Charles Ellis Ausfahl, 90, of Fulton, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, at Boone Hospital Center. He was born on July 2, 1935, in Fulton, Missouri, to the late Charles Luther and Martha Katherine (Beckly) Ausfahl.

Charles was united in marriage to Joyce Lee Elley on December 23, 1959, and together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. A graduate of Fulton High School, he went on to enlist in the United States Army, where he proudly served until 1966.

After completing his military service, Charles held several influential positions in agriculture throughout his career. He began working as a Seed and Feed Inspector for the Missouri Department of Agriculture. He then became Assistant to the State Veterinarian, later advancing to Assistant Director for the Livestock Division, and eventually serving as Director of the Livestock Department. When the administration changed, Charles transitioned to the role of fieldman for Producers Livestock Marketing Association. He went on to serve as Executive Secretary for the Missouri Co-op Feeder Livestock Association, where he was responsible for livestock order buying and supervising the grading and sorting of feeder cattle. His career also included work with Central Missouri Livestock as both Public Relations Director and Field Representative. In addition, he participated in judging hog and cattle shows throughout the state and was active in various farm organizations over the years, such as the Board of Directors of the National Spotted Swine Record and the Missouri Pork Producers. He also served as the director of the Grain and Regulatory Services at the Missouri Department of Agriculture, eventually retiring from there several years later.

Charles also served his community outside of agriculture, holding office as Presiding Judge of Callaway County for four years, a proud Deacon and member of Providence Baptist Church in New Bloomfield, and he was instrumental in establishing the Callaway County Senior Center, where he served as President and devoted countless hours to supporting local seniors and strengthening the community he cherished.

Beyond his public service, Charles also enjoyed bird and coon hunting and training his hunting dogs. He was an avid sports fan who loved Duke Basketball, watching football and westerns, but nothing brought him more joy than watching his granddaughters play softball, he was always the first person there and never missed a game, taking in every moment, even the warm-ups. When his youngest granddaughter came along, they spent countless hours together out on the farm caring for the livestock, creating memories rooted in hard work, patience, and togetherness.

Charles will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for agriculture, his service to others, and the joy he found in his family.

His memory will be cherished by his wife, Joyce; son, Chuck Ausfahl (Susan); daughter, Shanna Haden; grandchildren, Madison Ausfahl, Mackenzie Ausfahl, and Elley Haden, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Della Faye Berry, and son-in-law, John Mark Haden.

Funeral services will be held at Maupin Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 1:00 pm with Reverend James Talley and Reverend Jim Shaver. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Callaway Memorial Gardens with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Callaway Senior Center or Providence Baptist Church, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Blvd, Fulton, MO 65251.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com