Charles Ringling

Charles Ringling, 67, passed away on May 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Kansas.

 Charles is survived by Donna Lee Ringling - spouse, Christopher Ringling - brother, David Law (Nancy) - stepson, Richard Law (Phyllis) - stepson, Karen Doby (Kyle) - stepdaughter, Jeremy Law (Kristy), Danielle Doby, Maeghen Law, Sadie Stanton (Andrew), Lauren Doby, Eric Law (Julie), Dillon Law, Kevin Law Jr - grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. 

Charles is preceded in death by James Ringling - father, Aileen Ringling - mother, Lucretia Ringling - sister, Kevin Law - stepson.

At a private family celebration of life, Charles' wish was to have his cremated ashes be sprinkled at D'lee and Charles' favorite spot off the coast of Anna Maria Island, FL.

Memorial donations can be made in Charles's name to the ASPCA www.aspca.org, or The Big Cat Sanctuary www.thebigcatsanctuary.org -------------

Notable interests, activities, hobbies, or passions: Charles had a ginormus passion for music (all genres), reading world history and novels, furthering his education in all facets of Public Health, and an incredible cook.

Memorable moments:Prior to his school years, Charles grew up in circus life, later owning a pet cheetah named Tuffy (sp?). Charles traveled with his mother and Jimmy ahead of the Ringling Show to verify the train schedules were accurate. They would stay a few days at the circus and then move on to the next town. Charles met Australian performers who were friends with his mom when she was in the circus. She rode elephants, was on a trapeze, and rode with an equestrian act as part of a human pyramid on the horses. She also worked as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall in NYC. Charles was so proud of her.

His father, Mr. Ringling worked for Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. He began as a ticket office clerk and by 1963, when he retired, he was vice president, scheduling dates and seasons for the show. He was the third generation of the Ringling Brother Circus family, the grandson of Charles Edward Ringling, one of the founding brothers.

Charles met his wife, D'lee, while furthering their education at Wichita State University and at their meditation group. They had an immense love of each other, their love of the arts, culinary skills, attending music festivals, traveling; especially to England and Ireland for their 20th anniversary, their incredible group of friends, the gorgeous beaches of Anna Maria Island and Sarasota, Florida, and the love of visiting their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 Achievements: Here are just a few.

M Ed in Counseling, Wichita State University

Post Graduate work in Public Health, University of South Florida

The Lowcountry Pie Festival was organized as a fundraiser for Lutheran Services of Georgia, a non-profit organization that provides services like adoption services, foster care services and housing programs. The festival is the brainchild of Charles Ringling, who said the inspiration struck he and his wife after watching a baking show on public television.

2008 Georgia Department of Human Resources Employee Recognition: Heroism Category-Brunswick Relocation Team Award

2010 Nomination for Governor's Commendation for Excellence in Customer Service : DBHDD Regional Realignment Project