Charles "Sonny" Haffer, Sr.

Charles “Sonny” William Haffer, Sr., of Steelville, MO, was born on Wednesday, October 2, 1940, in Steelville, MO, to Claude William Haffer and Marple Leoma Haffer, nee Beers.  He passed away at his home in Steelville, MO, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the age of 85 years, 6 months and 26 days.

Sonny was a man rooted in hard work, faith, and family. Raised in Steelville, Missouri, he spent his early years shaping a life defined by dedication—whether farming and building on “the island” in St. Louis or committing 27 years to Cupples Company Manufacturing in St. Peters. From Jim’s Motors in Cuba to Arneson Timber back home in Steelville, Sonny’s work ethic never wavered, carrying him faithfully through to his retirement in 2002.

But beyond his work, Sonny’s greatest pride was the family he built and cherished. Sonny was married three times: first to Betty Brewer, then to Robin Green. In 2005, he married the love of his life, Bonnie, at Steelville Assembly of God, where together they blended their families and shared a life grounded in faith and devotion. Through his marriages, he helped raise and guide Rose, Billy Jr., Gayle, Tonya, Corey, Michael, Diana, Joseph, David, Michelle, Melissa and Dan, always striving to be a steady and caring presence in their lives.

Sonny found joy in life’s simple pleasures—casting a line while fishing, spending early mornings hunting, cheering on the Cardinals, watching NASCAR and football, or sharing stories over coffee with friends at the Spare Rib Inn. Wherever he was, he brought warmth, humor, and a sense of belonging.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Marple Haffer; wife, Bonnie Haffer; parents-in-law, Virgil (Mildred) Ransom and Nellie Ransom; children, Billy Haffer, Jr. and Gayle Haffer; step-son, James “Jimmy” DeClue; son-in-law, Eldon Schlegel; siblings, Gilbert Haffer and Paula Darlene Brewer; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ruby Haffer, Mary “Ruth” Haffer, Cleta Haffer, Janet (Cleo) Chandler, Sidney Ransom, Wilbur Ransom, Charles Gibson, Melvin DeClue and Laurie Ransom.

Sonny is survived by his children, Michael (Carla) Haffer of St. Peters, MO and Rose Payne of Cuba, MO; step-children, Diana Pletzyer of Branson, MO, Joseph (Raylene) DeClue of Sullivan, MO, David DeClue of Cuba, MO, Michelle Bensing of OK, Melissa DeClue of Cuba, MO and Dan DeClue of Bourbon, MO;  brothers, Dale Haffer of Steelville, MO, Walter Haffer and Phil (Ruby) Haffer both of Cuba, MO; brothers-in-law,  Keith Brewer of Collinsville, IL, Ronald (Judy) Caron, Johnny Ransom both of Steelville, MO and Larry (Misty) Harmon of Cherryville, MO; sister-in-law, Ceal Ransom of Steelville, MO; dear friend, Jesse McConnell of Cuba, MO; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation was from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.  Funeral Service immediately followed at 1:00 PM with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating.  Burial was at Haffer Cemetery, Steelville, MO.  In lieu of flowers, memorials were suggested to the funeral home to help the family with final expenses.

Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.

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