Charles Junior Yarberry, age 89, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on April 16, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield after a short illness. Charles was born to Charles and Eva (Willoughby) Yarberry on July 28, 1933, near the town of Pleasant Hope. He was raised by his parents in rural Polk County and attended school in Pleasant Hope. Charles was united in marriage to Anna Marshall on Christmas Eve in 1954. They were married for 62 years before Anna’s untimely passing in 2017. Charles and Anna were blessed with nine loving children.

Charles joined the United States Army on June 23, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri. His most significant duty assignment was with the 88^th Brigade Support Engineer Battalion located at Fort Carson, Colorado. He was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal while stationed at Fort Carson. Charles was honorably discharged from the United States Army on May 24, 1955. After his discharge, Charles was transferred to the Army Reserve Unit in Missouri where he proudly served eight years as reservist. Charles was honored to serve his country in the United States Army, and we are forever grateful for his voluntary service.

In the early 1970s, Charles and Anna moved their family to a farm in Strafford where he worked for many years as a well-known dairy farmer. He thoroughly enjoyed working with his livestock, gardening, and growing a variety of plants. He was an avid coon hunter who enjoyed his time in the woods, especially with his favorite hounds. When not hunting, he liked to trade dogs and chickens at animal swap meets. He also enjoyed country music and particularly liked Basil Lindsey, Bob Campbell, and Paul Tabor. Fewer things brought him more enjoyment than telling stories around a bonfire. Nothing, however, brought him more joy and fulfillment than spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had a deep, abiding, and unconditional love for each of his family members.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Eva Yarberry; wife, Anna Yarberry; daughter, Debbie Yarberry; grandsons, Charlie and Jerry Worley; granddaughter, Cleoy Bucham; and son-in-law, Steve Worley. He is survived by his daughter, Pauline Worley; daughter, Sue Smith and her husband, Wallay; daughter, Betty Thompson and her husband, Chuck; daughter, Sherry Brooks and her husband, Jerry; daughter, Kay Worley and her husband, Robert; son, Kenny Yarberry and his wife, Lita; daughter, Barbie Bell and her husband, Mike; son, Chuckie Yarberry and his wife, Theresa; daughter, June Yarberry; 22 grandchildren; 56 great grandchildren; and 15 great-great grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North (3506 N National Ave.). A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023, 1:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Following his funeral, Charles will be laid to rest next to his wife at Rock Prairie Cemetery in Polk County, Missouri. Charles Junior Yarberry will be remembered as a strong, hard-working man who loved his family and his country beyond measure.