Charles Jeffery Watkins, age 67, residing in Okarche, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, due to complications of cancer.
Charlie was born on August 3, 1955, in Ft. Worth, Texas. After moving several times throughout his young life, he eventually settled in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Kingfisher High School in 1973. He went on to obtain his degree in political science with a minor in psychology from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1977. Charlie began work at Pioneer Telephone in January 1978, where he gave 45 years of stellar service, retiring in February 2023.
On April 25, 1980, he married Joan Krittenbrink. Three children were born to their marriage – Kelli (Lucy), Jeff (Katie) and Alex (Alison). Charlie lived a full life, enjoying travel with his family, tending to his yard and gardens and amusing numerous neighborhood children. He prided himself for being the person everyone could rely on, always ready to lend a hand to whoever might need it.
Charlie was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Scruggs; his in-laws, Carl and Betty Krittenbrink; and brother-in-law, Francis Krittenbrink. He is survived by his loving wife and eternally grateful children.
He was a member of Holy Trinity Church and Knights of Columbus.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, P. O. Box 485, Okarche, Oklahoma, 73762; Jimmy Everest Center, 1200 Children’s Avenue, Suite 10a, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104; or a charity of choice.
A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday and Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Both services will be at Holy Trinity Church with Rev. Don Wolf and Deacon Max Schwarz officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery under the direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home.
