Charles McFarland (Veteran)

Charles W. McFarland, 89, of Jefferson City, passed away Saturday, December 18, 2010, at Golden Living Center. He was born February 26, 1921, in Chicago, Ill., a son of the late Joseph Nye and Faye B. (Williams) McFarland. He was a 1939 graduate of Tuscumbia High School in Tuscumbia. On April 20, 1945, he was united in marriage in Honolulu, Hawaii, to T. Hazel Yasuda, who preceded him in death on August 27, 2007. Mr. McFarland worked for the State of Missouri as Food Program Supervisor with the Division of Family Services from 1966 until his retirement in 1986. He was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, from 1942 - 1943. He was a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Columbia and a former member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he was a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree Knight. Mr. McFarland was also a member of the Mustang Car Club, and was an avid collector of coins, stamps, and memorabilia. He is survived by a daughter, Debbie Rice (husband John) of Jefferson City; a son, Robin McFarland (wife Judy) of Lohman; two sisters, Patricia Cronin, and Beverly Martinez, of the state of Calif.; seven grandchildren, Bradley Gaines II, Michael Gaines, Kelly Rice, Brian Rice, John Nichols, Casey McFarland and Janis Surface; and two great-grandchildren, Michael Surface and Melody Gaines. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Sue Nichols on August 5, 1970; a grandson, Eric McFarland on October 3, 2000; and two brothers, Paul C. McFarland and Robert "Bob" McFarland. Friends will be received from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, with Fr. Benjamin E. Nwosu officiating. Entombment with full military honors will follow in the Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Helias Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com