Charles L. Willeford

“With heavy hearts, we share that Charles Lynn Willeford, Charlie, our beloved father of Florissant, MO, passed away on October 7, 2025. Charlie was battling COPD and kidney failure. He loved his life, his family, his friends, and did everything he could to continue being here with us. But after three months of being in the hospital, the Lord finally called him home.

Charlie was born June 9, 1955, to Charles Grady and Mary Helen Willeford (Moss) in West Jefferson, OH. He grew up with a love for the outdoors, always hunting and fishing. He played baseball, basketball, and football throughout his younger years. And he was a major jokester, always pulling pranks on his four older sisters and younger brother.

After he graduated from West Jefferson High School in 1973, he attended ITT Technical Institute in Dayton where he earned his degree in engineering. In 1976, he married his best friend, Carolyn Sue “Susie” Penrod, and his career eventually brought them to settle in Florissant, MO. He eventually retired from Boeing after 40 years of hard work and dedication as a tooling engineer.

Of all the roles Charlie held in life, being a father was the one he cherished most. He devoted himself to raising his children with love, strong values, and a deep faith in Jesus. He did his best every day to guide them to be kind, honest, and good people. Charlie passed down his love for sports and the outdoors to his children, whether it was fishing on a quiet morning, spending a day at the range, or cheering for the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. To his children, he was more than a father — he was their constant encourager, their guiding light, and their brightest star in every season of life. He was always there to lift them up, to catch them when they fell, and to remind them of their strength and worth.

Charlie is survived by his beloved children, Rachel Dawn South (Shay), Charles Cody Willeford, Lucas Cain Willeford, and Aaron James Willeford; his cherished grandchildren, Amelia Hope Willeford, Avereigh Maxine South, Shayde Douglas South, and Elliott Elizabeth South; and his loving siblings, Carolyn Conley, Sandra Adams, Brenda Jester (John), and Kevin Willeford. He is also survived by countless nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, all of whom adored their Uncle Charlie. Last but not least, he is survived by his former wife and lifelong friend, Susie, who remained his closest companion throughout life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Helen Willeford, and his dearly loved sister, Donna Intrieri.

Charlie is now casting his line alongside his buddies Jeff Martin and Jeff Murray, who greeted him in heaven with open arms. He’s surely found the best hunting spot with his faithful dogs, Jack and Honey, by his side once more. His love for the Buckeyes was legendary, and we take comfort knowing he’s watching every game from heaven, cheering right along with us.

We will miss Charlie’s ornery personality, his endless jokes, pranks, and the little things he did to make everyone laugh or brighten a day. It was his way of showing love, and oh, how lucky we were to be loved by his heart of gold. He will be deeply missed by friends and family alike, but we take comfort knowing his body is at peace and he has found rest with our Lord. And oh, to see the look on his face when he got there! Until we meet again, old man.

Services will be held at RADER-McDONALD-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 1355 W. MAIN STREET, West Jefferson, OH, 43162. Calling hours will be THURSDAY, October 16th, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place on FRIDAY, October 17th, at 1:00 p.m., with additional calling hours beginning at 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Following the service, Charlie will be laid to rest at Hampton Cemetery.

In true Charlie fashion, please don’t feel obligated to dress formally — he’ll be laid to rest in his favorite flannel and overalls, just the way he loved it.”