Charles L. Essary, 87, of Porter, OK passed away December 30, 2014 in Ft. Gibson, OK. He was born March 24, 1927 to Clarence and Ethel (Middleton) Essary. On August 16, 1944 Charles married Evelyn (Hess) Essary of Porter. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Charles and Evelyn began a small farming operation after they were married. With only a 5th grade education, Charles turned this small farm into a very successful operation raising soy beans, wheat, and watermelons. He was known as "The Watermelon King of Oklahoma". When he wasn't working, he enjoyed hunting ducks along the Arkansas River. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, 1 brother, and 2 sons, Larry Essary and Byron Essary. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, 2 sons, Roy Essary and wife Nana, of Porter, Don Essary and wife Robbie, of Bernice, OK, 2 daughters, Charlotte Easley and Jim, Marilyn Stout of Muskogee; daughter-in-law, Sue Essary of Porter, one brother, Raymond Essary and wife Willa of Wagoner, and special friend of the family, Kathy Flusche. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 2, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Porter Church of Christ with Roy Essary officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Porter. Pallbearers will by Brian Essary, Kevin Essary, Tommy Essary, Michael Essary, Jeff Easley, Scott Gaddy, Rob Adney, and Scott Morrison.