Charles Stevens

Charles Lester Stevens was born Aug. 2,1941, in Fort Gibson to Lester and Effie Stevens.

Surrounded by his family, he went home to meet his Savior on Aug. 17, 2023.

Charles was a resident of Watonga where he, along with his wife Jacquita, founded Stevens Carpet Inc. in 1974.

Jacquita was the love of his life and his best friend.

Charles and Jacquita were together every single day, working and living life side by side, rarely spending a day apart.

He served the Lord faithfully, never wavering, no matter what he faced in life.

He always led by example, practicing exactly what he preached. His actions communicated very clearly his beliefs and what were most important to him; the Lord, family, and work.

Charles enjoyed reading and studying his Bible. He could reference the Bible for any circumstance, always directing people to the Lord when given the opportunity.

Everyone who knew Charles knew how much he loved music, especially Southern gospel and Merle Haggard.

He could sing and play the guitar, bass and banjo, all by ear.

He had a heart for people who were down on their luck and needed a helping hand. He helped many people through the years, never expecting anything in return.

Charles was a man of few words, but was always there to share words of wisdom or advice when asked.

Charles squeezed every drop of life possible out of his 82 years. Age was merely a number to him, never slowing down because of it and never appearing as old as he was.

His legacy and impact left on this world is truly im-measurable. A life devoted to the Lord, family and hard work; one that we should all be so fortunate to strive for.

In the words of the late, great Merle Haggard, “I’ve been a working man dang near all my life…I’ll keep on working long as my two hands are fit to use.”

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother, one son, one grandson, two sons-inlaw and one sister-in-law.

He is survived by his wife Jacquita, of the home in Watonga; one son, Brandon Stevens and wife Heather; seven daughters, Kathy Edingfield and husband Butch, Beverly Reed, Sharla Worley, Susie Boeckman and husband Bruce, Candy Schwarz and husband Jim, Debbie Lynn Pool and husband, Gary, Carey Vincent and husband Mike; four brothers, Jerry Stevens and wife Jackie, Leon Stevens, Larry Stevens and wife Karen, and Rick Stevens and wife Angie; one sister, Wilma Holmes and husband Merle; one sister-in-law, Rebekah Stevens; 23 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Charles were 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, at Watonga Church of the Nazarene with Pastors Rick and Angela Stevens officiating. Burial followed in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Watonga with Wilkinson Mortuary in charge of arrangements.