Charles served in the U.S. Army during WWII. After his service, he married his sweetheart, Ruth Novinger, at Stahl, MO. They began their married life together as farmers north of Green Castle, MO. Charles accepted Jesus as his Savior in 1954 and began his walk with the LORD which took them to various places across the United States during his lifetime. His first ministry was in various communities in the Kirksville, MO area prior to his call to full time ministry with the American Sunday School Union (now known as In Faith). This ministry call moved the family to Guthrie, OK in August of 1964 where Charles and Ruth served in various rural churches holding Vacation Bible School and discipling the people who attended and leading people to Christ. His focus was Christ crucified, buried and raised again so that believers in Christ might have cleansing from sin and eternal life with Him.

Their ministry moved them to LaGrange, Wyoming, in August of 1977, where Charles became a Bible teacher at Frontier School of the Bible. During their time there they ministered to various churches in Wyoming and Nebraska. Charles also served as president of the school for several years as well as bookkeeper and in any other area where there was a need. He retired from Frontier School of the Bible in June of 1990 and moved to Chandler, OK to be near their children and grandchildren.

Charles stayed busy serving in various capacities at First Baptist Church, Chandler, OK. He and Ruth worked with the Awana program at the church, helped in the nursery and Charles filled the pulpit on occasion when asked. He also worked for Blakely Lumber for several years clearing land for Bud Blakely. When this became too much physically, Charles began mentoring at East Side Elementary. He worked with the elementary students listening to them read and just encouraging them from August 2000 through May 2012. This was something Charles enjoyed very much and the children loved him. He and Ruth also tutored students in after school programs.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, David Ogan. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ruth, of the home; four children, Teresa and husband Phillip Nokes of Ardmore, Marilyn Ogan of Guthrie, Stephen Luster and wife Stephanie of Stillwater and David Luster and wife Dana of Edmond; 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and a host of other loved family and friends

Services were held on Wednesday, February 19, at Camp JOY Chapel north of Guthrie. Interment followed at Lawrie Cemetery. Services under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, Guthrie.

Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.smithgallo.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp JOY, P. O. Box 1398, Guthrie, OK 73044.