Charles "Charlie" Thomas Retherford

Charles Thomas "Charlie" Retherford, 81 of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Mercy Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born July 5, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, the son of Tommy Cecil and Mattie K. Calhoun Retherford. He married Gladys Marie Mueller July 28, 1962, in Cape Girardeau. They had been married 60 years when she preceded him in death on December 8, 2022. Charlie was a graduate of Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau. He worked 38 years as a heavy Equipment operator for the Cape Special Road District, retiring in 2008. Charlie was a member of the Apostolic Promise Church in Cape Girardeau. He was a mechanic at heart, enjoying tinkering on anything with an engine from cars to appliances. Loving survivors include a son, Shawn (Mandy) Retherford; three daughters, Tammy (John) Lutes of Cape Girardeau, Connie (Allen) Keller of Jackson, and Paula Simms of Cape Girardeau; 10 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and a brother, Mike Retherford of Cape Girardeau. In addition to his wife, Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, David and Ronald Retherford, and a sister Anna Mae Hahn. The visitation will be from 11am until 1pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. The funeral will be at 1pm Tuesday, April 22nd with Rev. Timothy Lee officiating. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. Donations in Charlie's name may be made to the church or charity of donor's choice. To leave an online condolence to the family please visit www.mccombsfuneralhome.com and select Charlie's obituary.