Family and friends in Kearney, Nebraska, are mourning the passing of Charles Edward Mefferd, who left us on January 4, 2026, after complications from Parkinson’s disease claimed him at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home. Charlie, as most called him, entered the world on March 9, 1938, in New York City, son of Ralph Leroy Mefferd Sr. and Dorothy Idora (Dodds) Mefferd.
His father’s work with the American Museum of Natural History moved the family from Roslyn, New York, to Ainsworth, Nebraska, during his childhood. He thrived there, graduating as salutatorian from Ainsworth High School in 1956 while excelling in football and baseball. In 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving with the pride that stayed with him always.
That same year brought another milestone when he married Leona Emry. They built a life together, raising four children; Kathleen, Brett, Chad, and Shawna; while Charlie worked his way up in the telephone industry. Starting as a linesman, he advanced to management, relocating the family across western Nebraska towns and even briefly to Houston. Later, he took on a fulfilling role with MCI. In 1986, he married Janice (Brown) McGinley in Valentine, blending families and welcoming stepchildren Robert, Cyndi, Rodney, and Myndi into his heart.
Music flowed through Charlie’s life like a favorite tune. He played guitar in several country bands, strumming songs that filled evenings with energy and passing that passion to his kids. Sports brought him equal joy; he coached youth teams, played softball well into later years, golfed alongside Janice, and remained a loyal Cornhuskers fan through every win and loss.
Charlie faced losses with quiet resilience: his wife Janice, brother Ralph Jr., mother Dorothy, stepfather Frank Kaiser, and father Ralph Sr. preceded him. He leaves behind his children Kathleen Emry Mefferd, Brett, Chad (Elaine), and Shawna Mefferd Kelty; stepchildren Cyndi McNaught (Tom), Robert (Denise), Rodney (Jolene Keck McGinley), and Myndi McGinley Gunnink (Jay); along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren who will carry his stories forward.
Charlie’s days were full of hard work, melody, and devotion to those around him. His steady presence strengthened his large family and the Nebraska communities he called home. Though Parkinson’s dimmed his final years, the warmth he shared continues to light the paths of everyone who knew him.