Charles Hafner

Charles Ray Hafner died peacefully at home on September 2, 2022 in Farmington. He was born October 24, 1957 in Bonne Terre. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Rose, father Richard Hafner; and brother-in-law, Keith Hutson. Charles is survived by his mother, Mary (Crites) Hafner; siblings, Richard (Kay) Hafner, Jr., Karen Hutson, Sharen (David) Armstrong, and Gerald (Lisa) Hafner.

Charles was a kind, generous man, living a mostly quiet, peaceful and contented life. He knew God, abided in Him. Charles was a lifelong craftsman who built children's furniture and wooden toys to sell and give them to nieces, nephews and friends. He was a loyal and loving son, brother, and a wonderful neighbor.

Charles took great pride in the superb garden he devotedly tended to every year. When crops became available he would take them around the neighborhood and share his bounty with them and family. It was not unusual to see Charles sitting on his porch, having a conversation with neighbors. Charles frequently played cards with his mother, Mary, each week and it was quite a sight to see them trying to get the better of each other. These wildcard games would go on for hours until there was finally a winner. Charles had a great love of cooking with his wife Rose. Together they cooked various meals for annual dinners and events. Oftentimes, Charles would drop by to give a family member a delicious casserole he had created. He helped his wife, Rose, write a beautiful cookbook which they printed and gave to family. Charles had a special pet, Rascal, his dog. They were inseparable. Rascal was a great solace to him especially when Rose passed. Charles was comforted to know Rascal would be adopted into an ideal home for his faithful companion. Charles worked alongside his father Richard for many years building beautiful homes and buildings in Farmington. Charles loved to fish with his brothers. When he was not home, he could be found at his parents’ ponds, fishing and feeding the ducks, while Rascal romped about. He was immersed in the serenity of those surroundings. He was a great fan of writing letters. This was his means of communication to siblings and relatives. He wrote those letters the way he learned the write - on a manual typewriter. Charles also was an audiophile, going old school with his classic vinyl records that he had had accumulated over the past 50 or so years.

Charles and his sisters spent a lot of days together reminiscing about growing up, and how important family ties are. Charles, as all of us do, had his struggles in life but he overcame them. He bravely fought against the lung cancer deciding not to seek treatment but to be taken when God said it was his time. He will be missed by his family, friends and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Bonne Terre Cemetery with Rev. William Thess officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting prayers for Charles and family, especially his mother. Arrangements are under the direction of C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home – Taylor Chapel in Farmington.