Vearl "VC" Charles Counts

Vearl “VC” Charles Counts was born March 13, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the son of Pless and Edna (Russell) Counts. He grew up on the family farm near the Meramec River, milking cows and doing chores alongside his father. VC graduated with the class of 1955 from Salem High School. After high school, he furthered his education with Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa and taught school for one year. He later attended Southwest State University in Springfield, Missouri. In 1957, VC enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and served faithfully until his honorable discharge. VC was united in marriage to Ava Jean Brooks, October 3, 1959, and to this union blessed with three children: Melanie, Brad, and Melissa. VC and Ava shared twenty-five years of lasting memories together before her passing January 21, 1984. He was a loving husband, caring father, and true supporter of his family. In 1960, he started working as a caseworker 1 at Dent County, Missouri, Division of Family Services. By the time he retired in 1994, he was County Director 11 of the Stone County Division of Family Services. His thirty-year career of providing for children in need didn’t go unnoticed. After retiring from family services, he taught for an additional ten years at Galena R-II School District, Galena, Missouri. A musician all his life, VC was a well-known performer on the Southwest Missouri music scene. He attended music jams several times a week. He also enjoyed going to area nursing homes and sharing his talent. VC truly loved singing alongside his children as the “Counts Family Five”. VC was charter member of the Springfield area OACAC, board member of the Red Cross, volunteer ambulance driver and attendant and welfare officer at the Salvation Army and he was Santa every year. VC was highly involved in FFA, holding the offices of secretary and treasurer. He also competed in a variety of SAE events including public speaking, farming, livestock grooming and showmanship. VC was also a firearms trainer, sharpshooter, and earned marksmanship awards. Above all his faith, family, and friends were most important to him. He cherished his grandchildren, treasured his great-grandchildren, and adored his great-great-grandchildren. He was a proud uncle to his nephews and shared a special bond with them. VC passed away September 23, 2025, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of eighty-eighty years. He is survived by his loving children: Melanie Flood and husband Michael of Hurley, MO, Brad Counts and wife Delinda of Tulsa, OK, and Melissa Ragsdale and husband Ricky of Salem, MO; sister: Melba Lee Pflueger of Florida; special friends: Treva Brown and Shirley Counts; nine grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two nephews: Salem Allen Pflueger and Russell Counts Pflueger and wife Julia Harriss Pflueger; several great-nieces and nephews; extended family and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his first wife: Ava Jean (Brooks) Counts; and his parents: Pless and Edna (Russell) Counts. Although VC is no longer with us, his spirit will live on in the memories he leaves behind. He will be forever missed. Graveside Services for Vearl “VC” Charles Counts were held Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Blackwell Cemetery with Pastor Tom Enloe officiating. Song selections played were “Remind Me, Dear Lord”, “Lay Me Down”, and “Lead Me Home”. Military Honors was provided by the American Legion Post 99 and United States Army Honors Team. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Vearl "VC" Charles Counts

March 13, 1937 - September 23, 2025