Charles (Charlie) M. Harner, 93, of Arlington, entered into eternal peace March 9, 2026, at Leisure Homestead, Stafford.
Born on December 18, 1932, in Rago, Kansas, he was the son of Arthur and Opal Harner. Charlie graduated from Adams high school in 1950. He served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1953–1955.
Charlie married Donna Jo Kates September 28, 1957. They shared over sixty-eight years of love, faith, farming, raising their precious family, and marriage together. After their marriage Charlie and Donna settled into their Sylvia farmstead that they would call home for over 50 years. Charlie was a full-time farmer where he raised and produced crops and pigs. He also was a U.S. Mail carrier for over 15 years.
Charlie was a faithful member of Zenith Community Church serving on multiple boards and being an elder for over thirty years. He was a member of the Sylvia Coop Board, Reno County Pork Producers, and a tractor safety instructor for many years. He was a devoted Reno County 4H supporter serving on the Reno County Fair Board, Club Leader, and a Swine Superintendent. Charlie loved his pets, “coffee shop” chats at the local coop, card games in Plevna, the Kansas Jayhawks, and sweet treats of all kinds. Charlie took great joy in hearing his wife play the piano and found strength, peace, and comfort in the timeless hymns and gospel music he loved.
Charlie considered his family his greatest accomplishment. He led by example, teaching his children and grandchildren the importance of hard work, dedication, and humility. He was always present—rarely missing an activity, sporting game, or event. His influence and legacy will continue through the lives of those he loved most. Charlie was truly the cornerstone of the Harner family and will be deeply missed.
Charlie is survived by his wife (Donna,) of Arlington; daughter Marcy Harner of Arlington; and his three sons Darrel (Misty) Harner of Hutchinson; Doug (Tawnya) Harner of Partridge; Donald (Jennifer) Harner of Arlington; grandson Colby Harner, his five special granddaughters Shelby Harner, Annie Harner (fiancé Dalton Langford), Emily Foster (Jacob,) Haley Harner, and Allison Evans (Quentin), and great-grandchildren Ross and Elouise.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and siblings Esther Bentson, David Harner, and Lois Harner.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2026, at Minnis Chapel, Stafford, Kansas, with Pastor Sam Culp officiating. Burial will follow in Sylvia Cemetery, Sylvia. Family will receive friends for a visitation Sunday, March 15, 2026 4-6 pm at Minnis Chapel.
Memorials may be made to Charlie Harner 4-H Memorial Fund (located at Hutchinson Community Foundation, PO Box 298, Hutchinson, KS 67504,) or Zenith Community Church in care of Minnis Chapel, 125 N Main Stafford, Kansas 67578. The family welcomes floral tributes and can be sent through Don’s Custom Floral in Hutchinson.
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:10-11