Charles Leonard Carriger, 84, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025.
He was born March 15, 1941 in St. Joseph to Paul and Ginny (Langum) Carriger. Charles attended Bartlett High School before being drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served during the Vietnam War.
On November 28, 1977, Charles married Mary Ann Ginn. They shared 41 years of marriage and were together for 50 years before she preceded him in death on June 24, 2018.
Charles worked at Herzog Construction and Quaker Oats before going to work at Swift Adhesives, where he worked for many years until retirement. He also had the role of “family mechanic,” always willing to help fix cars and other things in his workshop. Charles loved the Lord and had a strong faith. He was a longtime member of Word of Life Church and also enjoyed Gospel music.
He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, comic books, shooting pool and playing chess, and cheering on the K.C. Chiefs. He especially enjoyed watching Marvel, martial arts and sci-fi movies.
A humble, quiet man with a good sense of humor, Charles was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. The eldest of 13 children, Charles was the cornerstone of his family, leading his siblings and children by his example of hard work and faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harry Carriger, Joseph Carriger and John Carriger; sisters, Virginia Langum and Berthea Wright; sister-in-law, Janice Carriger; brother-in-law, Oliver J. “T.” Wright; and son-in-law, Danny Lanning.
Survivors include his children, Corena Tiller, Clifford Kelley, Anthony Carriger (Haungel Bonds), Donna Thomas (Tyree), Paula Carriger (Kenneth Livings), and Clarissa Tyler (Christopher); grandchildren, Letitia Wilkes (Kenneth), Daniel Tiller, Nathan Tiller, Bryan Kelley (Amanda), Brandon Kelley, Anthony Ford, Shaniqka Thomas, Tyree Thomas, Jr., Jazmyn Parker, Jozlyn Parker, Elijah Carriger, and Tyshon Thomas; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Larry Carriger (Maggie), Hubert Carriger, William Carriger, and Andre Carriger (Theodosha); sisters, Linda Henderson, Elaine Clark, and Kimberly Carriger; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family and friends.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 29, Word of Life Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, November 28, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
