Charles L. “Chili” Berlekamp, age 89, of Slater, died Friday, August 27, 2021, at Big Bend Retret in Slater.

Memorial services, with military honors, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 2, in the Chapel at the Missouri State Veterans’ Cemetery in Higginsville, with Charlie Guthrie officiating. There will be no visitation. Friends may call to pay their respects by signing the guest book from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 1,at Weiker Funeral Home in Slater. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to American Legion Post #78, V.F.W. Post #4367 or the charity of your choice, in care of the funeral home.

Born March 19, 1932, in Slater, he was the son of the late Ed and Sarah Etta Munchton Berlekamp. On November 11, 1955 in Slater, he married Nancy Bossaller, and she survives of the home.

Also surviving are two daughters, Vickie Vincent and her husband Gary of Gilliam, and Shelly Fletcher and her husband George “G.B” of Columbia; three grandchildren, Mallorie Kerby and her husband Will, Kelsey Burkett and her husband Patrick, and Elliott Vincent; three great-grandchildren, William Kerby, Fletcher Kerby, and Parker Burkett; and a brother, George “Tippy” Berlekamp of Slater. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Berlekamp; and two sisters, Marqueta Fizer and Joan Bennington.

Berlekamp was a member of the First Baptist Church in Slater.  He was a 1950 graduate of Slater High School, and a member of the 401 Couples Club. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was an active member and past-Commander of the American Legion Post #78 and the V.F.W. Post #4367 both in Slater. He enjoyed participating in military functions, including serving as Commander of the Color Guard for parades and funeral services. He participated in the Honor Flight Program, traveling to Washington D.C. to see the commemorative monuments. He was a self-employed carpenter in the Slater area for many years.