Charles "Charley" Willingham

In Loving Memory of
Charles Douglas "Charley" Willingham
November 27, 1941 – May 13, 2025
Age 83 | Centralia, Missouri
Charles Douglas "Charley" Willingham, age 83, of Centralia, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on May 13, 2025.
He was born November 27, 1941, at home in Middle Grove, Missouri, to Shannon Douglas and Ora Brown Willingham.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Coy, Virgil, Lenard, and James; his sisters Violet Jean and Margaret; and his wife of 27 years, Donna Willingham.
Charley is survived by his devoted wife of 24 years, Karin Elledge Willingham, and a large and loving family that brought him immense pride and joy.
He is also survived by his former wife, Janet Sue Hern, with whom he shared two children:
Barry Douglas Willingham (wife, Hilde)
Rachelle Sue Austin (husband, Brad), and their children:
– Lindsay (husband, Caleb), and their children, Colton and Taylor
– Blake (wife, Tanya), and their children, Rufaro, Tadiwa (Tadi), and Ruvarashe (Ruva)
Charley also embraced as his own the children he gained through marriage to Donna Willingham:
Denny Benton (wife, Joy), and their daughters:
– Kristi (husband, Greg), and their daughters, Lauren and Grace
– Carrie (husband, Joe), and their daughters, Abigail and Halie
Cindy Colston (husband, Joe), and their children:
– Joe (wife, Jaccie), and their children: Billy (wife, Paige, and son Xzavior), Christian, Connor, Mikayla, Landin, Joslynn, and Jacob
– Staci (husband, Barry), and their children, Kelan, Hayden, and Kenzie
Tricia Comstock (husband, Vic), and their children:
– Josh (wife, Meghan), and their daughters, Kennedy and Ellie
– Paige
Through his marriage to Karin, Charley was also blessed with two more bonus children:
Clay Elledge (wife, Angela), and their sons, Braden and Carson
Pam Reams (late husband, Rusty), and her sons:
– Lance (wife, Lindsay), and children Brooke, Isaiah, and Sophia
– Kameron (wife, Eva), and their daughters, Hazel, Guile, and Adella
– Colt
Charley deeply loved his family and was proud of each generation that followed him. He carried their names in his heart and found joy in watching them grow.
He was a man of God, and his faith was the steady foundation of his life. He faithfully attended church every Sunday and most recently worshiped at Family Life Fellowship in Moberly, Missouri. His quiet but unwavering faith was evident in the way he treated others-with kindness, humility, and a steady calm.
Charley worked at AB Chance (Hubbell) in Centralia for 40 years, showing up with a strong work ethic and the same gentle strength that shaped the way he lived, parented, and loved. He believed in hard work, simple joys, and doing right by others.
He loved life on the farm and especially enjoyed caring for the deer on his property. He also ran a fireworks stand for many summers-something that brought him laughter, joy, and stories to tell.
Charley was a gentle man with a good sense of humor, a soft-spoken presence, and a deep love for those around him. His life was a testimony of faith, family, and quiet strength-and he will be deeply missed.
"The righteous man leads a life of integrity; his children are blessed after him."
-Proverbs 20:7
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Macedonia Cemetery,
Words of comfort and support may be shared with the family at a visitation Monday, May 19, 2025, 9-11 am, at the Family Life Fellowship Church in Moberly. Funeral services honoring and celebrating Charley's life will follow at 11 am. A Private committal prayer and burial will take place at the Macedonian Cemetery.