Charles “Sonny” William Haffer Sr. of Steelville, Missouri was born on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 1940 in Steelville, Missouri to Claude William Haffer and Marple Leoma (nee Beers) Haffer and passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the age of 85 years, 6 months and 26 days.
He spent time farming and building on “the island” in St. Louis or committing 27 years to Cupples Company Manufacturing in St. Peters. He also worked at Jim’s Motors in Cuba and Arneson Timber in Steelville, before retiring in 2002.
He was married three times: first to Betty Brewer, then to Robin Green. In 2005, he married Bonnie at Steelville Assembly of God in Steelville, Missouri.
He enjoyed casting a line while fishing, spending early mornings hunting, cheering on the Cardinals, watching NASCAR and football and sharing stories over coffee with friends at the Spare Rib Inn.
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.
He is survived by his children, Michael (Carla) Haffer of St. Peters, Missouri and Rose Payne of Cuba, Missouri; step-children, Diana Pletzyer of Branson, Missouri, Joseph (Raylene) DeClue of Sullivan, Missouri, David DeClue of Cuba, Missouri, Michelle Bensing of Oklahoma, Melissa DeClue of Cuba, Missouri and Dan DeClue of Bourbon, Missouri; brothers, Dale Haffer of Steelville, Missouri, Walter Haffer and Phil (Ruby) Haffer both of Cuba, Missouri; brothers-in-law, Keith Brewer of Collinsville, Illinois, Ronald (Judy) Caron, Johnny Ransom both of Steelville, Missouri and Larry (Misty) Harmon of Cherryville, Missouri; sister-in-law, Ceal Ransom of Steelville, Missouri; dear friend, Jesse McConnell of Cuba, Missouri; grandchildren; great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating.
Burial at Haffer Cemetery in Steelville, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
