Charles "Charlie" Dean Groat-McLellen

Charles "Charlie" Dean Groat-McLellen (Needham) passed away unexpectedly Saturday, April 23rd in Greenleaf, Idaho, leaving a flood of sorrow behind. He was born on January 7, 2008 in Boise, Idaho.
From a very young age, Charlie loved deeply and was known for his innate compassion and generosity. He committed his life to Jesus early in life and felt deeply that he was supposed to be a pastor someday. He had a heart for the homeless and on numerous occasions gave his own money to the Boise Rescue Mission. Charlie was also brilliant, an academic from the start and was particularly adept at math. Because of his intelligence, he skipped a grade in elementary school and remained a year ahead starting high school at 13. He had an engineering mind and a gift for problem-solving that was unusual for someone his age. 
He was very reserved around those he didn't know well, and quite the opposite once he was comfortable enough to be himself. He was quick-witted and comedic, his off-the-cuff humor would frequently spark laughter and often leave people rolling. He loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed building 'inventions' when he was younger, was very creative and artistic, and played electric guitar for the last several years of his life. He was a deep thinker and philosophical, both smart and funny, a caring friend & brother, and as most teenagers had a mouth that could get him into trouble. He had a genetic love for shoes, and loved (non-annoying) animals - even bottle-feeding and caring for orphans.
In more recent years Charlie began to struggle with depression and battled through heavy life stuff no kid should have to go through. Even while he fought his battles, he would still encourage his friends that shared similar struggles, worrying deeply about them if there was a concern. He would want his friends to know that he cares about them, and to never ever give up. He always wanted his friends to be okay, and anyone who made a promise to him to keep going even when life got tough, he would want to remind them of that promise. 
He is survived by his father Christopher McLellen, his mother Natalie Needham (Stephanie Groat), his step-father Thomas Needham; sisters, Kathryn (Katie), Samantha (Sammy); step-brother Jacob (Jake), 6 grandparents, a great-grandmother, 3 aunts, 2 uncles, and 8 cousins.
He is preceded in death by his uncle James Groat, multiple grandparents and great-grandparents. He was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend to many. His loss leaves countless broken hearts behind. We will try to picture the immense joy he now has as he rests pain-free in the arms of our Heavenly Father, while finding a way to work through the pain of no longer having our Charlie here with us. The sorrow of his loss will be carried by us all until we see him again. 
A GoFundMe account has been set up for the family to assist with funeral expenses, and any funds donated in excess of costs will be donated to the Boise Rescue Mission and The Speedy Foundation in Charlie's honor. The family is immensely grateful to those who have already generously given. 
For anyone in crisis or needing to talk please call or text The Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline: 
Call 800-273-8255
Text 208-398-4357
There will be a viewing on Friday, May 6, 2022 from 6-8 pm at Dakan Funeral Chapel, 504 S Kimball Ave., Caldwell, ID.
His funeral service will be held Saturday, May 7 at 2 pm at CityHope Church & School, 8650 W Fairview Ave in Boise to celebrate his life. 

 

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