Charles M. McPeters

Charles M. McPeters, affectionately known as Charlie, was born on January 15, 1933, in Huntsville, Alabama, and departed this life on October 25, 2025, in St. Peters, Missouri. He lived a remarkable life marked by dedication to family, service to his country, and a passion for his craft.

Charles was one of nine children born to Ernest Berlin and Juanita McPeters. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Earl, Thomas, Clayton, James, Paul, Eugene,  Wade and sister Louise Tice.  Charles came from a heritage of farming and a long line of soldiers who fought in every war going back to the Revolutionary War.   Proud patriots.

As a young man, Charles began his career at Continental Can Company alongside his brother Eugene, where he held various positions producing aluminum cans for major brands such as Anheuser-Busch and Coca-Cola. Notably, he played an instrumental role in producing the very first flip-top beverage cans that became a staple in households everywhere. 

Eventually he enlisted into the US Army at a very young age.  Several of his brothers had also enlisted to serve.  Charles was immediately sent to Scofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii.   After Boot Camp at Scofield he was deployed (at age 17) to fight on the front lines in the Korean War.  A moment in his service was captured by a photojournalist, featuring Charles and a fellow soldier eating rations in a foxhole, which unexpectedly made it to the front page of the St. Louis Globe Democrat—a surprise to his family back home. Post-war, Charlie belonged to the 31st Infantry Division, famously known as the Dixie Division, and served at Camp Atterbury in Indiana, a historic training facility.  While he was at Atterbury the Army decided to move all active Army Infantry to Fort Carson, Colorado.   Well Charles had become the General's personal driver so he drove the leading Jeep of the convoy of over 100 vehicles stretching many miles to Fort Carson where they received a heroes' welcome. His ascent through the ranks and close encounters with military leadership marked a distinguished chapter in his life. 

Upon returning to civilian life, Charles rekindled his lifelong dream of becoming a barber. He committed himself to Barber School while working evenings at the Can Company. He became the onsite barber for guys willing to be practiced on.  Once licensed, he opened his first barbershop in his home in Riverview Gardens, Missouri, and continued his journey through various locations, including Cape Coral, Florida.   Eventually taking over Swinny’s Barber Shop in St. Ann, Missouri where he worked for 20 years. Remarkably, he held the title of the oldest working barber in Missouri at the age of 90 and he continued for two more years serving an array of clientele that included servicemen, police officers, and even the Chief of Police in St. Ann. Charles took great pride in his work, often reflecting on it as a labor of love.

Charles' family was at the core of his heart, and he cherished the time spent with them. Often saying his kids were his greatest accomplishment. He is survived by his two children, daughter Debra Meiners and son Jerry. He also leaves behind his son-in-law Mark Meiners and grandchild Mason Taylor Meiners, along with his former wife Rosalie Moses-McPeters-Laird.

Charles M. McPeters will be warmly remembered for his unwavering support, love, and commitment to those around him, all of which illustrated his belief that family is paramount. His legacy of service, craftsmanship, and deep familial love will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.

Visitation will be held on November 7, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home in St. Peters, Missouri. A graveside service will take place on November 10, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Mount Hope Cemetery & Mausoleum in St. Louis, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers Charles would have loved donations to Tunnel to Towers that support heros who have given so much.