Chuck Surface, area leader and Missouri Southern Board of Governors member, passed away last night after battling cancer for some time.

“We are truly saddened to hear of Chuck’s death,” Missouri Southern President Bruce Speck said in a University release. 

“The entire campus extends its condolences to his family. Working with him and for him has been a great honor. We all will miss him immensely.”

Surface was 68 years old.

He had been Webb City’s Economic Development Director since 2007 and had also served in the Missouri House of Representatives for 18 years. 

He also served as the Jasper County Commissioner and was appointed to the MSSU Board by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon.

Surface is survived by his wife, Sherry, three children and one grandchild.

Surface’s visitation is scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. tomorrow and his funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday.

Both services will take place at Christ Church of Oronogo.