Lt. Gen. Charles Kiefner

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Retired Missouri National Guard Lt. Gen. Charles M. Kiefner, 76, of Dothan, Ala., died Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, at Flowers Hospital in Dothan.

He was born June 28, 1930, in Cape Girardeau, son of John and Cleo Mercier Kiefner. He and Marilyn Stapleton were married June 26, 1952.

Kiefner joined the Missouri Army National Guard in Perryville in 1947. He was a 1948 graduate of Perryville High School and attended Westminster College at Fulton, Mo., until his unit was activated during the Korean War. He later received a bachelor's degree from Columbia College in Columbia, Mo.

Kiefner was appointed adjutant general of the guard in January 1973, at age 42. He was both the youngest man in the history of Missouri to be appointed to that office, and also served the longest term of 16 years.

He served in various other capacities during his military career and received numerous medals, awards and commendations.

Kiefner had been a vice president of First National Bank in Perryville, and served as president of Perryville Chamber of Commerce and Southeast Missouri Retail Lumbermen's Association. He had also been an active Boy Scout leader.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, John Kiefner of Chicago, Keith Kiefner of Charlotte, N.C.; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to service time Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Perryville.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Home Cemetery, with military rites conducted by Missouri Military Honors Team.

Young and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.