Charles McGinty Jr.

Charles “Chuck” P. McGinty Jr., 75, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at home, with his family by his side.

He was born Aug. 3, 1949, to Charles P. and Martha Lou Foster McGinty.

When Chuck moved to Cape Girardeau in the first grade, he attended Franklin Elementary School. He became the head of the School Boy Patrol, where he led students safely across the street. He loved being part of something and being in charge.

He also loved Scouting – Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Order of the Arrow. The highlight of his Scouting career was a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch, where he excelled and loved every bit of it!

Chuck also played taps at American Legion funerals during that time in his young life.

His love of music began at school playing with band instruments. At the age of 13, he got his first job at Shivelbine’s sweeping the floors. Being around all of the guitars and brass instruments furthered his interest in making music. After a while, he managed to acquire his first guitar.

While in high school, Chuck sang in the choir, acted in plays and helped to develop Teen Town. The music scene in the ‘60s ignited a passion for performing in and starting up new bands. He always wanted to go to the parties but couldn’t dance, so he decided to play the dance music instead.

After completing high school in 1967, he attended Southeast Missouri State University and joined Sigma Chi fraternity. He continued to follow his passion for music by playing in several bands that became popular throughout the area. Chuck graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in art.

Soon after graduation, he worked in the retail industry as a jewelry department manager at Lowell’s Catalog Showroom, where the jewelry business sparked a new interest. At this time in his life, he and Laura Ann Leming began dating and married in September 1979. They had two beautiful sons, Charles and Samuel.

As a couple, Chuck and Laura created CP McGinty Jewelers, Finney Giggles Gift Shop, were a franchisee for Dumplins’ Restaurant and McGinty Jewelers on the plaza in St. Louis.

Chuck was an incredible jewelry designer, creating thousands of beautiful pieces throughout his career. He always said, “It wasn’t me who made this beautiful piece, but the Holy Spirit led my efforts.”

His faith in the Lord blossomed in mid-life as a result of reading and studying Scripture, church attendance and encouragement from Laura. For several years, Chuck has led a men’s Bible study, a group he has come to know and love as his brothers in Christ. His attitude about life changed dramatically after finding real faith in Jesus.

Chuck was a man of many talents and interests. He loved camping, fishing, archery, shooting, oil painting, jewelry designing, playing music, collecting, making bread and studying the Bible, and his love for learning continued throughout life.

His legacy lives on through the songs he sang, the music he played, the jewelry he designed, the people he taught and his family whom he loved so much.

Chuck leaves behind his much-loved wife, Laura A. McGinty; two sons, Charles P. (Jessica) McGinty III and Samuel L. (Katie) McGinty; four siblings, Rebecca (Roger) Mocherman, Jane Courter, Dr. Frank H. (Bipi) McGinty and Margaret (Ted) Yates; five grandchildren, Warren and Norah McGinty and Bijou, Faith and Grace McGinty; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Lynwood Baptist Church, 2935 Lynwood Hills Drive in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial service will follow at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at the church, with the Revs. Mark Anderson and Fred Burgard officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Lynwood Church “Footprints” School, 2935 Lynwood Hills Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701; Prodigy Leadership Academy, 232 Sierra Ridge Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701; or Restoration Outreach Church, c/o Pastors Sam and Yvonne Bailey, 3909 Annwood Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.