Charles William Rounds, Sr. was born May 16, 1953 to Mary Rounds and Holly Asberry in Holly Springs, Mississippi. His mother later remarried Roosevelt Montgomery with whom she raised him. He was preceded in death by both parents, his stepfather, sister Bernita Rounds, brother Roger Robinson; and son Matthew T. Rounds.

Charles grew up in Kansas City, MO and attended Central Sr. High School. He was initially employed with Union Pacific Railroad as a brakeman, but his ambitious spirit took his career further. He enrolled in their engineering program and upon completion, received recognition as one of the first Black licensed locomotive engineers in the state of Missouri. Charles also had a passion for cooking and held positions as Chef for the Hereford House and the Marriott Hotel. He retired from Union Pacific in 1999 after which he found joy and new purpose caring for his mother until her passing.

Charles was united in matrimony to Brenda J. Bailey in July of 1972. From this union came four children. This marriage was later dissolved. He fathered his fifth child with Carolyn Johnson. He was a proud father, always bragging about the accomplishments of his children.

Charles was a very vibrant man who was full of life and energy. He was known to always have a smile on his face and had a "giggle" that became his trademark for all who knew him. He loved being around family and close friends. He was always on the move and could often be found walking around the neighborhood.

After a brief battle with dementia, Charles was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 9, 2018. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He leaves to cherish his memory daughters; Catherine B. Bailey Rounds of Kansas City, MO, Monique A. Gooch (Cortez) of Houston, TX, Kaleena C. Rounds of Blue Springs, MO; a son, Charles W. Rounds, Jr. of Kansas City, MO; sisters, Helen Herron of Omaha, NE, Beatrice Rounds and Lillian Glover, both of Aurora, IL; brothers, Fred B. Asberry (Genova) of Kansas City, MO and Leroy Rounds of Aurora, IL; grandchildren, Qiana S. Rounds, Alexander C. Gooch and Dylan M. Gooch; great grandchildren, JaMari T. Rounds, Ariel M. Buford, Lee'iana J. Stamford; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends; caregivers Carolyn Johnson, Connie Stanley-Powell, Serenity of Kansas City and Hospice Partners.