Charles “Chuck” Anthony Hirner
Charles “Chuck” Anthony Hirner
Charles “Chuck” Anthony Hirner Sr., 87, of New London, MO,
passed away at 10:30 PM, Sunday, May 10, 2026, at University
Hospital Columbia in Columbia, MO.
A Catholic Funeral Liturgy Service will be at 10:00 AM, Friday,
May 15, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hannibal, MO. Fr. Greg Meystrik and Fr. Mike Quinn will officiate. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Chuck’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. A prayer service will be held at 4:30 PM at the funeral home.
Chuck was born March 16, 1939, in Hannibal, MO to Anthony John Hirner and Frances Nora Campbell Hirner.
He was married to Joyce Kathryn Sharkey on June 23, 1963, in Hannibal, MO. She survives.
Other survivors include his four children, Todd A. Hirner (Elvira Z.) of Hannibal, MO, Stephen Edward Hirner (Charlotte) of Montrose, IA, Charles A. Hirner II (Cara) of Columbia, MO, and
Dustin J. Hirner (Lisa) of Naperville, IL; 10 grandchildren, Elaina, Haylie, Courtney, Caitlin, Sam, Lilli, Kylie, Audra, Erika, and Sadie; one great granddaughter, Clara; and numerous nieces
and nephews.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Dorothy Hirner-Borgstadt, Katherine Marie Murphy, and Margaret Ann Miller; and two brothers, Bernard Francis Hirner and Donald Dean Hirner.
Chuck was a proud member of the United States Navy where he was a 2nd Class Machinist Mate making steam, water, and air. He served his country during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Chuck retired from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad where he was a Locomotive Engineer
for over 44 years. After that time, Chuck worked for the United States Postal Service delivering rural mail.
Chuck was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and appreciated the traditions and excitement of the game. He was also a Kansas City Chiefs fan and followed the team with enthusiasm throughout
every season. Sports were one of the many things that brought him joy, in his younger years he coached his sons and their friends in little league baseball, basketball, and football. Chuck enjoyed rabbit and deer hunting, spending time in the great outdoors. He also loved traveling to the Lake of the Ozarks, where he could relax and enjoy the water, the scenery, and the company of others. Waterskiing on the river was another favorite pastime, and it reflected his adventurous spirit and love of being active outside. Chuck was also known for his skill and enjoyment in the kitchen and at the grill. Chuck loved grilling steaks, and he took pride in preparing tasty food for family and friends. He enjoyed square dancing as well, and he appreciated the music, movement, and fellowship that came with it. Chuck had a green thumb and a strong appreciation for the land. He maintained a garden that produced potatoes, sweet corn, tomatoes,
and okra, and he valued the satisfaction that came from growing and harvesting his own vegetables. He also farmed eighty acres traditionally, crops and livestock both, a pursuit that reflected his dedication, work ethic, and deep connection to agriculture. Chuck was a man
of steady character and community involvement. He approached life with determination and a
sense of responsibility, and he earned the respect of those around him through his actions and the example he set. He understood the value of hard work, honest effort, and enjoying the blessings of each day. Chuck will be missed by all who loved him.
A loyal member of the local community, Chuck was a member of the Loafer’s Car Club, Lion’s Club, and Mark Twain High School Booster Club.
Chuck was Catholic by faith and was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Hannibal, MO, where he sang in the choir most Sundays.
Pallbearers will be Todd Hirner, Stephen Hirner, Tony Hirner, Dustin Hirner, Donald
Hirner Jr., and Sam Hirner.
Honorary pallbearers will be all aforementioned grandchildren, Matt Schrock, Sharkey Family Nieces and Nephews, Dave Hirner, Mark Callicott, John Lemon, and Matt Akright.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.JamesODonnellFuneralHome.com.