Charlie Brill, well known resident of Howard County’s Hilldale neighborhood, died unexpectedly at his home on November 6, 2025.

Charles Dennis Brill was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey on August 18, 1951, one of 4 children born to Harry Edward and Ruth A. (Frey) Brill.  Charlie grew up on the family farm and attended Warren Hills High School in Washington, New Jersey where he graduated with the class of 1969.  After high school, he honed his skill as a mechanic at trade school where he graduated with top honors.  Charlie served his country as a member of the New Jersey National Guard, doing duty as a tank mechanic.  Following his service, he was top mechanic at a service station and garage that was later to become Charlie’s Sonoco Service, which he operated for several years.

The Brill family came to Missouri and Howard County in the early 1980’s.  Charlie moved from New Jersey shortly thereafter to help with the operation of the family farm here and took over operation of the farm with the passing of his father.  He was a familiar face in the agricultural community as well as at Home Oil Company in Fayette, where he worked as a mechanic for some 12 years.

Charlie enjoyed his friends and the time he spent with them and his family.  He was an ardent coin collector along with his great love for car racing and all things mechanical. He will be remembered for his big heart, quick wit, and great sense of humor.

Survivors include his sister, Barbara (Ed) Meshach, of Columbia, and nieces and nephews; Ed (Gloria) Meshach, of Leavenworth, KS, Tracy (Mike) McGee, of New Franklin, MO., Jackie (Dale)Scheumann, of Fort Wayne, IN, De-J (Patty) Brill, of Moberly, MO, and Kim (Karl) Toney, of Bull Shoals, AR.   Also surviving are 14 great-nieces and nephews.  Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Harry “Ed” Brill, and a sister, Beverly Ford.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Charles D. Brill will be 2 PM, Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette with Rev. Mike Jackman officiating.  Private inurnment will be at Smith Chapel Cemetery near Rocheport at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Smith Chapel Cemetery or the American Heart Association.