Charles Edgar “Ed” McAuley, 72, passed away on Friday, Aug. 21 at the Platte County Hospital in Wheatland, leaving behind a life defined by hard work, curiosity, ingenuity, and a deep devotion to the people he loved.
Ed was born Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1953, to Betty Jean (Searl) McAuley and Charles Clement McAuley. He graduated from Wheatland High School on May 18, 1972. After graduation, Ed worked a variety of jobs, including at a mine and power plant, serving as a police officer, and driving truck for Huckfeldt and Sons and Killion’s Trucking. Above all, though, his heart was in ranching.
Over the course of his career, Ed worked for various construction companies, building a reputation for his knowledge and skill. He later built a long and accomplished career with Sampson, where he served as General Superintendent and played a key role in completing several significant projects in Platte County. Among the local projects associated with Ed’s career were the Platte County Detention Center, Platte County Legacy Home, the Wheatland High School Auditorium, and the renovation of the Platte County Courthouse. Some of these projects were completed during his time with Sampson, while others were part of his broader career in construction. His work became a lasting part of the community around him, and he took great pride in doing things well and doing them right.
That same ability extended far beyond his career. Ed was known as someone who could figure out just about anything. If something was broken, he could fix it; if something needed to be built, improved, or made to work better, he was usually the person to call. Home improvement was less a hobby than a natural extension of who he was; there was always something to build, repair, remodel, or make better.
On June 5, 1993, Ed married Mona, and together they built a life and family that meant more to him than any accomplishment.
Ed’s passions reflected the same curiosity and appreciation for craftsmanship that shaped so much of his life. He loved classic cars and was especially proud of his 1957 Chevy. The car represented countless hours of work, attention to detail, and mechanical know-how, and it was a project he took tremendous pride in.
He also had a lifelong passion for private aviation. Over the years, Ed owned a Cherokee 180 and a Cessna 150. He loved the freedom of being in the air and reveled in any opportunity to fly.
When he wasn’t building, fixing, working on a car, or flying, Ed enjoyed spending time in the mountains and the simple pleasure of having a project to occupy his hands and his mind.
More than his work or his many interests, Ed will be remembered for the life he built and the family he leaves behind.
He is survived by his wife, Mona McAuley; children, Mandra (Travis) Rockefeller, Haley (Josh) Kurtti, and Chas McAuley; grandchildren, Conley Edgar Rockefeller and Arah Joe Rockefeller; and siblings, Fred (Lupe) Mastriona, Sallie McAuley, and Jimmy McAuley; as well as extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Jean McAuley on April 5, 2007 and Charles Clement McAuley on April 28, 1991; brother, Dick McAuley on September 3, 2018; and nephews, Michael Todd and Brandon James Mastriona.
Ed leaves behind the kind of legacy that isn’t easily measured. It can be seen in the buildings he helped construct, the 1957 Chevy he so proudly worked on, the countless things he repaired and improved, problems solved, lessons passed along, stories shared, and, most importantly, in the family who knew they could always count on him.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial gifts to Kindness Ranch, honoring Ed through an organization dedicated to compassion and care.
A funeral service for Ed was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31 at the Wheatland Bible Church in Wheatland with Pastor Tony Borton officiating. Inurnment took place at Wheatland Cemetery.
Gorman Funeral Homes - Platte Chapel of Wheatland is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.gormanfh.com .
