Charles W. Ross, Sr.

Charles W. Ross, Sr., 81, of Smithton, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025, at Boone Hospital in Columbia surrounded by his family.

He was born March 14, 1944, in Sedalia, a son of the late George and Myrtle (Steele) Ross. On June 1, 1963, at Providence Baptist Church near Smithton, he was united in marriage to Mary Rose Sanders, who preceded him in death in 2024.

Charles was a 1962 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School. In his younger years, he worked at the Wheel Inn and later at Lake City Arsenal and Patterson’s Shoes. He eventually began a career with Missouri Public Service, from which he retired.

He was a longtime member of Emmet Avenue Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and treasurer, and Lamine Baptist Church, where he also served as deacon and treasurer.

He loved spending time with his family and working around his property. He loved collecting many things. Being a devout Christian, he always shared his belief with his family, friends, and others he met.

Survivors include two children, Caryla Jean Watson and Charles Wayne Ross, Jr. (Sandra), all of Smithton; and three grandchildren, Jacob Allen Watson (Jessica) of Otterville, Audree Paige Ross and Karlee Madyson Ross, both of Smithton.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Christine Froehlich; a son, Carl Norman Ross; three brothers and their wives, Earl Ross (Marie), Bobby Joe Ross (Eliza), and Donnie Ross (Janet); and a sister-in-law, Mary Ross.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025, followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m. at Heckart Funeral Home, with Rev. Jason Kindle officiating.

Pallbearers will be Brian Wallace, Patrick Perry, Jimmy Ross, Nick Hyde, Shawn Brandt, and Chad West.

Honorary pallbearers will Darren Ross, Ray Ross, Kyle Hyde and Roger Mueller.

Burial will be in Salem Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the family, with checks made payable to Charles Ross, Jr. or Caryla Watson, in care of Heckart Funeral Home.