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Charles Garney, Founder of Garney Construction Companies, Dies at 92

Charles Garney, founder and former CEO of Garney Construction, died on Wednesday November 13.

Posted November 18, 2024

Charles Garney, founder and former CEO of Garney Construction, passed away on Wednesday, two weeks before his 93rd birthday.

A Kansas City native, Garney was born on Nov. 27, 1931.

He founded North Kansas City-based Garney Construction Company in 1961. He ran the company as a bulwark of an employee-owned structure and in 1986 he originated an employee stock ownership program (ESOP). He stepped down as president in 1995.

Garney Companies now generates around $2 billion in annual revenue. With over 2,400 employees nationwide the company is fully employee-owned.

Garney is now led by David Burkhart, who took the role of CEO in October 2023.

Garney is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patty, and their six daughters, Dr. Jane Garney, Anne Garney, Sarah Garney, Lynda (Garney) Honea, Lisa Garney and Julie (Garney) Andrews.

The family asks memorial contributions be made to the KU Endowment program, the Charles A. Garney Alzheimer’s Opportunity Fund, with donations in memory of Charles Garney.