri. He wanted to make sure Webb City was not left behind,” said City Administrator Carl Francis. “He was out front working hard to promote our history, and promote our future too. He was always out there pushing Route 66, going to Jeff City to meet with people about what we have to offer.”
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Christ’s Church of Oronogo in Orongo, Mo. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Christ’s Church. Burial will be at Ozark Memorial Park in Webb City after the funeral.
Hedge-Lewis Funeral Home in Webb City is in charge of arrangements. Donations in Surface’s name may be made to Joplin Elks Lodge Christmas Basket Program or Joplin Humane Society.
My deepst heartfelt condolences to Chuck’s family. I had the pleasure of meeting Chuck in late June 2008, while on the Magnificent Route 66 Road & Rail Tour. I had been searching for the former Frisco RR depot at Webb City and got lost because someone had given me the wrong address. In desperation, I stopped at the city hall to ask for information and Chuck Surface helped me to find the location. He told me then that he’d has some brain cancer issues. I knew that this was bad news but he was optimistic. It seemed that there was realhope that he would defeat it. He was so interested and enthusiastic — a wonderful ambassador for Route 66 and Webb City. What a loss for their town, and for us.