Charles Edward Mefferd

Charles Edward Mefferd of Kearney, Nebraska, passed away on January 4, 2026, from complications of Parkinson’s disease at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney. Born on March 9, 1938, in New York, NY, Charles was the son of Ralph Leroy Mefferd, Sr. and Dorothy Idora (Dodds) Mefferd. He spent his early years in Roslyn, NY, and Ainsworth, NE, following his father’s work with the American Museum of Natural History. He graduated salutatorian in 1956 from Ainsworth High School, where he played football and baseball, and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1957. That same year he married Leona Emry. After his military service, they returned home and Charlie soon began his career with the telephone company, moving to several western Nebraska towns. Together they raised four children: Kathleen, Brett, Chad, and Shawna. In 1986, Charles married Janice (Brown) McGinley in Valentine, welcoming four stepchildren into his life: Robert, Cyndi, Rodney, and Myndi. Their journey together took them from Valentine to Bellevue, Grand Island, and eventually to retirement in Harlingen, TX. Charles built a long career with the telephone company, rising from linesman to management in various Nebraska districts and briefly in Houston, TX. He later enjoyed a second career in management with MCI. A passionate musician, Charles played guitar in several country bands and shared his love of music with his children. He was also an enthusiastic sportsman—coaching youth teams, playing softball, golfing with Janice, and cheering on the Cornhuskers. Charlie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife Janice; brother Ralph Jr.; mother Dorothy; stepfather Frank Kaiser; and father Ralph Sr. He is survived by his children Kathleen Emry Mefferd, Brett, Chad (Elaine), Shawna Mefferd Kelty; stepchildren Cyndi McNaught (Tom), Robert (Denise), Rodney (Jolene Keck-McGinley), and Myndi McGinley-Gunnink (Jay); along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on January 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Kearney, NE, with Pastor Sean Dougherty officiating. Inurnment will follow at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Donations may be made in Charlie’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Charles Edward Mefferd

March 9, 1938 - January 4, 2026