Charles Ferdinand Herberger, 96, passed away on February 2nd, 2026, with his family by his side.

Charles was born on August 7th, 1929, in Carrollton, Missouri. He was the only son of Carl and Katharine Herberger, who preceded him in death. His parents, sisters and Charles resided in Norborne, Missouri until Charles went to college. He attended The University of Missouri and graduated with honors with a degree in civil engineering. Charles was an Army Veteran and loved his country. He married Letha (Shaw) Herberger in September 1956. They had three children and eventually moved to Moberly, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri and then to Roanoke, VA in 1980.

Charles took great pride in his long career at Norfork Western then Norfork Southern Railroad until his retirement in 1990.

After retirement, you could find Charles in his woodworking workshop building clocks, riding his scooter with friends, attending weekly poker matches, or outside tending to his grass. He took great pride in his yard and even in his final months, he would be outside picking up sticks out of the yard. Charles was a proud member of the Roanoke Athletic and Literary Society, where he developed life-long friendships.

Also preceding him in death are his wife, Letha (Shaw) Herberger, three sisters (Corrine Costello, Kathleen Edgar and Maxine Herberger). He is survived by his daughter, Fay Looney and husband Tony, son Charles "David" Herberger and wife Michelle and son Jeff Herberger. Known as Papa, to his three grandchildren, Jeffrey Frazer and wife Mollie, Brittany Presley and husband Wayne, Dalton Niedringhaus and wife Meredith, along with his three great-grandchildren, Justin, Ryleigh and Ryan, along with many other family members, friends and neighbors.

The family wishes to thank Heartland Hospice, who exceeded all expectations during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Frankin County Humane Society. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 9, 2026, in Fairhaven Cemetery, Norborne, Missouri.  Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, Missouri, is in charge of arrangements.  Please remember to share your memories of Charles with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.